McKinty calls for community solidarity

Ulster Unionist Councillor Mark McKinty has urged communities to show solidarity following a number of criminal attacks across the Borough.

Speaking shortly after the news broke, Cllr. McKinty condemned the attacks as "wreckless". "The incidents which have taken place over the past number of days have left communities devastated, and those to blame are nothing more than inconsiderate thugs."

"The theft of lead from two churches in Ballycarry and Raloo has not only placed a financial burden on those organisations, but has caused hurt amongst members" he said.

"The latest attack on Millar's Public House in Ballycarry was a malicious act against a vibrant and well-respected business within the Village. Thankfully local residents have shown great support to the owner, who was able to proceed with a planned community event over the weekend, despite the setback."

The Deputy Mayor, who is also a member of Larne's Policing and Community Safety Partnership, urged all members of the community to be vigilant, especially those in voluntary or faith-based organisations. "It is important that all members of the community are alert as to what is going on around their neighbourhood, reporting any suspicious activity to the police."

"Churches and other voluntary organisations should be especially vigilant given that their properties may lie vacant more than normal, and regular checks should be carried out on all facilities" said Cllr. McKinty. "Communities can play their part in tackling crime by showing solidarity and standing against those who wish to cause damage to local resources."

Cllr. McKinty appealed to anyone with information on the above events to contact the police or to speak anonymously to Crimestoppers.

Dog fouling "frustrates civic pride": McKinty

Recent problems of dog fouling in Larne have been raised at Council by Ulster Unionist Councillor Mark McKinty. The Deputy Mayor submitted the following motion at a recent meeting of the Environment committee:

"That this Council reviews its approach to tackling dog fouling to ensure targeted action at those areas worst affected, to include a responsive clean-up where dog fouling occurs, robust enforcement through the issue of fixed penalties, and community engagement/communication to ensure the message is loud and clear to local people that dog fouling is anti-social, dangerous and will not be tolerated."

The motion, which was seconded by Town councillor Roy Craig, was passed unanimously by those members present.

Proposing the motion, Cllr. McKinty highlighted the "epidemic" nature of the problem. "Since the beginning of 2013, I have received 16 telephone calls or online messages regarding dog fouling, in addition to 5 emails and 7 verbal reports, and I am sure other Councillors have received similad communication."

"Areas mentioned include Ballycarry (Main St, West St, park area), Ballystrudder, Glynn (Jubilee Park, entrance gate to primary school), Sallagh Park, the Factory area, Linn Rd, the Harbour area, Ballygally, the Drains Bay to Carnfunnock path, and even the Main Street" he stated. "This is a country-wide problem of slipping standards."

"I wish to recognise and thank those responsible dog owners who look after their dogs. A smal number of inconsiderate people are giving others a bad name".

"Fouling is a public health risk, especially to young children. It can also be dangerous to other dogs, causing disease and death."

"People are fed up with this blight on our communities. The message needs to go out loud and clear: allowing a dog to foul and not clean up after it is anti-social and this Council will be proactive in taking action against offenders" said Cllr. McKinty.

In his closing remarks, Cllr. McKinty paid tribute to the owners of Ballycarry's pet groomers for offering free bags and dispensers in an attempt to tackle the pronlem. "We must be seen to be taking action on this issue. Dog fouling frustrates civic pride in our Borough, and we must all work together to overcome this problem".

McKinty supports "Everybody is Somebody" campaign

Larne Deputy Mayor Cllr Mark McKinty has shown his support to Anti-bullying week, 19-23 November 2012. Speaking to a group of students, the Ulster Unionist representative welcomed the "opportunity to tackle the long-standing plague of bullying".

He continued: "There are over 650 schools and youth groups across Northern Ireland on board this week exploring bullying based on difference and prejudice. The theme "Everybody is Somebody" may relate to sectarian, racist, homophobic, or disablist bullying. Any difference, whether actual or perceived, often remains unexplained and can unfortunately lead to many forms of bullying."

"It is wrong to attack or oppress someone because they think, act or believe differently. Difference should be embraced, not used as a weapon."

Photo courtesy of NIABF

Anti-Bullying Week is co-ordinated by the Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum (NIABF) and supported by Translink. Lee Kane, NIABF’s Regional Anti-Bullying Co-ordinator, explains the opportunity that Anti-Bullying Week provides for teachers, youth workers and parents to talk to young people about respecting difference and to challenge bullying: “The interest from schools, youth groups and parents in this year’s Anti-Bullying Week shows how important the issue of bullying is in our society and reaffirms our commitment to educate young people about diversity. By challenging negative stereotypes and reinforcing anti-bullying messages we can all emphasise that such behaviour is unacceptable. Children and young people’s participation is critical to implementing effective anti-bullying strategies.”

Ulster Unionist spokesperson for Children and Young People Sandra Overend MLA indicated her particular interest in internet safety and child protection. “We must work hard to drive bullying out of our schools, our homes and beyond. It is important to remember that bullying is no longer confined to the playground, but is also increasingly being found on the internet, and via instant messaging. Cyber bullying is on the rise as more and more children come into possession of mobile phones, electronic devices and laptops with which they can access Facebook and other social media, often anonymously."

Concluding, Cllr Mark McKinty highlighted how bullying has adapted over time: "Bullying is a severe problem for young people: this is a constant battle for our schools, youth groups, and parents, with statistics showing around 39% of P6 children having experienced some form of bullying. I fully endorse the work NIABF are carrying out, and the work and effort that each individual school or youth organisation puts in to fighting this problem. Cyber bullying is a particular concern of mine since it infiltrates the homes and private lives of young people, offering no form of escape. We cannot divorce the problem of bullying from the worrying levels of youth suicide, and I pledge to continue to work with local schools, youth groups and voluntary groups to lobby government for funding and services to tackle bullying in all its forms".

Larne Young Apprentice Final

Last week I had the great honour of opening the live final of Larne's Young Apprentice with the BBC's Apprentice finalist Jim Eastwood. The competition is part of the Larne Youth Opportunities Programme, supported by Larne Borough Council, and developed as a response to the high levels of youth unemployment in the Larne Borough.

Photo courtesy of Bernie McAllister @ Argyll Images

The Youth opportunities programme has included a Youth Opportunities Fair held in June 2012 which was attended by 139 young people and approx.20 employment and training providers. 85% of young people who completed a survey felt that their job or training prospects had improved as a result of attending this Fair. 

There has also been a Youth Exploring Enterprise Programme, running from August to October this year.  This provided 10 young people under the age of 30 with the opportunity to explore self- employment as an option and improve their employability skills. 2 achieved employment before completing the programme and the others will receive mentoring support to help them to achieve their goal.

Larne Borough Council recognises the particular challenges faced by young people in the current economic climate and is committed, through Larne Development Forum, to helping address the challenges by positive actions and suppor.

Photo courtesy of Bernie McAllister @ Argyll Images

The Larne Apprentice Competition has been designed to develop and assess the young person's business acumen, attitude, social understanding and leadership and to help young people gain new work related skills within a commercial environment enabling them to make contact with potential business owners and leaders within the greater Larne area.  This has been an innovative programme that has been developed by Larne development Forum

I would congratulate all six candidates that took part in the programme and in particular our final two candidates Chris Taylor and Zarak Bartley who we will be hearing form shortly

This final task is about the marketing of Larne to the tourist market outside of Larne, so I was very interested in what the final two candidate’s ideas were and their presentations.

The candidates had done outstandingly well in their final task. Both presentations aimed to design a marketing plan for Larne, and while both presentations were different, each candidate learnt a lot about what Larne has to offer. I was extremely encouraged by the enthusiasm and effort demonstrated by both candidates, and am pleased that Larne Borough Council will be able to actively involve both finalists in forthcoming workshops.

Finally, my sincere congratulations to Zarak, the deserving winner of the competition, and Chris for a well-earned second place. I would also like to thank Jim Eastwood for his inspiring contribution to the event which I am sure will have had a positive impact on the contestants and audience in general.

Glenarm Salmon deal a “confidence boost for local economy”

News that salmon from Glenarm will soon be served in some of Hong Kong's top hotels comes as a “confidence boost for the local economy” according to Larne’s Deputy Mayor.

Speaking after the announcement was made at the Food Hotel China exhibition, Cllr Mark McKinty welcomed the news and its repercussions within the local economy: “I congratulate all the staff at Glenarm Organic Salmon, and those members of the Executive delegation to China for securing this important deal for local business.

Glenarm Organic Salmon, established in 1989, is the only Atlantic salmon producer in the Irish Sea and Northern Ireland’s only salmon farming business, recently named Best Agriculture and Rural Business in the 2012 Larne Business Awards. The company produces over 500 tonnes of organic salmon each year which is distributed throughout the UK and overseas markets. This latest deal will see it export its fresh salmon to China for the first time and will add to its existing Asian custom in Singapore and Thailand.

John Russell, Glenarm Organic Salmon Managing Director, said: “The business that we are developing in Hong Kong will give us an important foothold for growth in China, an increasingly affluent market with a rapidly growing middle class with an interest in quality food from European suppliers. It’s a market that we’ve targeted for fast growth during 2013.

“The interest that we are now attracting from high-end hotels in China carries forward our existing business in other parts of Asia such as Singapore and Thailand, markets which we have been shipping fresh salmon to since 2008.

“What sets our fresh salmon apart from competitors is fantastic quality that comes from our fish farm location in the cold, tidal waters of the Irish Sea. This environment produces a highly textured and delicious fish. Foodservice operators worldwide are now recognising the quality of salmon that we produce in Glenarm. We expect our sales in Hong Kong and mainland China to grow steadily over the next 12 months and beyond,” he added. 

Cllr Mark McKinty also praised the hard work by Glenarm Organic Salmon and Invest NI in forging these trade links: “In difficult economic times, it is important that small and medium businesses are encouraged to explore expansion and diversification opportunities both at home and abroad. I am confident that Glenarm Organic Salmon’s exposure in China is only the start of further important trade links which will benefit local indigenous businesses in Northern Ireland.”

Larne Ulster Unionists promote Armed Forces Community Covenant

Ulster Unionist Councillors on Larne Borough Council have brought forward a motion to facilitate a local Armed Forces Community Covenant.

Photo courtesy of Bernie McAllister @ Argyll Images

 

On 5th November, Alderman Roy Beggs submitted the following motion: “We the undersigned hereby propose that Larne Borough Council recognises the sacrifices of the many fallen and injured service personnel of the Borough serving in recent international conflicts; realises the potential for this Council and other statutory bodies to provide practical and moral support to service personnel, veterans and their families; and commits to give meaning to its support for our personel and veterans by signing the Community Covenant, as a voluntary statement of our support for the local Armed Forces Community”.

Ulster Unionist Leader Mike Nesbitt MLA has given notice of his Party’s intention to call for an Armed Forces Community Covenant as a voluntary statement of our support for the local Armed Forces community and to ensure local projects access some of the £30 million of funding set aside to promote projects UK wide.

Mr Nesbitt said: “The Ulster Unionist Party has taken the lead in calling for Westminster to rectify the shameful position whereby Northern Ireland is the only part of the United Kingdom that does not offer an Armed Forces Advocate to support service personnel and veterans from, or based in, Northern Ireland”.

“However, there is another element to this support network, the Armed Forces Community Covenant which we are keen to see adopted by all 26 Councils in Northern Ireland. The UK Government has set aside up to £30 million over four financial years 2011-15 to help communities undertake projects that promote greater understanding between the military and civilian populations. The Ulster Unionist Party is extremely keen to see local projects avail of this funding.”

In proposing the motion, Ald. Beggs stated: “The Community Covenant is a voluntary statement of mutual support between a civilian community and its local Armed Forces Community and is intended to complement the Armed Forces Covenant which outlines the moral obligation between the Nation, the Government and the Armed Forces, at local level”.

“Its purpose is to encourage support for the Armed Forces Community working and residing in each District Council area and to recognise and remember the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces Community. It encourages the integration of Servicemen and women into civilian life and encourages members of the Armed Forces community to help their local community.”

“The Community Covenant grant scheme has been set up to fund local projects which strengthen the ties or the mutual understanding between members of the Armed Forces Community and the wider community in which they live.”

The motion was seconded by Larne’s Deputy Mayor, Cllr. Mark McKinty, who described the ‘debt of gratitude’ owed by all residents for a peaceful and prosperous place in which to live.

“This motion is to support the service men and women from various walks of life, in every age bracket, and in all fields of service, principally frontline services but also including support, medical, chemical and logistical backup. Returning personnel often require physical rehabilitation and financial, educational and health advice. Often they require emotional and mental support to help them cope with the drama and trauma which many witnesses in active service.”

In conclusion, Cllr McKinty stated: “It is our duty to act as advocates for those who fought for peace and our freedom, and for the families and friends of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice”.

McKinty enraged as Minister sidelines local representatives

Larne Deputy Mayor Mark McKinty has described himself as "enraged" following today's announcement that Environment Minister Alex Attwood has given the go-ahead for a £400m undersea natural gas storage facility a mile beneath Larne Lough.

Speaking after the announcement, the Ulster Unionist Larne Lough Councillor detailed his anger: "Today's announcement by Minister Attwood has shown his utter contempt for democracy and community engagement by sidelining locally-elected political and community representatives. There has been a shortage of proper community engagement and consultation with local people, and this announcement is sudden and unexpected."

The development in County Antrim will allow for storage for 500 million cubic metres of natural gas in caverns a mile under the lough. The scheme would create the first energy bank of its kind on the island of Ireland. Imported natural gas would be stored in seven caverns or caves.

"Whilst I can understand the potential benefits of such a project, I believe this announcement is premature" said Cllr McKinty. "There are concerns within the community which need addressed, and the Department of Environment ignoring these concerns is totally disrespectful".

The underground storage areas, about 1 mile underground, are created by removing salt in the rock strata with equipment similar to high pressure water jets. Environmentalists have already voiced their objections to the process, claiming it could have a serious impact on marine and bird life.

Cllr McKinty also shares local environmental concerns: "One of my grave concerns about this project is that waste brine will be deposited into the lough or the North Channel, severely upsetting the local ecosystem, ireeparably damaging the local wildlife and environment. Unfortunately, the local environment has not received the protection of the Environment Minister."

Continuing, Cllr McKinty challenged the Minister: "I would ask Alex Attwood how this project ties in with his decision in July to designate the sea and seabed around the Maidens as one of two new marine Special Areas of Conservation in Northern Ireland".

More than 350 complaints have been made to planners. Nigel Hamilton, from Marine Conservation Northern Ireland, is among those who have objected to the project. He said local residents were concerned about the expulsion of brine from the underwater caverns, and that the construction phase would bring "a considerable amount of high, heavy vehicle traffic movements on to the island on what are particularly narrow roads, unsuitable for this type of traffic movement, over a three to four year period".

"As with projects of this scale, there are many on both sides of the debate. However, this project currently lacks the community confidence to proceed. How can Mr Attwood expect the local community to be happy with his decision when representatives were not even aware of it, never mind being invited to the press conference. The Executive has a duty to consult with local representatives at all levels; I will certainly be making my voice heard to the Department and the Minister on behalf of those local residents whom I represent, those who will be directly affected by today's announcement, and who, to date, have been largely ignored" the Deputy Mayor concluded.




Notes:

The application has been made by Islandmagee Storage Limited, a joint venture between InfraStrata and Mutual Energy, the company which owns the Moyle Electricity interconnector, which links the power grid in Northern Ireland with Scotland's.

Before any work begins, the company behind the project will have to raise the necessary capital, which is thought to be in the region of £400m. A regulated all-Ireland gas market would also be required. If built, the project could hold enough gas to power all the energy requirements on the island of Ireland for six weeks.
The storage scheme would act as an energy bank for the gas industry with gas sold on to industrial users.
Potential customers would include companies like Airtricity's parent company, SSE, Bord Gais and other large scale industrial users.

Ninety per cent of Northern Ireland's gas is supplied by an underwater pipeline from Scotland, which comes ashore at Ballylumford power station at Islandmagee. The planned storage plant is near the power station.