Byrne meets Special Olympics athlete from Strabane at Stormont event

SDLP MLA for West Tyrone Joe Byrne today met with Special Olympics participants at Stormont, including an athlete from Strabane.   

The MLA attended the Ulster Special Olympics Athletes awareness and information event where he met two local people - Mr Billy Mc Intyre and his step-son Julian.

Mr Byrne said Julian will be competing at the All Ireland Special Olympics finals in Limerick in June.

The MLA said: “It was great to see the energy and enthusiasm of the Special Olympian Athletes who attended the event.

“Special Olympics Ireland is a fantastic organisation that is providing great encouragement and support to these special people who are so keen to partake in athletics and other sports.”

Byrne: Cap money for rural development still in doubt

Joe Byrne, SDLP MLA and Vice Chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, says the CAP money for Rural Development is still in doubt since the High Court action between the two Executive ministers in December.

Speaking after the Rural Development debate in the Assembly on Monday Joe Byrne said: ‘’The debate on Rural Development in relation to Pillar 1 to Pillar 11 transfers has gleaned no further progress from the DARD Minister or from the Executive as a whole. The turf war squabble between Minister O Neill and Minister Hamilton is still on-going, and no sign of a resolution in sight.

“The conclusion of the debate whereby the DUP and Sinn Fein jointly defeated the substantive debate adds further fuel to the debate they are both more interested in potential squabbling for electoral purposes.

“Unfortunately, the real interest of farmers and the rural community, in general, has not yet been tackled by Minister O’Neill with her colleague Minister Hamilton. Both Ministers, and both the DUP and Sinn Fein seem intent on prolonging the squabble and milking it for pure political gamesmanship.’’

KELLY: Single Farm Payment delays leaving farmers under pressure

SDLP Strabane councillor Patsy Kelly says delays in Single Farm Payments are leaving some farmers under pressure and struggling to pay bills.

Cllr Kelly says concern is mounting as some farmers have revealed they are facing pressure to pay their autumn bills.

Mr Kelly said: “The picture is really only starting to emerge. Farmers who have contacted the SDLP say they were expecting to receive their Single Farm Payment two to three weeks ago. They’re saying they would use that payment to pay suppliers for a variety of items, such as meal and fuel bills and, in some cases, the banks.

“Now, they’re saying they've been told their land is to be inspected and they’ll have to just wait. Farmers are saying they should have been forewarned that payment would be delayed because at least they would have had time to make alternative arrangements to pay off suppliers and keep them happy, and in other cases, negotiate with the bank.

“What we’re seeing is serious pressure being placed on the finances of some farmers, and their cash flow. In some cases there is already enough pressure, so they don’t need this.

“I will be raising the matter with our Agriculture spokesperson, West Tyrone MLA Joe Byrne, who is vice-chairperson of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, to ensure the concerns of farmers are heard at the Assembly."

Kelly: Dereliction funding a welcome boost for Strabane

SDLP councillor Patsy Kelly says £200,000 of dereliction funding allocated to Strabane District will give a welcome boost to the areas where the money will be spent.

The funding allocated last summer by the Department of Environment is to address dereliction in Strabane town centre, Castlederg, Newtownstewart and Dunamanagh.

Cllr Kelly said: “Work has started on tidying up derelict areas in Strabane town centre, and I think this will really make a visual difference to the area. There are a lot of traders in Strabane District who take real pride in their frontages and take a lot of effort to make their businesses look inviting but, in the nearby vicinity there are run down, dilapidated buildings that bring them down.  

“This funding means the environment can be improved and, in turn, that will hopefully encourage more people to visit them. This funding will be used to make Strabane District a more attractive place to work and visit, and encourage new businesses to trade.”

SDLP: The People's A5 Must be Delivered

West Tyrone SDLP MLA Joe Byrne has this week called on the Department of Regional Development to make the completion of the new A5 Western Transport Corridor a priority following tragic start to New Year.

Speaking on the matter Mr Byrne said "It is unfortunate that last year we lost a number of lives on this road and that in 2014 we have had to start the New Year with further carnage and loss of life on the current sub-standard A5. The SDLP in West Tyrone have been fully committed to delivering the A5 for the people of the North West. I have personally been lobbying for this road since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.  Unfortunately the Minister and his Department are constantly blocking the roads completion, hiding behind legal red tape. These excuses are wearing very thin. I fully believe that the construction of the new A5 road would greatly improve safety for drivers and reduce fatalities suffered on our roads following 56 fatalities across the North in 2013."

"The new A5 would bring a raft of advantages to the North West. Not only in terms of safety but also economic advantages. Areas like Strabane have been constantly disadvantaged due to poor infrastructure. This ultimately puts off potential investors and any potential jobs prospect. I see the New A5 as the greatest opportunity to bring the North West of Ireland, to an equal footing in terms of economic investment, with the rest of the province."

"This road is not only essential at present, but is essential for our future and the future of our children and grandchildren. This road will bring jobs to an area that has seen very little effort made by central government to reduce unemployment. It is time the A5 is brought back to the forefront of the political picture. We in the SDLP will not allow this issue to slide off Ministers desk or fall below the radar as certain political parties would hope. We will make it very clear, both locally and in Stormont, the People of the West deserve better and will not accept any further excuses. This is about saving lives and building a sustainable future in the Northwest."

McIntyre: Attempted Robbery of Castlederg Business condemned

SDLP Candidate Jim McIntyre has this week condemned the attempted robbery of a Castlederg business and threat to its owner.

Mr McIntyre said; "This attempted robbery of a small business in the Diamond area of Castlederg Town centre is a disgusting act committed by those who apparently have no respect for the community or work of small businesses. It is believed the incident occurred at approximately 2.15pm and that one man, armed with a knife, entered the premises and demanded money."

"My thoughts go to the owner of the business who had to endure this awful and stressful ordeal and should be commended for their brave actions which stopped the robbery and resulted in the thug leaving the business empty handed."

"January is a difficult time for many small businesses without this cowardly threat and attack. There has been a spate of attempted robberies across the North West in recent weeks and I would ask that all business owners be vigilant and contact the police should they notice any suspicious activity."

"I would encourage anyone who has information on this incident or the people involved to come forward the PSNI."

SDLP welcome high levels of Electoral Registration

This week West Tyrone SDLP MLA Joe Byrne has welcomed the high levels of Electoral Registration in the West Tyrone Constituency, with an estimated 92.2% of the potential electorate registered.

Welcoming the figures Mr Byrne said “The figures with the Northern Ireland Electoral Office showing West Tyrone has over 92% of the electorate registered. This is pleasing as it shows me that many people still value their vote, and realise the importance of making their voice heard by utilising their right to vote.”

“Equally as impressive is the number of young people who have registered to vote, especially those aged 17 who will be able to eligible to vote in the upcoming European and Local Government elections. Many young people, and indeed all people, who were previously indifferent to the political landscape or unhappy with the status quo, must realise it is only by taking full advantage of their democratic right to vote as the only way to make things change.”

“2014 will be a very busy year in terms of elections and it is only by using your vote will you have a say in how the political landscape is shaped for the next 4 to 5 years. Elections don’t come around very often, and with the introduction of the New Derry and Strabane Super Council it is vitally important that everyone votes as those elected will make decisions that may affect your day to day living.”

“This year there are new seats up for contention with fresh candidates hoping for your vote. I would encourage everyone to look at those new candidates who are running in your area and support fresh politics for a new year.”