Murphy launches draft policy on Rathlin Island

The Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has undoubtedly led the way in highlighting Rathlin Island and its inhabitants at the Executive. His latest announcment on the matter was a statement on the draft policy for Rathlin Island which can be found here.

Ministerial Statement

Rathlin Island

Mr Speaker: I have received notice from the Minister for Regional Development that he wishes to make a statement on the draft Executive policy for Rathlin Island.

The Minister for Regional Development (Mr Murphy): Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. My statement marks the development of a dedicated Executive policy for Rathlin Island across government here in the North and follows my written statement to the Assembly on 8 June 2009 and the public consultation on the draft policy that I launched on the island on 10 June 2009. My Department has taken the lead, with contributions from other Departments, local bodies and the islanders themselves.

People have lived on Rathlin for over 7,000 years...There was a population of around 1,200 before the famine, but the number of people living on Rathlin has fallen, and the island now has a population of approximately 80, many of whose ancestors can be traced back there for hundreds of years.

In November 2007, I brought proposals to the Executive to develop a central government island policy for Rathlin. My Executive colleagues agreed that my Department should take the lead role in that work. The Department for Regional Development has regular involvement with Rathlin through the provision of the lifeline ferry service, which is crucial to the functioning of the island and to the life of the islanders. My Department also provides water and roads services.
To act as a voice for the islanders, the Rathlin Community Association was established in 1978, becoming the Rathlin Development and Community Association in 1986. Its main aims reflect those that we would all expect as citizens, no matter where we live: improving the quality of life for those living on the island; ensuring that basic services and infrastructure are provided; and encouraging appropriate economic development.

My Department worked very closely with the association and sought to reflect those aims and the islanders’ own strategic plan when developing government policy. We have been proactive in our approach. Senior officials in my Department have worked closely with the community association, and, with the support of my Executive colleagues, I have ensured that all relevant Departments and local bodies have identified senior officials to liaise on Rathlin issues. That group has worked collectively to address issues in a co-ordinated manner across government.
I have also met the islanders, and my discussions with them have convinced me of the need for a policy that recognises and addresses their unique circumstances. This policy has been adopted to reflect island circumstances and contains a number of strategic aims that will encourage community involvement, improve the provision of public services, and ensure conservation of the island’s exceptional cultural and natural heritage.

However, we are not starting with a clean sheet. My Department has already made progress in improving the provision of public services for the islanders. A new, enhanced ferry service was launched on 1 July 2008, and improved road signage was erected for the ferry in Ballycastle. I have also increased the budget for road improvements from £100,000 to £250,000 over a three-year period. However, perhaps the biggest achievement for the islanders was the completion of the new 10 km sub-sea electricity cable, which runs from Ballycastle to Rathlin. I had the honour of formally switching it on in June last year. The new cable has provided a capacity and quality of supply to island customers that is now equivalent to that which we expect on the mainland..

The collaborative work between all relevant Depart­ments and local bodies and the Rathlin Development and Community Association has resulted in a draft Rathlin Island policy. The proposed policy is at a relatively high level, but it seeks to acknowledge the aims and objectives of the islanders’ plan and to find a balance between their legitimate needs, which are reasonable and justifiable, and competing priorities. I see the policy as unique to Rathlin, deservedly so.
I acknowledge that there are implications for Departments and others in developing the policy. We must ensure that any general policies that have an impact are adapted to reflect the island’s specific circumstances. The needs of the islanders differ from those on the mainland, and so it follows that it may not be easy to apply a mainstream policy to the island or, indeed, appropriate. Departments may, therefore, need to adapt or adjust policies and the use of resources to allow Rathlin equal treatment with other areas.

To implement the policy, we will need to develop an action plan, which will set out in detail how the policy will progress over a two-year term. As I have already said, Rathlin is famous not only for its natural beauty but for its wildlife. Those issues must be considered, along with the welfare of the islanders. We have already commenced a range of relevant impact assessments, which will intensify when the action plan is finalised. In order to monitor progress, I am proposing to establish and chair a forum, which will meet twice a year. It will include island representatives and senior officials from relevant Government Departments and local bodies and will review and refresh the plan to reflect changing circumstances..

The consultation process has commenced and will conclude on 18 September. I look forward to receiving comments on my proposals. I look forward to working closely with the Rathlin islanders, and to a vibrant and sustainable future for Rathlin.

Mr McKay: Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. I welcome the statement and the Minister’s focus on Rathlin Island and its inhabitants since taking up office. I recognise the proposed forum as one that puts the islanders at the heart of that policy. As the policy progresses over the next two years, can lessons be learnt from other island communities off the Irish mainland?

The Minister for Regional Development: Government have operated policies for a number of years in relation to islands that lie off the rest of the coast of Ireland. The islanders were keen to examine the experience of Inisheer, one of the Aran Islands, which is of a similar size and population to Rathlin. We have plans to take some of the islanders there and to discuss the operation of an island policy with the Minister responsible, Éamon Ó Cuív. Lessons can be learnt from elsewhere, and the islanders are aware of issues that affect other islands around the coast of Ireland. Where we can draw on those lessons, we are happy to do so.

Mr Boylan: Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. Cuirim fáilte roimh ráiteas an Aire. I welcome the Minister’s statement.

Last year, the RSPB invited me to visit the island because it is concerned about the protection of habitats. One strategic objective is to draw up a local biodiversity action plan. Who will be consulted and have an opportunity to partake in that action plan?

The Minister for Regional Development: The island is the subject of environmental interests. Through the RSPB site, the seabird colonies are of obvious value not only to the island but to western Europe generally. Moreover, the National Trust owns some land there and has been developing environmental policies. The forum that we propose to establish will be a useful vehicle to ensure that all interested parties, such as the islanders, other agencies that work on the island and the Departments, have an opportunity to discuss all those issues. Furthermore, the forum will facilitate a joined-up approach, provide an opportunity to discuss any issues of tension between people who wish to sustain a livelihood on the island and those who wish to protect the environment and heritage of the island, and achieve the correct balance for the future.

Question-Time - Sectarianism in Coleraine

At Question Time today I asked the First Minister what action was being taken in response to the recent horrific attacks in Coleraine and the scourge of sectarianism.





Mr McKay: Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. In light of the recent, quite horrific, attacks in Coleraine, what steps are being taken by the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to tackle sectarianism in Coleraine?


The First Minister: First, I condemn those attacks. We should not consider that Coleraine is somehow different from the rest of the Province and that Coleraine is the problem point. There is underlying sectarianism across our community, and it emanates from all sides of the community. Therefore, it must be tackled in a comprehensive and robust way.
Immediately after the attack in Coleraine, the deputy First Minister and I met the police to discuss the investigation. Often, the best way of tackling such issues is to ensure that prosecutions take place and to ensure that the courts, using due process, can deal with the incidents concerned.

We also sent a message to the community relations unit, which was fairly quick off the mark without any prodding — for want of a better word — from OFMDFM. The lasting contribution that OFMDFM can make on such matters is to get our CSI strategy through the Assembly and to have it in place so that the action plan can be used to work forward to eliminate sectarianism.

Elections 09 - Analysis

• New county council seats in Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Kilkenny, Limerick, Mayo, Tipperary, Waterford and Wicklow.


• Across the five EU constituencies on the island Sinn Féin took a massive 331,797 votes and 14.34% of the all-Ireland vote.


• Became the biggest party in the Six Counties for the first time.


• Increased the vote by over 6% in Munster

As the dust settles on another election it is no surprise that some, well most, within the media have attempted to accentuate the negatives rather than the positives when discussing Sinn Féin’s performance. There were clearly a lot of gains made by Sinn Féin across the island and there are more to be made. Certainly there was a dip in our vote in Dublin and the party will now have to work to rebuild the organisation within the city and I'm confident that this can and will be done.

Sinn Féin is now the largest party in the 6 Counties. More people vote for us than any other party in the 9 Counties of Ulster.

We have broken through in many parts of Ireland for the first time in generations, Maurice Quinlivan in Limerick, Seamie Morris in North Tipp, Kathleen Funchion in Kilkenny. We gained 2 new seats on Cork City Council, increased our vote to over 17% in Louth, won a new seat in Mayo and remain the biggest party in Monaghan. We also won our first two seats on Wicklow Council and narrowly missed out on a seat on Westmeath Council.

We shouldn't forget that only a few thousand votes in Dublin and Munster seperated us from taking 3 MEPs to Europe rather than 1 so we 'hit the bar' twice this time around. In Dublin we were always going to find it challenging to win back the seat gained in 2004 given that the constituency was being reduced from a 4 to a 3 seater. However work needs to be done in Dublin to ensure that voters turn to us as an alternative left vote. By voting Fine Gael instead of Fianna Fáil people are voting for Tweedledee rather than Tweedledum. The economic crisis in the 26 Counties is something that we need to capitalise on, hard as that may be with a hostile media and a lack of speaking rights in the Dáil, because there is an opportunity now to build up a left alternative for the first time in the history of the state. We'll win that through hard graft in the community and knocking doors - not through the press.

So theres a lot of historic ‘firsts’ for Sinn Féin in this election and what that demonstrates to me is that we are still in the early stages of development in many parts of the country. And what you generally find is that after Sinn Féin does make a breakthrough in an area we remain a significant electoral force. We only made a significant breakthrough here in North Antrim 6 years ago but are now well established on all 3 local councils, are the second biggest party to the DUP and the largest nationalist party. The party membership has grown here significantly and we are much better organised as a party here than before. That process is being replicated in other Comhairle Ceantair.

So I have no doubt that we will hold onto the seats gained in places like Limerick and North Tipp and become a significant political force in those areas and others in the near future. We suffer a major drawback in that we do not have the same speaking rights as other groups in the Dáil due to the discriminatory Standing Orders which are in place. Missing out on key speaking opportunities and questioning the Taoiseach at leader's questions has meant that it has been more difficult to get our message out there and we cannot afford to be in that position after the next general election. Key to further political growth will be increasing the number of TDs at the next election, regaining speaking rights in the Dáil and getting talented representatives such as Mary-Lou McDonald, Pearse Doherty & Padraig MacLochlainn into the chamber. The Donegal South-West by-election will provide a key opportunity to make the breakthrough in that county.

One of the interesting things about following the EU election in Munster was the fact that many of the contributors on politics.ie, etc wrote off Toiréasa's chances after the first count because they didn't expect her to pick up many transfers. That didn't happen surprisingly and the Kerry Councillor was in the running til the very last. The difficulty that the party has in picking up transfers is starting to lift. Another indicator of this was the comment by Frank Flannery of Fine Gael that he would have no difficulty in going into government with Sinn Féin. The removal of the transfer handicap will see us gain more seats in the future and clinch the tight electoral counters that we seen in Dublin and Munster.

For me this election was a good one for Sinn Féin. The party has not plateaued as the usual suspects in the media have suggested- not by a long way.

Crime of neglect not being taken seriously enough

Our office has been dealing with a number of cases recently where families who have loved ones in residential homes have discovered that they are being neglected by staff. Statutory agencies do not have the power to intervene immediately in the same way they can if children or animals are being abused whilst 'under care'. I don't think that this matter is being taken seriously enough and we need to see legislation being brought forward to protect those who are in residential care. I raised the matter at the Policing Board recently:

Chairman, Professor Desmond Rea:
If I can take you to a related area of abuse, it is on question 1 and it is in Mr McKay’s name.

Q1 - To ask the Chief Constable to outline what powers are available to the PSNI to deal with allegations of abuse of the elderly/vulnerable adults who are currently residing in residential care?

Assistant Chief Constable, Mr Duncan McCausland:
Thank you Chairman. Police have legislative powers leading to criminal offences which apply to all sections of the community Chairman, irrespective of age, vulnerability or place of residence.

The powers available would include offences such as Offences against the Person, Common Assault and Grievous Bodily Harm. Where the elderly or vulnerable person suffers from a mental disability, there are also powers under the Mental Health Order 1986 and the Sexual Offences Order 2008 that deal with the offences of a sexual nature. Where a criminal abuse may have been committed against a vulnerable or elderly person in a Residential Home, then the police and Social Services investigate the incident through the joint protocol arrangements that we have in existence since 1998, and the Board will be pleased to know that they are currently being reviewed and should be reissued later this year.

Where a decision to prosecute has been made, the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) can also apply to the court to avail of special measures which are statutory provisions introduced to assist vulnerable or intimidated witnesses to give their best possible evidence. These measures include for example, screening or evidence through live link or evidence given in private and obviously the softening down of the court in terms of the fact that it can be intimidating to witnesses. All of that going together and the fact that the Government are reviewing, for example, the Bamford Report in terms of the Mental Health Act, and look to bring forward fresh legislation, the introduction of video reporting and the issues that are constantly reviewed and taken forward in terms of special measures should reassure the Board and the community that this is taken very seriously.

Chairman, Professor Desmond Rea:
Supplementary, Mr McKay.

Mr Daithí McKay:
I think it would be an understatement to say that a lot of families find it extremely frustrating that the police cannot intervene immediately in some of these cases. When I talk about abuse, in a number of cases we have been dealing with, it is in connection with the area of extreme neglect. So, I am wondering, do the police recognise neglect as a form of abuse and do you agree with many players within the political and legal fields, who say that there is a massive gap in legislation to ensure that the police can intervene and go into homes without notice to investigate these complaints, because there has been a lot of criticism of the system as it exists and the way the RQIA (Regulation & Quality Improvement Authority) deal with these complaints?

Assistant Chief Constable, Mr Duncan McCausland:
We would certainly recognise neglect and we would classify it as a crime in effect and the reality is we would work very closely with Social Services. If there are incidents such as that we would encourage people to report them and we would jointly go with Social Services to examine and to see if there has to be a criminal investigation or prosecution or a Social Services investigation is taken forward. I think that it is critically important that people are prepared to come forward and tell us in the first instance and we can then see exactly how we can stop and deal with the situation.

School Capital Work - North Antrim

The Education Minister has given me an update on the capital work her department is to carry out in the North Antrim area over the next 3 years. There are 3 major projects planned:

• Replacement building for St. Patrick's & St Brigid's PS, Ballycastle
• New school building for St. Mary's PS, Portglenone
• New school building for Ballymoney High School

To ask the Minister of Education what capital work is planned to be carried out at schools in the North Antrim constituency, in each of the next 3 years.

Tá trí phríomhthionscadal caipitil i dtoghcheantar Aontroim Thuaidh a bhfuil obair á déanamh orthu faoi láthair nó a bhfuil plean ann go ndéanfar obair orthu sa chéad trí bliana eile.

There are three major capital projects in the North Antrim constituency where work is either ongoing or planned to be carried out in the next three years.Construction work to provide a replacement school building for St Patrick’s & St Brigid’s Primary School, Ballycastle on the existing site started in February 2009 and is due to complete in May 2010. Construction work on a new school building for St Mary’s Primary School, Portglenone on the existing site has just commenced and is due to complete in May 2010.A new school building for Ballymoney High School on its existing site is still in planning. The target date for opening is May 2012.

Ballymena Assembly Roadshow

The Assembly is putting up recorded coverage of their 'roadshows' across the Six Counties on their Youtube site. Great to see them being pro-active, perhaps we'll soon see debates from the Chamber on Youtube? Heres hoping...

Update - Devolution of Policing & Justice

The Office of the Joint First Ministers have provided me with an update on the devolution of Policing and Justice.

Mr Daithí McKay asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the transfer of Policing and Justice.

Preparations for the devolution of policing and justice powers have progressed in line with the process paper which we made public following our attendance at the Assembly and Executive Review Committee (AERC) on 18 November last year. On 20 January 2009, the Assembly approved a report from the AERC on the arrangements for the devolution of policing and justice matters. It endorsed our view that there should be a single justice department with a single Minister elected by the Assembly. The Committee is currently working on a second report dealing with a broad range of other issues, including financial provisions, which need to be resolved before devolution can happen. Legislation has been enacted at Westminster to make the necessary legislative amendments arising from our decisions announced on 18 November 2008 and from the AERC report. The Secretary of State has also made an order to increase the maximum permitted number of Ministerial offices to accommodate a Minister of Justice. Officials have held discussions with DFP, the NIO, the NI Court Service and Whitehall departments on future financial arrangements to support the functions which would transfer on devolution.

Climate Change Inquiry hears evidence at Assembly

The Environment Committee is currently carrying out an Inquiry into Climate Change and we are in the process of hearing evidence from interested parties - the overwhelming majority of whom support the theory that human activity contributes to Climate Change. Below is an excerpt from the Inquiry when I raised the issues of business investing in renewable energy and the development of policy for wind energy:



Presentation by Irish Wind Energy Association and British Wind Energy Association

Mr McKay:
We watched ‘The Age of Stupid’ last month. One issue that the film covered was planning and windmills, and people’s experience of trying to get planning permission for wind installations in England. Has any council area or jurisdiction struck the right balance between communities and those who are applying to put wind installations into an area? If the Minister of the Environment dropped the supplementary planning guidance that is attached to draft PPS 18, would you be relatively content with that document, or do you feel that more could be done?

The Chairperson:
I ask that one person answer on behalf of each witness group, rather than our having three separate answers.

Mr Connolly:
Perhaps I can clarify it for you, Mr McKay: do you want me to use one of the authorities in Northern Ireland as an example, or one from across the islands?

Mr McKay:
I would like to hear any good examples, either from across the water or here.

Mr Anglin:
Different jurisdictions can treat it very differently. The Planning Service here has its own structure. In the UK as a whole, any schemes above 50 MW are decided by Whitehall officials for England and Wales, and by Scottish Government officials for Scotland.

There has been a real change in the industry over the past few years; it has grown and matured, and a great deal more consultation goes out to the public. Engagement is undertaken to try to ensure that local communities’ concerns are addressed and that any specific issues are responded to. It is now extremely common to see developers establishing community funds that go beyond those payments detailed in section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Developers try to address very specific concerns that the local community may have; for instance, they may take measures or establish a fund to which people can apply to have home insulation.

One issue to which we are very sensitive is that people will often say that they think it is fine to have a wind turbine and that they are all in favour of saving the environment, but they will ask what is in it for them. We want to ensure a direct relationship between having a wind farm near someone, and improving that person’s standard and quality of life. We recognise that we must be part of the community and not be imposed on it.

I am sorry, but what was the second part of your question?

Mr McKay:
I asked whether you would have any major concerns about draft PPS 18 were the strategic planning guidance were to be dropped.

Mr Anglin:
No industry representative will ever say that he or she loves everything that a Government are doing, but we recognise that draft PPS 18 is a pretty good document. There are parts of it that we would like to see tweaked, but we want to concentrate on the parts that we really think are damaging, and we do not think that the supplementary planning guidance is helpful. We have not seen the latest draft; we await its publication with keen eagerness. However, the restrictions on turbine height, as well as the fairly arbitrary designation and assessment of landscape characteristics, will deeply damage the industry.


Presentation by Confederation of British Industry

Mr McKay:
What sort of incentives do you think there should be in the private sector for businesses to invest in renewable energy, not only on a larger scale but on a small scale as well? The Chairman has already mentioned the example of Michelin. We visited Michelin last week. It is seeking planning permission for a number of wind turbines on site that will produce 10% of its energy needs. That decision was brought about by market pressure, rather than by any incentive from Government. Energy costs for Michelin here are far greater than at their other factories and sites across Europe. What sort of incentives should we provide for businesses, particularly in places like North Antrim where there is a lot of wind potential? Secondly, how do we compare with other areas and other states on research and development? Do you feel that we are being left behind? Is there a need for more investment in that field?

Mr Ennis:
For large companies, the key driver is energy cost; that is what has driven energy efficiencies. Michelin is a very good example of that. If we are to create a greater demand to go down that route, there is a need for incentives. In view of the financial crisis, we can also help ourselves. The construction industry has suffered, in particular. We should give incentives for roof and wall insulation or anything that drives energy efficiency. We can help that by giving a small grant towards the product itself or a rates rebate for small businesses. They could get a discount on the rates if they reach their carbon targets. That will cause them to do two things: measure their carbon emissions, and do something about it. It is a win-win situation, because it will reduce costs for those businesses. That is an exciting way to go forward in the short term.

As regards R&D, we are well behind Scotland, which has taken the lead. Alex Salmond in particular has taken a leadership role in trying to promote Scotland as the renewables Mecca for Europe. Even compared to the Republic, our research is behind. However, we have the capability to catch up and the natural resources to encourage that. It goes back to the linkage between institutions, business and politicians: we must all pull together. R&D is a key area where we can see some positive new industries emerging in Northern Ireland. The waste industry and biomass is another area where we can take the leadership role. There are opportunities, but they have to be grasped.

Mr Smyth:
Through the Carbon Trust, there are loans of up to £400,000 for industry. That is good, but it does not go far enough. Over the last 12 months, we have argued that there are two additional barriers. One barrier is regulation: it has taken Michelin four years to get through the whole process. Anyone who wishes to put in a reasonably sized wind turbine has in the first place to get planning permission for a trial turbine, which takes 12 months. All these barriers are additional.

Another barrier is the payback periods. They are still long, and we are strongly supportive of some kind of capital grant assistance to encourage that investment. I have spoken to a number of consultants who have commissioned by Invest Northern Ireland to look at those opportunities and try to get a better understanding of the barriers and of what sort of leverage they can have to support that. We are supportive of that, and not just with respect to wind power, although that will be a key area for companies based in rural areas.

On the R&D side, through the Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation (IBEC)/Confederation of British Industry joint business council, we are trying to bring together the research by the universities. Most of the universities on the island of Ireland have research going on in the area of renewables. We are trying to see whether we can bring some of those people together to find out whether there are additional synergies on the back of that. There is a lot of activity and a lot of potential. A lot of it is probably medium to longer term, but we need to encourage people to invest in it.

Mr McKay:
You mentioned Invest NI. Do you feel that it is doing enough to encourage businesses to go green?

Mr Smyth:
I believe that it is. It is a fairly active section. It has been running a lot of green events, and it has just produced a very significant document. The industry has already done a lot, because of the cost pressures. The CBI’s road map addresses issues such as motors, compressors, and a whole range of other things, and Invest NI will be running specific workshops on those areas across Northern Ireland. I am sure that it can always do more, but, to be fair, green issues have been featuring prominently in Invest NI’s work over the past couple of years.

Mr Ennis:
I sit on the board of INI, so I am glad that Mr Smyth answered that question. A renewables team has been set up in INI to focus on that issue.

Companies who tackle energy problems innovatively can cut overheads and protect jobs

Earlier this month I went on a tour of the Michelin Plant in Broughshane just north of Ballymena. My father worked here back in the 1970s before I was born and he used to cycle out to the plant from the Cushendall Road in Ballymena every day for years.

Things have moved on since then but Michelin remains one of the biggest employers in Ballymena and seem to be handling the economic downturn very well. I was very impressed with the company's pro-active approach in trying to lower their overheads as well as dealing with inefiiciency and rising fuel costs.

Michelin Tyre plc in Ballymena has cut its energy use by 27%, saving €2·1 million per annum which not only helps to secure the company, it helps to secure local jobs.

We have been recently discussing the issue of energy at the Assembly's Environment Committee during which I pointed out the good work that is being done here. The company's Chief Executive told me that they are applying to build wind turbines which would generate 10% of the power needed to run the factory. I hope that other companies can follow this example as it shows how energy efficiency and the development of renewable energy cuts overheads, makes jobs more secure and protects the environment.

Abuse of Stop & Search powers a throwback to policing of the past

Below is an engagement I had with the Chief Constable at a recent Policing Board meeting regarding the use (and abuse) of Stop & Search legislation. We have major concerns about the increase in the use of these powers which were published earlier this year. I, and party colleagues, are well aware of certain police officers using these powers to stop and harass members of the community who pose no threat to anybody. This is a throwback to policing in the past and those officers involved in this nonsense should be disciplined. A number of years ago I was stopped and harassed under such legislation so I know for a fact that it happens. There is an onus on the Chief Constable to hold to account those who are abusing this legislation and if he fails to do this then members of the Policing Board need to hold him to account.

Mr Daithí McKay:

Chairman, I think in the case of all Stop and Search legislation and certainly there is a history of it, it is open to abuse and I think we need to send out a message and I would ask the Chief Constable to answer the question, “does he believe that there is abuse of this legislation going on in terms of certain officers”? Because, from our perspective certainly we are coming across examples within the community where individuals within the republican community, who are no threat, are being stopped and searched and it is just blatant harassment. So, we need to ensure that we are sending out a message that the police are not going to abuse this power and that senior officers are going to come down on them hard if they do that.

But as Alex Maskey has already referred to the disparity in terms of the figures is quite glaring and if you compare Strabane where 625 people have been stopped and searched with only 4 arrests with the whole ‘H’ District which has only 3, I think it is blatantly obvious that some areas are being targeted more than others without any real results. I think if we are going to be serious as ACC Gillespie as referred to about tackling loyalist groups, and in particular South East Antrim, you need to ensure that Section 44 is being used in the ‘H’ District area.

But in terms of the actual details I think there is more detail that could be provided for Board Members (I am coming to a conclusion now Chairman), we need to know if many are being prosecuted, what they are actually being arrested for and details should be given in terms of gender and ethnic background, but I think other Section 75 categories could also be included for the Board’s information, including that of religion.

Chief Constable, Hugh Orde:

A number of things there. In terms of abuse, I will not tolerate any abuse of any power but any power is open to abuse by definition. I do think we can take some comfort from the figures around the Police Ombudsman because my experience is, people are certainly if they feel they are being hard done by they complain very quickly. That having been said, there may be individual cases where people have not bothered to report but I have got no evidence at all that it is being abused. It is subject to the Section 78 reports for meetings held by the Assistant Chief Constables with their Chief Superintendents. This is one of the standing items to make sure that the local Chief Superintendents take ownership of it as well. You talk about disparity, there is a disparity with it, I accept that utterly that is around the level of threat.

In terms of outcomes, arrests are not the right way of looking at this and much of this is around one tactic, in a many tactic… it is around disruption, we fully accept it interferes with people’s rights and free movement, but we would argue it is proportionate looking at the determination of some people within these communities to kill other people in these communities.

Indeed, many of the officers stopping and doing these would know necessarily who was a key player because they would not have all the necessary intelligence to identify particular individuals that is not the purpose of this. The purpose of this is to increase the level of disruption and uncertainty for those people who are thinking of going to attack someone by taking a certain route.

In terms of more detail, it is a point I made earlier Chairman. We can try and divide, sub-divide to a level that gives the Board satisfaction. My only observation would be in keeping with all the other work we have to do around accountability is, the more effort and time I have to put into collecting more and more and more data, the more I cannot do the day job which is actually deploying people on the streets.

Criminals masquerading as republicans a blight on this community

Earlier this week there were a number of attacks on property in Rasharkin, including the local cafe and my own home in the village.

Those who carried out the attack are criminals, plain and simple. The assault of two female members of staff at the local cafe has greatly angered local people, especially since some of these hoods are masquerading as republicans.






These hoods have carried out a number of assaults in both Rasharkin and Kilrea, have been involved in threatening local people and other anti-social behaviour. They're barred from most of the local licensed premises.

Republicans in this area work within and for the community and strive to better the quality of life for those that live here. Those behind these attacks have no concept of community, just sectarianism, egos and petty crime. Their tendency to single out and target republicans in public places and in such a prominent way is something that we have seen before from agent provoceteurs in Ballymena and is designed to provoke a violent response and create a political impact. Its time that they got off the backs of this community.

Hopes dashed in Dunclug

Last week I brought the issue of the Dunclug Action Plan to the floor of the Assembly. I did so because local community workers have had their hopes, which were high a couple of years ago, dashed. The implementation of the first part of the plan is key to making the area a significantly safer place to live, changing radically the layout of the estate and introducing a new artery through the area. The failure to implement this coupled with other recent cutbacks leaves things looking very bleak indeed. We really need the DSD Minister to make this a top priority and judging from her response to the debate, that doesn't look likely:

Dunclug Action Plan

Mr Deputy Speaker: I remind Members that the proposer of the topic will have 15 minutes in which to speak. All other Members who wish to speak will have approximately 10 minutes.

Mr McKay: Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. I wish to speak about the Dunclug action plan, which is close to my heart. I have grave concerns about it at present, because of the failure of its implementation. The action plan was launched more than two years ago, and many people had looked forward to its implementation as an opportunity to turn the area around and to address the high levels of crime, antisocial behaviour and other problems in the area.

The present design of the estate is in no way ideal. The action plan rightly states that the present layout — coupled with litter, debris, vacant and derelict properties, vandalism and graffiti — creates a sense of danger in the heart of the estate. When the plan was launched, Dunclug was ranked as the fourth worst area for crime and disorder in the Six Counties. In a survey that was carried out at that time, almost one quarter of the estate’s residents said that they did not feel safe living in the area. Even more concerning is the fact that 50% of those living in the area said that they did not feel safe when they ventured out at night.

Following the murder of Michael McIlveen in May 2006, Dunclug estate received unprecedented media attention. Media outlets highlighted the physical, social and community cohesion problems that existed there. Numerous interviews portrayed a community living in isolation, fear and deprivation. The images from the estate also confirmed the poor physical condition of the area.
For many years, the Dunclug residents’ association had called on the Department for Social Development to intervene. It finally received a response from the then British direct rule Minister, David Hanson, who paid a visit to the estate in August 2006.

He made a return visit in November 2006, when he announced the Dunclug action plan. During his engage­ment with local community workers and volunteers, Minister Hanson promised that there would be ministerial ownership of the action plan’s implementation. That followed previous announcements by the Housing Executive of large-scale actions or projects to enhance the physical condition of the estate, which never materialised. The action plan involves DSD and the Housing Executive providing at least £5 million of new money for Dunclug from 2007 to 2011.

The Minister for Social Development has promised that she will take ministerial ownership of the Dunclug action plan. Following her visit to the estate on 26 September 2007, which I welcomed at the time, she met with local stakeholders from the voluntary sector and impressed on them her commitment to drive forward the actions in the plan. Those actions seek to address key concerns about the physical condition of the estate, crime and antisocial behaviour, community cohesion, and, centrally, youth issues in the Dunclug estate.

The plan was formulated in a manner that was meant to instil confidence in a community that had, until then, been given no hope whatsoever. The 21 actions in the plan were put together in a co-ordinated fashion; not by accident, but in a sequence that could be seen to deliver tangible results to residents in the area. That, in turn, would have seen a gradual improvement in the quality of life, as well as a considerable improvement in life chances for residents of the estate.
Area-at-risk funding was used for social impact projects. A dedicated youth officer and a drugs outreach officer were tasked to Dunclug for a two-year period. There was also the successful parents and kids together (PAKT) project, which was to be continued for a further two years. The youth officer used his post to win over the hearts and minds of some of the most at-risk young people in the area and carried out sterling work, which I have seen.

Many other aspects of the Dunclug action plan were used to incentivise the youth to buy into the scheme, including the physical regeneration of the area that those children call home. Unfortunately, the youth officer’s post ran out in March 2009, with precious little of the high-visibility work in the action plan being carried out.

The new play park could have been the catalyst for change. However, it has failed to materialise on time. Even though the action was to be implemented by June 2008, the play park is still not in a position to be put in place. The residents’ association, along with the youth development officer, worked together to gain the support of local youths with the promise of the delivery of the action plan. That was a difficult task. According to community workers, the youth now feel betrayed by their own community leaders and those responsible for delivery. That is an unfortunate situation.

The drugs officer was tasked to help those suffering most from drug-addiction, and to help their long-suffering families and friends. Qualitative information from the officer, the most reliable of sources, suggests that between 8% and 12% of the people residing in Dunclug could be using heroin. The post is due to end on 31 October 2009. The drugs problem and subsequent crime associated with the area is due to resurface on a much more significant level if that post is allowed to elapse.

The PAKT programme, which ran prior to the action plan, has also now expired. It was used to help those most vulnerable in the community. Parents were helped to gain skills to improve the quality of parenting. Single mothers gained much-needed support and security through more hands-on tasks with their own children in a safe environment. Those most at risk in Dunclug gained significant confidence from those projects.

The action plan was truly an excellent piece of work, with a design to improve the estate with the help of the voluntary and statutory sectors. The community bought into the plan over the past three years; in particular, the improvements to street lighting, the demolition of a number of problem properties, and the areas-at-risk package, which provided some signposts for hope.

The question now is whether the Minister and the Department have missed the best opportunity, in over two decades, to make one of the most deprived areas in the North a place where residents could feel comfortable and safe and be proud to live. Phase one is a key part of the plan, and its desired outcomes, as stated in the plan, are:
“To create a stable and pleasant environment free from graffiti and flag flying in which all residents can feel safe.”

That phase was to be completed by the end of this month, and there is now a great deal of disillusionment in the community, as well as doubt about whether that vital work will be implemented at all. The Minister for Social Development must deliver on those commitments as a matter of urgency. She promised action, and we need to see those social problems addressed. Excuses are simply not good enough in this quite dire case.

The first part of the action plan is vital, as it deals with the physical condition of the estate and is key to creating a stable and pleasant environment for the people of the area. That is why it is so important that phase one of the plan is implemented. The flats need to be demolished, and a new link road between Dunclug Gardens and Dunclug Park would facilitate a new public transport route, which would radically change that environment and reduce the sense of ghettoisation that exists. Importantly, it would also reduce the opportunities for antisocial elements to carry out criminal acts.

Those who work in the community and voluntary sector in Dunclug are at the end of their tether. Youth work is being cut back significantly, the action plan ― or, rather, the “inaction plan”, as locals call it ― has been hampered by delays, and the major problems in the area such as vandalism and antisocial behaviour continue unabated.

We have a duty to ensure that that part of Ballymena is given the support that it so desperately needs. A common complaint that I hear is that there are not enough facilities and amenities at the top end of the town, and that the Ballymena North Business and Recreation Centre is a white elephant as far as people are concerned, because no one can afford to use it. The cinema, the bowling alley and fast food restaurants, etc, are all on the other side of town, and many young people simply do not feel safe going to those places. That is a fact, and there is an onus on us all, as elected representatives from all sides, to try to bring about a situation whereby no young Protestant or Catholic person feels intimidated by going into certain estates in the town.
Even over the weekend, a number of houses were attacked in the Millfield area, just beside Dunclug. The majority of those houses have Protestant residents, and I have serious concerns that certain elements are trying to make inroads into that area. The implementation of the action plan would go some way towards ensuring that those elements do not create the social problems that they have already visited on the area in recent years. All in all, that is a significant piece of work, and a lot more needs to be done on all sides to bring down those social barriers.

If the media crews that swarmed over Dunclug in 2006 were to revisit the estate, they would probably conclude that its physical condition has deteriorated further. They would also confirm, through interviewing residents, that little or nothing has changed for the better in the years since the Dunclug action plan was announced.

Barry Gordon, who was chairman of the Dunclug Partnership, greeted Minister Hanson and Minister Ritchie when they last visited Dunclug. He praised them both, and stated that he believed that change would be implemented. After Mr Hanson’s visit, he said:
“The Minister came to Dunclug in August. He saw for himself the problems that the area is facing. Now, he has delivered. … I am looking forward to seeing the Action Plan being delivered on the ground and making a difference to Dunclug.”

The failure to deliver on key aspects of the action plan has now seen Mr Gordon and his family being driven from their home in Dunclug by the very people from whom Mr Gordon tried to protect that community.

Barry’s belief that the full implementation of the action plan would disarm criminal elements in the estate was probably correct. The abysmal failure to implement the plan and create a safer and more stable environment in Dunclug has resulted in his family having to leave the estate due to intimidation. His story demonstrates that the Dunclug action plan has failed to deliver real social change in the area.

I conclude by urging the Minister to look again at that piece of work and to prioritise it, because there are a number of social problems in the Dunclug area. It is one of the most deprived areas in the North. However, there are criminal elements trying to get a foothold there, and if we do not nip the problem in the bud now, the havoc that those elements will wreak on that community will be ten-fold in a matter of years. Therefore, it is important that the issue is nipped in the bud, the action plan is implemented, and the people in Dunclug are given the better quality of life to which they are entitled.

Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle.

The Minister for Social Development (Ms Ritchie): I thank all Members who contributed to today’s debate. I welcome the opportunity to respond to each of the contributions that were made; not least because it gives me the opportunity to clarify and correct some of the issues that were raised. I will try to address all the questions or points that Members raised. I will also study the Hansard report, and if I have left any questions unanswered, I will write to the Member concerned.

The Dunclug estate in Ballymena faces many challenges, not only in housing and regeneration, but in health, environment, drugs, crime, community division and general deprivation. If we are going to address those challenges successfully, all the agencies will have to work together along with the community and public representatives — the very point that was raised by Mervyn Storey and Declan O’Loan. Therefore, it is very disappointing to hear the promoter of the Adjournment debate turn Dunclug into a solely DSD issue around which Mr McKay engages in cheap party-political point scoring. Dunclug deserves better than that.

The action plan for the Dunclug estate in the north of Ballymena was launched in November 2006 and covers a four-year period between January 2007 and March 2011. The plan seeks to improve the physical condition of the estate, address crime and antisocial behaviour, and improve community cohesion and facilities for young people in the area.

As the Minister for Social Development, I have reviewed the Department’s priorities, and during a visit to the Dunclug estate in September 2007, I stated my commitment to ensuring that the actions in the plan are implemented. I welcome the significant progress that has been made, and I assure Members that my officials and I will remain committed fully to working with other Departments and stakeholders to ensure that the plan is implemented in full.

I am pleased to advise Members that nine actions in the plan have been completed. Those include new entrance features for the estate; a full-time community beat officer for the area; the extension of activities that are offered by the council’s community sports programme; a minority-ethnic needs audit; the establishment of a Housing Executive housing support and regeneration office in the estate; and the extension of Sure Start activities into the area.

Through the areas at risk programme, my Department has provided funding of more than £139,000 to deliver a youth outreach programme in the estate. As Members will be aware, that programme is time bound. However, I am glad that the North Eastern Education and Library Board has made an offer to the local community to continue delivering that service in the area.
In addition, more than £106,000 has been provided to deliver a parents and kids together project in the estate, and more than £103,000 has been provided for drug and alcohol outreach support. I am also pleased to report that a further 10 actions are being implemented. Those include a youth-justice agency; an early intervention programme and a parents’ support service; a school-based initiative to develop greater collaborative working between schools in the area; and a peripatetic support teacher for children from the Travelling community. Also included are additional community development work; a refurbishment of the community centre; new street lighting and footpaths, at a cost of more than £1·5 million; a new play park for the estate; and a £5,000 fund for community-based projects. To date, 13 projects, at a value in excess of £219,000, have been approved through the fund.

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive has started work already to demolish a number of properties that were blighting the estate. So far, 48 units have been demolished, and work to demolish a further 28 is well advanced. The completion of that work will support the wider regeneration of the estate.

With regard to further phases of the NIHE estate strategy, a detailed economic appraisal has been prepared. That has the potential to deliver real improvements to 264 homes that are in both private and public ownership throughout the estate. The proposed works include a range of internal and external repairs and renovations to homes; enhanced access to courtyards; improvements to main spine routes in the estate; and some general restructuring that, when delivered, will cost more than £2·6 million and will bring real improvements to the lives of those who live, work and play in the area.

The economic appraisal is still being assessed, and I understand that the Housing Executive is working to address queries that the Department of Finance and Personnel raised. I am assured that answers will be forthcoming, and I look forward to having the necessary approval for that work as soon as possible thereafter. However, even with approval, we must try to find the resources that are required to deliver the work.

By now, Members will be all too aware of the funding shortfall that is facing housing as a result of the collapse of the land and property market. Over the next two years, housing will be left short to the tune of £200 million. That loss of revenue means that the Housing Executive must reprioritise its work and start only those schemes for which funding is available.
Although the next phase of work at Dunclug has been identified as a high-priority scheme, the funding for its delivery is not yet secure. Without additional resources, the Housing Executive does not believe that it will be in a position to deliver the work before next March.

I assure Members that I will continue to press my ministerial colleagues for additional resources to make up for the massive shortfall in the housing budget, and I will continue to make the case that investment in housing is needed — not only for vital social reasons, but for strong economic reasons.

Members will be aware that I am not merely calling for more money. Recently, my party published proposals on how to find the extra money that is needed for housing and other priority areas. I invite Members across the House to explore those proposals further.

I regret that the lack of funding has affected other actions in the action plan. The piloting of police community support officers has been delayed due to a shortfall in PSNI funding, and Ballymena Borough Council’s application to the Arts Council’s re-imaging communities programme to remove political graffiti in the estate was unsuccessful. The proposal to provide closed-circuit television on the estate may not proceed either without the necessary funding.
Progress has been made on 19 of the 22 actions. Despite funding difficulties, that represents a remarkable start to making a difference in the estate and in bringing about the sort of improvements that Members have talked about today.

I will touch briefly on some of the issues that were raised by Members, particularly those raised by Daithí McKay. However, my response may simply be a re-emphasis of what I have said already. The areas at risk programme, through which the youth worker, the drugs outreach worker and the PAKT worker were funded is time-limited. All parties were made aware of that from the outset, and, as stated previously, I welcome the effort of continued youth support in the area. I encourage Mr McKay to work with the community to ensure that the offer of support from the North Eastern Education and Library Board is taken up.

The funding package for the play park is in place, planning permission has been received, tenders have been advertised and work will proceed as soon as possible. I am pleased to say that my Department has been able to provide funding of more than £138,000 to ensure the completion of the play park.

Mr McKay referred also to the lack of facilities in the north end of Ballymena, and he said that the Ballymena North project is a white elephant, because it is too expensive for locals to use. The Department recognises the need for good-quality facilities in Dunclug — that is why we have committed £138,000 for the refurbishment of the community centre in the middle of the estate. If there are concerns about the Ballymena North project, they should be addressed to Ballymena Borough Council.

I restate to Members and to the people of Dunclug my commitment to ensuring that all actions in the Dunclug action plan are implemented. I want to complete the much needed housing improvements in Dunclug — and in similar estates — as soon as possible, so I will continue to press my Executive colleagues to put housing on a firm financial footing.

I thank those Members who contributed positively to the debate. I assure them that my Department, the Housing Executive and I will continue to work closely with the local community and with all the other stakeholders to keep them up to date on progress with the proposed improvements for the Dunclug estate. That is the best signpost for hope that the Assembly, the Executive and all the agencies can give to the people of Dunclug, because that is what they deserve.

DUP leader rebukes Wilson & backs Sinn Féin position on Climate Change

Its good to see that Peter Robinson supports the Sinn Féin position on the causes of Climate Change and that he has given his Environment Minister a ‘slap on the wrist’ for his recent behaviour.

The joint First Ministers both recognise that Climate Change is “one of the most serious problems facing the world” and for Sammy Wilson to robustly challenge that position on The Nolan Show today is in itself a challenge to his own party leader.

Sammy Wilson refuses to promote the Programme for Government’s commitment to tackle the causes of Climate Change which is his duty as a member of the Executive. Thus he is undermining the entire Executive.

Peter Robinson has now indicated that the debate on the causes of Climate Change within the DUP is now over. When reshuffling his DUP Ministers in the coming weeks will he take into consideration the need to ensure that his Ministerial colleagues follow his lead on all issues? It will be a sign of weak political leadership if he does not.

Below is a question I posed to OFMDFM earlier this month about their commitment to Climate Change. The first line of the response from Peter Robinson & Martin McGuinness was raised by Stephen Nolan this morning and the Environment Minister rebuked it again and again:

Mr D McKay asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister (i) what committments are in the Programme for Government relating to Climate Change, and (ii) what responsibilities Ministers have in supporting and promoting this section of the Programme for Government.

It is clear that climate change is one of the most serious problems facing the world. While we recognise that it requires action internationally we are determined to play our part in addressing this challenge. That is why sustainability is one of two cross cutting themes underpinning the Programme for Government.Protecting and enhancing our environment is one of the five strategic priorities within the Executive Programme for Government. That priority sets out the collective targets for the Executive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% below 1990 levels by 2025 and ensure 12% of our electricity is generated from indigenous renewable sources by 2012. In addition, PSA 22 sets out targets for departments in this regard.

All departments and Minsters are committed to the delivery of these ambitious targets as we move forward. In line with OFMDFM’s lead role in sustainable development policy we will continue to work with departments to realise our sustainability objectives through our Sustainable Development Strategy and the associated Implementation Plan.

Sammy 'slapped down' by Robinson!

At Question-time today the DUP First Minister Peter Robinson made it very clear that he does not agree with Sammy Wilson's views on Climate Change:

“I think the scientific evidence is on the side of those of us who believe that man is having an impact on climate and, therefore, there is a necessity on the part of the Executive to be dealing with those issues. And, even if it weren’t so, I have to say that the possibility that it were should be enough to alert any responsible Executive to take whatever measures it can.”



The divisions between Sammy and the rest of his party become clearer the more the debate on Climate Change here goes on. Such a public slap-down from his party leader surely does not bode well for Wilson with a June reshuffle around the corner..

Ritchie stalling on Dunclug commitment

The Social Development Minister has indicated to me that work to install new kitchens at Riverdale in Rasharkin will be completed by the summer which is to be welcomed. I am very concerned that a lot of important Housing Executive work is being stalled and delayed at the moment and the single transferable answer to any question that is put to the Minister is “I have no money”.

I have put forward an adjournment debate at the Assembly tomorrow on the stalling of the Dunclug Action Plan, the implementation of which is crucial in trying to turn the estate around and improve the quality of life of those who live there. Just because things are getting tight financially doesn't mean that those communities which need funding the most should lose funding which they have lobbied for years to get. The Minister should manage her budget more effectively to ensure that Dunclug, and areas like it, get the funding and the infrastructure they need.



Mr D McKay asked the Minister for Social Development to list each deadline that has been missed in the Dunclug Action Plan and when this work will be completed.

Two of the 22 actions within the Dunclug Action Plan have not yet started; the relocation of the play park and the implementation of a NIHE estate strategy. Planning permission has been sought for the play park and subject to this being granted, it is anticipated that work will commence on site in spring 2009. An Economic Appraisal for the NIHE estate strategy is currently being considered by Department of Finance and Personnel as the scheme is above the Housing Executive’s delegated limit. The start date will depend on when clearance from the Department of Finance and Personnel is secured and the availability of the necessary funding.


Mr D McKay asked the Minister for Social Development why funding from her Department for youth workers in Dunclug is being cut; and if she will look into the possibility of continuing to provide funding for youth workers in the area.

Funding for the NEELB’s current Youth Project in Dunclug was provided through the DSD Areas at Risk programme, which funded a full time dedicated Youth Worker and 5 part-time Apprentice Youth Workers from 2007-2009.

The Department is unable to provide any further grant assistance for the Youth Project as intervention through the Areas at Risk programme is specifically limited to a 2 year period.

The Department has no other funding programmes through which this project can be supported and, therefore, its continuation depends on funding being secured from other sources.

Mars Hill: 20 Questions to a Fellow Blogger

The blog "Mars Hill" today published an interview with me regarding blogging, political issues and more personal matters. The interview can be accessed here.

The Carbon Footprint Calculator - as used by Sammy Wilson

The Environment Minister has revealed that he used http://www.carbonbalanced.org/ to calculate the carbon footprint of members of the Environment Committee, unfortunately he neglected to calculate his own footprint as he is "not exercised by it".

The website that the Minister used helps you to calculate the amount of carbon produced from your flights, your transport use and your domestic energy use at home.

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of the Environment (i) to detail the research he carried out on the carbon footprint of MLAs; and (ii) to publish the research, including his own carbon footprint.

Firstly, I only gathered information on members of the Environment Committee. Mileage claims submitted by MLAs are published on the Assembly website. I then accessed www.carbonbalanced.org which allowed me to calculate the carbon footprint for the number of miles claimed.I would refer to my responses to the Environment Committee on 26 February and AQ 2377/09, which are both recorded in Hansard. I have not studied my carbon footprint because I am not exercised about it. I was simply giving the information to members who seem to be deeply concerned by the matter.

Republicans mark 20th Anniversary of Gerard Casey

Republicans from Counties Antrim, Derry, Tyrone and Donegal gathered in Rasharkin last weekend to commemorate the death of local IRA volunteer Gerard Casey who was killed by loyalists in collusion with the RUC 20 years ago this week. On Saturday night a memorial lecture was held in the village during which a display was erected showing photographs of Gerard before he was killed as well as some of the media response to the murder.

Gerard’s daughter Tara spoke about her father and the person he was which she had learned about from her family and Gerard’s friends as she was very young when he was shot. She spoke of the anger that her family has at the ongoing denial of state involvement and collusion in the attack at Shamrock Park 20 years ago. Shortly before Gerard was murdered his legally held shotgun was taken away by the RUC who told him in Castlereagh that he would be shot.



Tara said that “our home was repeatedly searched and on those occasions photographs and a detailed plan of the interior of our home was taken a most vitally a legally held shotgun – a shotgun that could have been his only weapon of defence. In other words they wanted him dead.

“Daddy, from what I’ve been told through the years, had 3 dreams in life: for my mum to be happy, for us his children to be happy, and for Ireland to be united and free.”

A number of Gerard’s friends shared their personal memories of Gerard Casey and how the harassment that he experienced and his treatment at the hands of the RUC in Castlereagh never deterred him from his work and his political beliefs. The memorial lecture was given by ex-IRA prisoner and Sinn Féin activist Sean McGlinchey:





“We’re not there yet but we have made sweeping changes and there are more changes to be made. Gerard became a volunteer at a time when there was widespread harassment of the nationalist and republican community by the RUC and when there was blatant discrimination, especially in regard to employment.

“Gerard seen the discrimination at that time, the RUC harassment, the unionist politicians’ abuse of control. People wonder why Gerard was singled out as a target and the reason they targeted Gerard was because he was a leader and he never faulted at anything and would never ask someone to do something that he wouldn’t do himself. Other people from this area such as John Davey were targeted for the same reasons.


“At that time the IRA campaign was very simple. Units got together and met in different houses of people who kept you, fed and clothed you and those people were just important as everybody else, its wasn’t just about the prisoners and the volunteers, it was much wider. I knew people who ensured that the volunteers were fed even though they were struggling to get by themselves and they never complained once. Its important that we never forget that and those people are still out there and solidly behind the republican movement.”



On Sunday a parade was held in the village which finished in St Mary’s graveyard. The guest speaker was Alex Maskey who spoke at Gerard’s funeral 20 years previously. Alex reflected on the time that Gerard was murdered and how there was a campaign involving collusion in the North Antrim/South Derry area at that time which also claimed the lives of Tommy Donaghy from Kilrea, Malachy Carey from Loughgiel and others. Gerard’s funeral was surrounded by RUC members in riot gear who also surrounded the entire graveyard as he was laid to rest.

Maskey talked about the great progress that has been made, the huge reduction in British troops, policing reform and the securing of rights for people over the past ten years. However he also said that the work of Sinn Féin would go on until there was a full British withdrawal of troops and that there is a political strategy to achieve that. He openly challenged any of the micro-groups that carried out recent attacks “to relay a coherent and realistic strategy because I haven’t heard one to date”.

There was also an attack on a known Ballymena drug dealer who had been seen putting up 32CSM posters in the village and threatening local people earlier that day. Maskey said that people like this were “an affront to republicanism and were dragging the name of republicanism through the dirt. The hundreds of Rasharkin people gathered to commemorate Volunteer Gerard Casey here today is a powerful message in itself. The republican community in this areais strong, united and resolute in its commitment to achieving a united Ireland, as resolute as Gerard Casey was when he gave up his life for this community, for a united Ireland and for a better quality of life for everybody.”

The young chairperson of the local Gerard Casey Cumann, Rasharkin, Laoi Aine Ni Pheacoig closed proceedings by thanking everybody for making the weekend of events a great success and urged everybody to attend Easter commemorations in their local areas next weekend as republicans remember their dead across the entire island. She also congratulated Gerard’s wife Una who received a special award in Donegal for her contribution to the Irish struggle from Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams.



Everyone involved in this weekend’s events should be congratulated first and foremost for organising a fitting and dignified celebration of the life of Óglach Gerard Casey. Republicans are proud of all our volunteers but especially those from within our local community and a lot of people who knew Gerard found the weekend very emotional which demonstrates the stead in which he was held.

In his talk Sean McGlinchey talked about the leadership qualities that Gerard Casey had and I am glad to see that in the 20 years since Gerard’s death more and more young republican leaders – strong, articulate activists who are committed to their community – coming to the forefront of their communities. That was clear for me to see at all the events that were held over the weekend. Republicanism has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years and I think it is fair to say that it has never been stronger in North Antrim. We as republicans are well used to taking on challenges and there will be more of these in the time ahead. But with the support of the community and an unwavering commitment to republican ideals I have no doubt that the dream of a united Ireland can and will be realised.

Question Time - Met Office

Earlier today I questioned the Agriculture and Rural Development Minister on the issue of Climate Change and the contact her department has had with the Met Office, its just a pity the Environment Minister couldn't do his job properly when it comes to important issues such as this:

Utilities digging up streets without proper consultation with community

Theres uproar amongst businesspeople in Rasharkin this week after NI Water informed them that the Main Street in the village will be closed for 3 months. Local businesses as well as local residents have been given only days notice of this significant closure and some are even saying that employees’ jobs could be on the line.



This comes less than a week after a report was published by the Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee slamming NI Water, Roads Service and others for “inadequate consultation” with local stakeholders regarding roadworks.

The Committee was “very concerned by evidence of a lack of consultation and the high-handed and lax approach to complying with established procedures. Particularly in the current economic climate, this is unacceptable and more must be done by Roads Service to police utilities’ actions and ensure better engagement with those affected by street works.”

"Committee members were able to offer numerous examples in their constituencies where utilities had opened roads without sufficiently engaging local businesses. Members provided several illustrations where streets had been dug up without consultation, traders had not been informed in advance of the scheme, access to shops was severely restricted and shopkeepers had lost a great deal of trade. The Committee is very concerned by this evidence of lack of consultation and the high-handed and lax approach to complying with the established procedures. Particularly in the current economic climate, this is unacceptable and more must be done by Roads Service to police utilities’ actions and ensure better engagement with those affected by street works.

NI Water's helpline is not much good either. I am still awaiting a call back from them even though they said they would come back to me with further information on the issue days ago. All in all its another mess involving the utilities that dig up our roads, and then dig them up again with poor consultation and co-ordination with other utilities. I have put questions to the DRD Minister about this and will be keeping an eye on how utilities perform in the wake of the PAC report.