Daisy Hill Hospital is set to receive a multi million pound investment in services for children and young people after planning permission was approved for a new Paediatric Centre of Excellence based at the Newry hospital.

The £8.4 million development, which is part of an overall £15 million paediatrics development across the Newry and Craigavon Area Hospitals,  has been given the go-ahead by Newry Mourne and Down District Council after a planning application was submitted by the Southern Health Trust for the redevelopment of the existing sixth floor at Daisy Hill Hospital into a paediatrics ward.

The Examiner understands that all planned paediatric surgery for the Southern Trust will be centralised in the new purpose built centre of excellence while a further £6.9m will be used to upgrade paediatric services at Craigavon Area Hospital.

The current level 6 area at Daisy Hill hospital will be redeveloped to include a new child-friendly theatre suite and recovery area as well as a 20 bed children’s ward, and a dedicated area for paediatric outpatients and ambulatory care – all custom designed to support the delivery of the most up to date clinical standards for the treatment and care of children and young people

SDLP Assembly Member for Newry and Armagh Dominic Bradley MLA welcomed confirmation from the Acting Chief Executive of the Southern Health and Social Care Trust that work on the new paediatric development will commence on site in the New Year.

Speaking after meeting with Mrs Clarke, Mr Bradley said the investment was “good news for Daisy Hill and for paediatric care in the Southern Trust.”

The development had been announced in November last year by the then Health Minister Jim Wells, however in recent weeks doubts had been raised whether the development would actually go ahead.  Mr Bradley said he had received assurances from the Chief Executive that “everything is very much on track for the development of the new facility and they expect a contractor to be on site in the New Year and the facility to be operational in 2017.”

“Daisy Hill is an excellent hospital and offers key acute services for the Southern Trust area,” added Mr Bradley.

“This development will see all planned and elective paediatric surgery carried out at Daisy Hill and will include the provision of a new dedicated Paediatric Theatre and associated suites in Newry.”

The Newry and Armagh MLA sought to reassure people that the investment in a smaller emergency type Paediatric facility in Craigavon which would deal only with emergency and non-elective procedures did not pose any threat to the proposals for Daisy Hill and said that, having met with the Acting Chief Executive last week, he is assured “that the Trust are very much committed to the development of the Centre of Excellence at Daisy Hill and look forward to work commencing on site in 2016.”

Seldom has the loss of someone so young left an entire community feeling as bereft as that in Dromintee following the tragic death of Peter Hughes on Sunday last.

The teenager died alongside his two friends, Conall Havern from Newry and Gavin Sloan from Attical, – both aged 20 – in a collision on the A1 while returning home from Belfast.

All three were students of Queen’s University and it is believed they were in the city to organise accommodation for the incoming term.

At just 19-years-old, Peter packed a great deal into his short life and was held in the highest esteem, not just in his own community, but among all those whose lives he touched.

A past pupil of St. Paul’s High School in Bessbrook, where he held the prestigious position of Head Boy in his final year, Peter Hughes excelled both academically and in the field of sport.  A talented senior footballer with his local club, he was also a member of Queen’s GAA team.

Throughout the week, hundreds of tributes were paid to Peter and his friends following the tragedy.  His former principal, Jarlath Burns, described him as “a perfect role model and a total charmer” and said the entire school community was numb with grief.

Colm McCoy, Chairman of Dromintee GFC, said he was “an invaluable member” whose passing has left “a great void”.

Hundreds formed queues to visit the family home at Carrickbroad during the wake and offer sympathy to his heartbroken parents, Paul and Sharon, and siblings Kevin, Jennifer and Ryan.  And the entire parish of Dromintee came to a standstill for Peter’s Funeral Mass on Wednesday as his team mates from Dromintee GAC and Queen’s GAA club formed guards of honour at the church while pupils from St. Paul’s High School lined the route of the cortege.

Mourners heard parish priest Fr Dermot Maloney describe the occasion as a “very sad day for the parish and the community”.

He paid tribute to Peter’s contribution to his former school: “In St Paul’s, Peter was head boy where he took his responsibilities very seriously. He loved St Paul’s and the St Paul’s community loved him,” he said, adding that he was “a role model to younger pupils”.

Fr Maloney praised Peter’s outstanding ability to be a friend to everyone: “He had many friends, he always included others who were on the outside, that was typical of Peter, he would draw others into the company.

“Peter Hughes was a rock to so many, his family and his friends. While we are in mourning at the loss of Peter, we are consoled by the fact that during his short life he showed much love,” he added.

In an emotional tribute to his eldest child, Paul Hughes addressed the packed church and the many outside listening via loudspeakers, describing Peter as their “special boy” and vowed that he would “always be our shining light”.

Mr Hughes said Peter was “adored” by the whole family: “Me and your mum, we really loved you so. Kevin, Jenna and Ryan – you were their shining light, you were their big brother as you still are this night.

“Your aunties and your uncles, they were so proud of you, your cousins loved you dearly and in you a friend they found.  Your two grannies and your grandad, they thought the world of you.  Your countless friends and team-mates were not afraid to shed a tear – you were their inspiration throughout your brief and fun-filled years.

“Every parent so rightly thinks their child is a special child, Peter you were our special boy, we always saw you smile.  We will miss you dearly Peter, you were our special one, there wasn’t a moment passed when we weren’t proud to call you son.

“Now the time has come to say goodbye and you have to move along, Peter you will always be our shining light and we must all remain so strong,” he told the visibly moved congregation.

Friends

The funeral of Peter’s close friend, Conall Havern, was held in St. Mary’s Church in Newry on Thursday.

Mourners heard how Conall was a talented athlete and musician who loved the Irish language and had “touched the lives of many people in lots of different ways”.

Sinn Féin’s Caitriona Ruane, a family friend, paid a moving tribute to the young man describing him as “intelligent, thoughtful, loving and funny”.

Pupils from his former schools, Bunscoil an Iúir Primary School and the Abbey Grammar School stood silently outside the church as Fr Tony Corr described how the three friends had “so much to look forward to and sadly their lives have ended in a tragic way”.

He said Conall had grown into a “kind, unassuming, thoughtful and humorous young man” and achieved much success in his studies and sport.

“Despite the fact that his father Mark died suddenly in January 2014, Conall passed his A-levels and secured himself a place at Queen’s University to study chemical engineering,” he said.

“At Queen’s, he met his friends, Peter Hughes and Gavin Sloan.  Conall and Peter had so much in common, they liked to play poker and had a great love for sport. Conall played for Saville GAC, played hurling for the Shamrocks, soccer for Ballybot and was also a member of a running club.  He was an avid Down fan and supporter of Liverpool football team,” he told the congregation.

The third victim of the tragedy, Gavin Sloan, was also laid to rest on Wednesday following requiem Mass in St Colman’s Church, Massforth.  Gavin is survived by his parents Liam and Eilish and brother Paul.  The 20-year-old student was studying law at QUB and had been described as “an exemplary student, conscientious and hard-working”.

Safety plans

Meanwhile, in the wake of this recent tragedy, it emerged that plans to improve safety along the A1 dual carriageway between Lisburn and border will be confirmed over the coming weeks.

A spokesperson for the Department for Regional Development (DRD) said a significant amount of development work has already been progressed on the scheme adding that “the preferred option for the proposal, which is estimated to cost in the range of £40m-£50m, will be confirmed in the coming weeks”.

A disgraced Newry Mourne and Down councillor who admitted sexually assaulting a woman, could now face up to a year in jail.

The case against Independent councillor Patrick Joseph Clarke pleaded guilty to the charge at a hearing in Downpatrick Magistrates Court last week, which had been scheduled to fix a date for his contest but instead, the charge was put to him again and he pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting his victim on 23 December last year.

A prosecuting lawyer said 40-year-old Clarke would not be prosecuted on a second similar charge against the same victim on the same date.

No facts surrounding the sex attack were opened in court and his defence barrister asked for him to be released on continuing bail pending sentence.

Granting the application and ordering that a pre-sentence probation report be completed, District Judge Peter King told Clarke to return to court on 12 October for the sentencing hearing.

The entire district was left reeling last week with the news that two more young people had lost their lives on our roads.  Local communities were plunged into grief once again as they learned of the deaths of best friends Eoin Farrell and James Miskelly, both just 17, who were killed when the car they were travelling in careered off the Kilbroney Road just before midnight on Monday.

It is understood the car struck a wall, causing a fire to a nearby oil tank which spread to a property, before the vehicle ended up in a field.  A third teenager, Che Kane, was reportedly thrown from the car.  He spent most of last week in a critical condition in Craigavon Area Hospital before being take off a life support machine on Wednesday.  His condition is described as “ill but stable.”.

People throughout Newry and Mourne struggled to come to terms with the latest tragedy to claim such young lives, occurring just weeks after three young men from Dromintee, Newry and Kilkeel were killed in a crash on the A1 from Belfast and barely a week after 24 year old Queen’s graduate, Danica Nugent was killed in a one car collision in Crossmaglen.

Hundreds of tributes were paid to the pair by their devastated families and friends, with Mr Farrell, from Rostrevor, and Mr Miskelly, from Mayobridge, described as “great characters” who were “full of life.”

Speaking earlier last week, Eoin’s father Gerard remembered the pair as “inseparable friends.”  The grieving father described his son as “fun-loving and easygoing.”

“He was always on the go, always enjoying life, always with his cheeky smile,” he said.

“There wasn’t a bad bone in him. He was a great son, just a great, great son. We all loved him.”

Mr Farrell also expressed his sympathy to the families of the other victims killed and injured in the accident and said his “thoughts and prayers” were with them.

“An awful tragedy – I wouldn’t wish it on anybody,” he added.

Both teenagers had previously attended St Mark’s High School in Warrenpoint and were students at the Southern Regional College in Newry where they were studying heavy vehicle maintenance.

The chief executive of the Southern Regional College, Brian Doran, said the tragic accident had left staff and fellow students in “a state of shock.”

Mr Doran said the two young men had been cut down “in the prime of their lives.” Describing the teenagers as “great characters”, Mr Doran said the two had a close bond in the classroom “and will be sorely missed by staff and fellow students alike.”

The chief executive also wished fellow SRC student Che Kane well in his recovery.

Independent Councillor Jarlath Tinnelly, who lives close to the scene of the tragedy, said the district was “still in a dark place” due to the recent fatalities which had taken place and described the Rostrevor crash as “absolutely horrific.”

“In any small community, as word begins to spread, it affects everybody.  All our thoughts and prayers are with the two families who have been plunged into an absolute nightmare,” he said.

Both Eoin and James were laid to rest on Friday. Hundreds lined the streets of Rostrevor as Eoin Farrell’s funeral cortege made its way through the town before his burial at Kilbroney Municipal Cemetery.  James Miskelly’s funeral was held later at St Patrick’s Parish Church in Mayobridge.  His family had asked his young friends not to wear black to his funeral but instead to wear James’ favourite clothes including check shirts, flat caps and brown shoes.

SDLP Representatives Dominic Bradley MLA and Councillor Geraldine Donnelly recently met with senior representatives of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) to discuss concerns over response times across south Armagh.

Following the meeting with John Wright (Assistant Director of Operations) and David McManus (Medical Director) of NIAS, Mr Bradley said his party is seeking improvements to the service in south Armagh.

“Last year the Ambulance Service was called upon over 1,100 times in south Armagh and our concern has been the length of time it takes for an ambulance to get to its destination.  It takes a good twenty-five minutes to get to Crossmaglen from Newry and that’s on the basis that there is an ambulance there to respond, quite often vehicles are dispatched from Armagh, Dungannon, Craigavon or Kilkeel and that all adds to the response times.  All ‘Category A’ calls are supposed to be responded to in eight minutes, this simply isn’t happening, it’s physically impossible,” he stated.

Councillor Donnelly said waiting for an ambulance for a loved on “can seem like a lifetime” when faced with an urgent situation.

“We’re all too aware of the crises in our health service and the pressures on front line services in Crossmaglen is also widely known, yet all too often it is the local GPs in south Armagh who respond to emergency calls because they too know how long it takes for an Ambulance to arrive,” she revealed.

“Local people are in the process of establishing a ‘First Responder’s’ scheme in Crossmaglen, and whilst it is not designed to replace or substitute services such as the Ambulance Service, it is a vital service in this community and I commend all those who are involved in it and those who are volunteering as First Responders.  They will work closely with the Ambulance Service as the service develops in the weeks and months ahead.

“Places like Crossmaglen are isolated from every service government has to offer, everything from health care to broadband and yet this community has shown its resilience and has stepped up to the mark.  With an ambulance base in Newry there is no way a vehicle can get to Crossmaglen within the eight minutes it is supposed to so the service the First Responders offer will save lives, of that there is no doubt,” she added.

A 26-year-old man will appear in Newry Magistrates’ Court later today (Monday), charged with the attempted murder of two men who were injured in separate shootings in Newry on Wednesday night and in the early hours of Thursday morning last.

The victims, both aged 32 and from Lithuania, were shot in the leg in what have been described as “paramilitary-style” attacks.

The first incident occurred around midnight when a man called to a house on Sandy’s Street.  A verbal altercation ensued before the man who lives in the house was taken outside and shot in the leg.

Less than an hour later, another man was abducted from a house in the Ardfield Road area of Warrenpoint and forced into a dark coloured car before being driven to the Armagh Road in Newry where he too was shot in the leg.

Both victims were treated in hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

As part of the ongoing investigation, which police say is not being treated as a hate crime, six men were arrested and questioned in connection with the shootings.  Five, aged between 20 and 31, were released on bail pending further inquiries.  The sixth, who was arrested in Dungannon on Thursday, has been charged with a number of offences including attempted murder, kidnapping, possession of a firearm with intent to create an indictable offence and various driving offences.

Local politicians condemned the shootings with Sinn Fein MP Mickey Brady saying there could be” no justification” for the incidents which, he said, had brought back a fear that people had from the past.

SDLP Councillor Gary Stokes also expressed his concern at the attacks.

“It is something we have known in the past’’ and one that we don’t want to see return to our streets, he said.

The police investigation continues and detectives have appealed for information.

Local company, Wibble Web Design & Development has won a DANI award – Northern Ireland’s premier digital industry awards – for its work on the revamp of the Ring of Gullion’s website.

The website overhaul was part of The Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership scheme funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF, whose grant programme is to conserve and enhance some of the UK’s most treasured landscapes. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council are managing the £1.4 million scheme. The scheme aims to engage people with the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and surrounding landscape.

At the recent DANI Awards event, Crossmaglen-based Wibble Web Design & Development won highly commended in the ‘Not for Profit’ category and went through a stringent shortlisting process to be chosen.

Paudie Fearon, owner of Wibble Web Design says he is delighted at the award: “For a new, local business to, firstly, win the tender for the project and then to be nominated for such a prominent award is amazing. We were up against some tough competition but are extremely pleased that the hard work put into the project has been recognised with the award,” he said.

Visitors to the Ring of Gullion website have increased significantly and the site is currently experiencing over 25,000 sessions a month.  Early numbers suggest visitors to the area are up, attendance at events has increased, and feedback from local business, community groups and other stakeholders is extremely positive.

Des Murphy, Chairperson of the Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership Scheme said the team at Wibble were a pleasure to work with.

“All targets set out in the terms of reference have been met and many new features of the project have proven to be a success, the site hosts interactive maps, downloadable audio trails, beautiful photo galleries,” he said.

Outlining new website features, Darren Rice, Manager of the Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership Scheme added: “We are delighted with the new website, the traffic it receives and the feedback we have received so far. However, we aren’t going to sit back just yet; we have a few new pages to develop including our online shop for a local arts collective, a Micheal J. Murphy page and a few surprises too.”

Chairperson Councillor Naomi Bailie said the new Ring of Gullion website, launched earlier this year, has been a resounding success.

“It’s absolutely great for the district to have such an asset, and to have a great website to raise awareness. This site, and the work carried out by the Ring of Gullion team ensure the area is protected and growth is sustainable,” she said.

Angelina Fusco, Member of the HLF NI Committee commended the Ring of Gullion website developers:  “The website is a crucial window to the world to showcase all they are achieving. Getting a website right can be tricky so we are delighted their revamped website is such a success. We congratulate the team and Wibble on their DANI award.”

The Southern Trust has admitted that, despite its efforts to recruit senior doctors to maintain the Emergency Department in Daisy Hill at night time on a permanent or temporary basis, the UK wide shortage of Middle Grade and Consultant emergency medical staff continues to present difficulties with both the recruitment and retention of suitably qualified doctors.

In a statement provided to The Examiner in response to our request for an update on the staffing situation and renewed speculation that the Emergency Department is set to close at night time from November, a Trust spokesperson said it remained committed to a “24/7 emergency department service” in Daisy Hill and was working closely with the Health and Social Care Board and the Public Health Agency to maintain the service.

Back in July, The Examiner exclusively revealed that difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff at the hospital had led to fears of a reduction in Emergency Department opening hours.

The situation was brought to the attention of The Examiner by a member of the public who, through a source in the medical field, learned that there was strong speculation that the local emergency department could close in the evenings and over weekends in the near future.

The ongoing issue of pressures on the local Emergency Department was raised last week during an Assembly debate led by SDLP Assembly Member for Newry and Armagh, Dominic Bradley.  Local MLA’s, including Sinn Fein’s Megan Fearon, were united in voicing their anger that Health Minister Simon Hamilton was not present to hear the debate.

“It seems he is quite happy to engage in stunts by going back to his post for a brief period but did not think the future of services at Daisy Hill hospital was important enough to warrant his attention,” said the Sinn Fein MLA, adding that “recruitment of doctors for Daisy Hill hospital needs to happen as soon as possible so the best possible services can be delivered for patients.”

“The people of Newry and Armagh deserve better treatment than they have been getting to date from the health service.”

Mr Bradley said he was “bitterly disappointed” at the absence of the Health Minister and said his “Here today gone tomorrow” attitude was “playing fast and loose with our health service and with people’s lives.”

Referring to the recent decision to withdraw Stroke Services from Newry to Craigavon, the poor ambulance response times in south Armagh which have prompted the inception of a First Responders Scheme, and the increasing pressure on GPs across south Armagh,  the SDLP MLA said these issues were all contributing factors to the pressures faced by the Emergency Department in Daisy Hill.

“Last Year, the demand on Daisy Hill’s Emergency Department increased by 10%,” said Mr Bradley.

“Numbers presenting to the service are increasing, people are waiting longer to be seen and the Trust is struggling to recruit the staff required to maintain the unit 24 hours a day, seven Days a week.  There are real and genuine concerns among hospital staff and in the community at large that this could lead to reduced operating hours.’

The SDLP Assembly Member revealed that the Southern Trust had already engaged in 16 recruitment exercises and yet have failed to fill the staffing complement required at Middle Grade and Consultant Emergency Medical Staff level.

He said he had met with the Acting Chief Executive Paula Clarke and her predecessor Mairead McAlinden and their executive teams on the issue and that, while he appreciated the efforts they were making to address the problem, “the Department and the Minister – when he comes back – need to act.”

“They must do more to support this service and to support Daisy Hill.”

In its response to The Examiner, the Southern Trust said senior medical staff from Daisy Hill and Craigavon Hospitals have agreed a management plan for the emergency department so it can remain open overnight.

“While this is welcomed, the service remains extremely vulnerable to any further loss of medical staff and sustaining the service in the medium to long term remains a significant challenge,” added the spokesperson.

“The new model is under constant review by senior Trust staff to ensure it is meeting the level of care expected in a Type 1 Emergency Department and recruitment efforts will continue unabated.

“The Trust remains committed to a 24/7 ED service in Daisy Hill , and is working with the Health and Social Care Board and the Public Health Agency  to do everything possible to maintain the service.

The Trust did not comment on concerns that the Emergency Department may be set to close from 10pm at night from November.

A Lithuanian man charged with the attempted murder of two Eastern European men in Newry last week is allegedly part of an international drug smuggling gang, a judge has been told.

Twenty-six year-old Ramunas Macnoris appeared in Newry Magistrates Court last Monday charged with two counts of attempted murder, kidnapping one of the alleged victims, possessing a weapon, namely a handgun with intent to commit attempted murder, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance and driving without a licence.

Two 32-year-old men were shot within an hour of each other at Sandy’s Street and Armagh Road in the city in the early hours of Thursday 17th September.

A detective sergeant told the court that the first alleged victim was kidnapped from his home in Ardfield Drive in Warrenpoint before being driven to the Armagh Road in Newry where he claims he was dumped from a VW Passat car and shot in the leg. The man reportedly told police in a witness statement that he had been “on the run from the Lithuanian mafia for three years” over an alleged drug deal .  He said a man he named as “Kundas” confronted him at his Warrenpoint home at gunpoint and bundled him into the back of the Passat which was allegedly driven by the defendant.  He claimed “Kundas” demanded £5,000 and gave him a phone to get the money but when the victim said he could not raise the cash, “Kundas” is alleged to have said he would be killed.   The victim was subsequently shot in the leg on the Armagh Road where a member of the public found him and alerted police.

The officer told the court the second victim was shot after he opened his front door at Sandy’s Street in the city to a man allegedly armed with a handgun and attached silencer.  Crime scene investigators who examined bullet casings at both scenes found that the calibre of bullet used was “typically used by Eastern bloc countries as service weapons”.

The detective sergeant claimed that Macronis is part of “a Lithuanian organised crime gang involved with the importation and distribution of drugs.” He revealed that police enquires had uncovered numerous sightings of the Passat and a Volvo car in an apparent convoy on CCTV footage around the city at the time of the shootings.

Macnoris was arrested on Thomas Street in Dungannon and a “sophisticated hide” was uncovered in the vehicle where the passenger air bag should have been.

The detective said the hide was capable of being locked and unlocked using electro magnets operated by the air bag button and inside, officers seized a “flick baton and a quantity of white powder.”

The officer added that Macnoris refused to answer police questions, account for his movements or take part in a police line-up but that “covert proceedings” had allowed the man who was allegedly kidnapped to identify Macnoris as the driver.

Police objected to bail amid fears the defendant could reoffend, interfere with witnesses or flee the country.  Despite defence submissions that Macnoris could be released with stringent conditions including staying 40 miles away from Newry, District Judge Paul Copeland refused to grant bail and remanded the accused into custody to appear again on 14 October via videolink.

Bail has been granted to seven men involved in alleged Continuity IRA terror plots, which were covertly recorded in an MI5 sting operation in Newry last year.

The men were among ten arrested after police stormed a property in Ardcarne Park on 10th November.  The house had been under surveillance for several months where dozens of meetings between the accused were secretly recorded.

Two of the ten have already been released on bail – Terence Marks (54) and 76-year-old Sean O’Neill from Parkhead Crescent in Newry, who has been freed on compassionate grounds for health reasons.

A bail application for the tenth man, John Sheehy (31) from Co. Kerry, has been adjourned until next week until a suitable bail address north of the border is found.

District Judge Eamon King bailed the men despite objections from the prosecution that they posed a risk of further offences, absconding or interfering with the ongoing investigation.

They were released on their own bail of £950 with conditions that they each have two sureties, report to police and do not associate with each other.

The ten men are jointly charged with CIRA offences after months of covert recordings of meetings at the Ardcarne Park home of defendant Colin Winters (44) where, according to the Crown case, tapes revealed plans for attacks on transport infrastructure and sniper strikes on high-profile targets.

Other topics allegedly discussed included membership of an outlawed organisation, weapons procurement and training, terrorist funding, recruitment and plans to commit acts of terrorism.

The five men facing a count of directing terrorism, along with the four other charges including IRA membership, conspiring to possess explosives, firearms and ammunition and preparing terrorist acts are: Patrick Joseph Blair (59), from Villas Park, Dundalk; Liam James Hannaway (45), from White Rise, Dunmurry, Co Antrim; Joseph Matthew Lynch (74), from Beechgrove Avenue, Limerick; Sean O’Neill (76), from Quinn’s Cottages, Limerick, and Colin Patrick Winters (44), from Ardcarn Park, Newry.

Facing four charges is John Sheehy (31), from Clounmacon, Listowel, Co Kerry; Terence Marks is accused of IRA membership and conspiring to cause an explosion, while fellow Newry man Kevin Heaney (42), from Mourne View Park, is accused of membership and receiving instructions on terrorism.

Facing a single charge of membership is Seamus Morgan (59), from Barcroft Park, also Newry, while Joseph Pearce (45), from Cloyharevan Park in Bessbrook, is charged with two counts of collecting information likely to be of use to terrorists.

All the offences are alleged to have occurred between August 1 and November 11 last year.

In Wednesday’s hearing at Newry Magistrates’ Court, a prosecutor revealed that, according to voice comparison expert Professor French, the voices of each defendant ranged from “distinctive to highly distinctive”, and that for some of the men, his comparisons provided “strong support” for the argument it was those individuals speaking on the covert recordings.

The Newry-based Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (KBRT) reached a poignant milestone last week, having helped to bring home the remains of 100 people who have died in tragic circumstances abroad.

The KBRT was set up by Colin and Eithne Bell in June 2013, following the death of their own son Kevin in a hit and run accident in New York.  Kevin had been a champion Irish dancer and a popular member of his local Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) club, and in the aftermath of his death, friends and supporters in Newry and abroad rallied round to raise funds to repatriate his body.  Within days the fund grew to £150,000 and when Kevin’s American employers agreed to cover the cost of transporting his body home, the Bells decided to use the money raised to help other families who were visited with the same tragedy – and so, the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust was born.

The Bell family could not have envisaged just how much their assistance would be needed and, with every family that has availed of the Trust’s help in the 27 months since Kevin’s death, the profile of KBRT has increased and amazing feats of generosity have been reflected back into the Trust from families it has helped.

The charity has now become a vital lifeline for people throughout Ireland and is now the first call made by many people hit by tragedy abroad. To date the KBRT has arranged repatriations to almost every county in Ireland.

Some of the families the charity has helped in its two short years spoke last week of their unending gratitude to KBRT for reuniting them with the remains of their loved ones.

The father of Newtownabbey man, Alan Drennan, who died in August whilst on holiday with 10 friends in Ibiza, has been particularly vociferous in his support for the charity.  Alan Snr called on everyone in Ireland to support the Newry Trust through continued donations and fundraising and said he would not have received his precious son home without Colin Bell’s unfaltering assistance. Mr Drennan said Colin had stepped in “full of love, full of calm and able to handle the authorities and cut through all the confusion and deal with the paperwork and permissions needed.”

“When Alan died we didn’t know what to do, we didn’t know who to turn to and it was only that a friend had heard about the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust that we got on the right road,” he said.

“But what we’ve learned is that these tragedies are happening all the time. In the nine weeks since Alan died more than 30 people have been brought home to the island of Ireland by the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.”

As with all families who have received assistance, Alan has now become involved in fundraising for the charity and is set to donate the proceeds of a raffle for a signed Manchester United shirt and a signed Celtic FC shirt to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.

Michael Douglas, from the Greater Shankill area of Belfast, was also among those who needed emergency financial assistance from the Trust after his 30-year-old sister Heather died suddenly in the USA.

Beset by red tape and an immediate bill of £7,000 to be paid before American authorities would release his sister’s body, Michael turned to Colin Bell.  Never having spoken to Mr Bell before, Michael said “literally a phone call and he sorted it. It took a lot of pressure off me”.

Another grateful recipient of the fund’s expertise, Karen Wallace from Mullingar, had not heard of the Trust until her 24-year-old brother, Brendan Devenney, died suddenly while travelling around Asia last December.

Karen is full of admiration for the Bell family for the work they do. She said the repatriation of her beloved brother was sorted after just “one phone call” and his remains brought home within a week.

“I couldn’t admire them enough or thank them enough for what they have done for us,” she said.

“I just think of what they went through themselves – they went through a tragedy themselves and it’s still quite raw for them, and for them to be able to do this for other families, I think it’s amazing.”

Last week, as a 27 year old Wexford man became the 100th person to be repatriated by the charity.

Colin Bell said it was “gratifying” to hear the support from people the trust has helped.

Speaking on UTV Live on Thursday about the work of the KBRT, Colin said,

“It gives a meaning to a senseless death. When Kevin was killed the people of Newry gave us such support and enabled us to set up this Trust and we said it was his legacy and it’s proving to be quite a big legacy that he’s leaving.

“All the families that we’ve had to deal with – they’re fantastic families and they have just been visited with the same tragedy as we have and we know what they’re going through and they know that we’ve gone through it so I suppose it helps them as well.”

The retired teacher now spends his days on the phone and online to destinations in all corners of the world, helping grieving families with the financial and administrative burdens that arise when someone dies far from home. It is a commitment that takes up most of his time, with the Trust founder often attending funerals in person and taking part in fundraising events across Ireland.

The KBRT is very much a family run organisation.  Kevin was one of seven children and all his brothers and sisters are involved in the charity in some way. Mr Bell vowed that the work of the charity would continue.

“There’s is hardly a weekend that there’s not some fundraiser in some part of Ireland. We’re getting amazing support from the people and we’re very grateful for it,” he said.

“Whenever I can’t do it anymore, my sons and my daughters will take over and look after it.  This is for the long-term.”

The Housing Executive in Newry is combining with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to provide a specialist interpreter service to immigrants seeking to set up home in the area.

Collaborating with the Council’s Diversity and Inclusive Unit, a weekly Tuesday clinic will be held at the Executive’s offices on Boat Street, hosted by Polish native, Mr Artur Kmiecik.

Mr Kmiecik and his family first made the move to Newry in 2006 when his wife was offered a six-month work contract here.  At the end of the contract period, the family returned to Poland but their eldest child had expressed a strong desire to return and live here.  Having enjoyed a comfortable life in their native country, the family’s decision to ultimately move back to Newry was not an economic one, but based on the whole family’s desire to live here.

Mr Kmiecik speaks a number of languages including English, Russian and German, which, together with Polish, have proved vital in being able to support others who have emigrated to Northern Ireland.  He has been involved with interpreting since he arrived first with STEP in Dungannon, then the NHS and also in local schools.  He has worked with Newry, Mourne and Down Council since it became involved with the Ethnic Minority Centre in 2010.

It was around this time he began working with the Housing Executive.

Explaining his role, Mr Kmiecik said: “During a typical year I would receive 250 visits for help.  It is my knowledge of Russian which helps me tremendously to communicate with those from Lithuania, Latvia, Slovakia and Bulgaria.  About half of those who attend my clinic come from my native Poland.”

In speaking about the main issues faced by those using the service he added: “It is the formality of the forms which have to be completed; whilst their spoken English may be good, comprehension and written English can be a challenge.”

As part of his work he regularly helps compile housing benefit applications, support those who present as homeless through the process, deals with changes in earnings calculations, overpayment requests and appeals.

Mr Kmiecik heaps great praise on the Housing Executive team whom he describes as “fantastic and very helpful.”

“I am proud of how the service with the Housing Executive in Newry has really helped, particularly in emergency situations.  I have built a good relationship with the team in the local office and they have been able to get help to those in real need quickly.  It’s a great partnership”

Owen McDonald, the Housing Executive’s Area Manager, is pleased with how the service has been received: “The team in the office is delighted to have the clinic onsite each week.  It has proved a vital support to those who need a bit of extra help as they make Newry and Northern Ireland their home,” he said.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Naomi Bailie is delighted that Mr Kmiecik is continuing to interpret for ethnic minorities in the district.

“The Council has embraced a number of wide-reaching initiatives aimed at fostering equality and inclusion of marginalised groups, especially recent migrants,” she explained.

“In 2007, the former Newry and Mourne District Council opened an Ethnic Minority Support Centre to assist the growing minority ethnic population in the area.  This Centre supports approximately 175 people a month.  This outreach initiative at the Housing Executive’s office forms an integral part of our work in the community and I commend everyone involved.”

The clinics will continue at the Housing Executive’s office in Boat Street, Newry, each Tuesday until end March next year.

A determined young Camlough woman who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes just days after she turned 18 has been reaching new heights this year since setting herself the challenge of scaling 15 mountains throughout Ireland, all in aid of Diabetes UK.

Twenty one year old Claire Garvey was diagnosed as a Type 1 insulin dependent Diabetic two days before embarking on her Nursing degree in September 2012.  Describing the news as the toughest thing she has ever faced, Claire was adamant she would stay positive and take control of her condition.  Three years later, in the same year she qualified as a Nurse, she has taken on the mammoth task of conquering 15 of Ireland’s mountains, climbing a total height of 8,848 metres – the equivalent of reaching the peak of Mount Everest.

Claire began her mountainous challenge in April this year and since then, has tackled some of Ireland’s highest climbs, including Carrauntoohil in County Kerry which, standing at 1038 metres, is Ireland’s tallest peak.  She has also conquered Croagh Patrick in Mayo, the Devil’s Bit in Tipperary as well as several of the Mourne mountains on her ambitious journey.

Spurred on by the company of good friends and supporters on many of her climbs, Claire, who is a senior footballer with Shane O’Neill’s in Camlough, will reach her final summit on Camlough Mountain next Sunday 18th October accompanied by her Shane O’Neill team mates and club members.  The club has made a rallying call for  as many team mates, players and supporters to join Claire as she scales her final mountain in what promises to be an emotional end to an amazing feat by the young Camlough woman.

Speaking to The Examiner about the heights she has reached during the challenge, Claire said she initially undertook the task to prove to herself that she would not be defeated or defined by her Diabetes, but she soon decided that it was a perfect opportunity to raise awareness of the illness and encourage other sufferers to take control.

“I love sports and I wanted to encourage other Diabetes sufferers that they can  accomplish whatever they want in life,” says Claire.

“It was a huge shock when I received my diagnosis, especially as I was just about to start my Nursing degree but I’ve learned to take control back.  We must  all take control of our diabetes, we only have one life and we should concentrate. Staying positive is key.

“I knew climbing Mount Everest would probably never happen so I thought climbing the equivalent height on Ireland’s mountains was the next best thing! It’s been fantastic and I’ve had such amazing experiences climbing with great friends along the way. Carrountoohil was the biggest challenge and it was such an achievement.  The view heading up there was just breathtaking and something I’ll always remember.

“I’m delighted to share my final climb with the Shane O’Neill’s and hope as many as possible turn out on the day.”

Climbers will assemble at Shane O’Neill’s football club in Camlough at 9am on Sunday 18th October and will return to the club for tea and refreshments afterwards.

If you would like to donate to Claire’s Reaching new Heights challege visit /www.justgiving.com/Claire-Garvey/

New regulations governing the operation of non-commercial complex aircraft are to be introduced next year as a result of the helicopter crash in which the owner of Norbrook Laboratories, Edward Haughey, and three others died in March last year.

An investigation into the crash with caused the deaths of Lord Ballyedmond, his employee Declan Small from Mayobridge, pilot Carl Dickerson and co-pilot Lee Hoyle, heard how “an error in perception” – known as the somatogravic illusion – may have caused the Agusta AW139 G-LBAL helicopter to crash just 460 yards after taking off from the Tory peer’s home at Gillingham Hall in Norfolk at around 7.20pm on March 14th 2014.

Investigators also blamed a lack of training and procedures to handle the flight, which took off in thick fog.

Take-off had originally been set for about 6.30pm, but by the time the passengers were ready to leave, a dense fog had reduced visibility to “the order of tens of metres”, according to the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) report.

The investigators said that because the flight was from a private landing site, there was no requirement for a particular minimum visibility.  The take-off would not have been permitted from a licensed aerodrome, the report stated.

The AAIB examined the contents of the cockpit voice and flight data recorder, which contained a pre-flight conversation between the pilots, during which one said he was not very happy “about lifting out of here”.

The helicopter had reached an altitude of 82ft above ground and a ground speed of 90 knots (just over 103mph) when it crashed nose-down in a field.  It hit a line of large hay bales lying in the ploughed field and the “cabin structure was destroyed”, according to the report.

In the final few seconds, the co-pilot had made two verbal prompts to the captain regarding the aircraft’s pitch attitude. Recorded data showed that steps had been taken to rectify this.

The helicopter manufacturer said that, based on the recorded data, “the helicopter had responded appropriately to the crew inputs”.

The investigators concluded: “Evidence suggests that the flight crew may have been subject to somatogravic illusion caused by the helicopter’s flight path and the lack of external visual cues.

“The absence of procedures for two-pilot operation, the pilot’s lack of formal training in such procedures, and the limited use of the automatic flight control system, may have contributed to the accident.”

Chairman and founder of Norbrook Laboratories, the largest privately-owned pharmaceutical company in the world, Lord Ballyedmond had an estimated wealth in excess of £800m.

A Newry rector has been criticized by his own congregation for removing Royal British Legion (RBL) flags from his churches.

Rev Kingsley Sutton took the decision to remove the flags from St Patrick’s and St Mary’s Church of Ireland churches in the city, and replaced them with a white flag featuring a red heart.

He said the move was to “make a break” from the past with the new flag representing “a new hope”.

However, the decision has caused anger and hurt among some of his parishioners who say it is the latest in a series of changes the rector has made to traditional services at the churches, both of which he ministers.

It is believed parishioners of St. Mary’s plan to hold a meeting in the near future to discuss their grievances.

One aggrieved parishioner told the Belfast Telegraph newspaper that claimed many church members have left in disgust at the actions of Rev Sutton, which have included changing the traditional style of services and barring the Orange Order or the Apprentice Boys from holding services in either of the churches.

“He has gone very modern and done away with traditional services.  Then he removed the legion flags from both churches saying he wanted to make a break with the past. This has caused a lot of hurt, not least because the adjoining churchyard has a lot of soldiers’ graves in it,” the parishioner said.

“People are also very annoyed that he has stopped allowing the Orange Order to use the church, and also two weeks ago stopped an Apprentice Boys parade in Newry from using the church.

Writing in his parish newsletter, Rev Sutton explained his actions over the RBL flags. He said the white flag with the heart which he replaced them with was from the Global Day of Prayer event in the ground of the Stormont Estate in 2006.

“We must make a resolute break from the past, lest we be dragged back,” he wrote. “I have taken down the Royal British Legion flags in both churches and have replaced them with a white flag that has a red heart at its centre. Although this act may seem an unusual thing to have done, and even very hurtful, please let me expand on why I have taken this action.

“First, can I assure any reader of this letter, and all my parishioners, that I have nothing against the good work for the Royal British Legion or against any of its members and supporters. They do an immense amount of good among us, and especially following the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. However I have intentionally removed these flags to declare a break from the past, and a shift into a new hope, a hope that is embodied in the two new flags.”

The Examiner attempted to contact Rev Sutton but was directed to the Diocese of Down and Dromore press office which issued this short statement: “The diocese very recently became aware of the current issue in St Mary’s and is taking a closer look at the situation. Meanwhile we ask those involved to exercise Christian grace and restraint.”

This Saturday 24th October a sea of over 250 cyclists  taking part in Cycle Against Suicide – SpinOff will make their way  through the Ring of Gullion and South Armagh.  The cyclists will leave Crossmaglen at 10.30am and form a very impressive looking orange peloton, travelling to Silverbridge, Forkhill, Slieve Gullion, Meigh, Camlough and back to Crossmaglen.

Since the first Cycle Against Suicide Event in 2012 over 10,000 cyclists have taken part in cycles to help spread the message around the island of Ireland that ‘It’s ok not to feel ok and it’s absolutely ok to ask for help’.

The aim of the events is to begin a conversation about mental health; looking after ourselves, reaching out to each other,  making a difference, to reduce stigma around asking for help and ultimately through raising awareness, of the help and support that is available, to break the cycle of suicide on the Island of Ireland.

Monthly SpinOffs are organised by the communities for communities. The Crossmaglen/South Armagh SpinOff is being organised by Damien Martin from Crossmaglen and Joanne Callan from Meigh along with the support of many local schools, businesses and community organisations.

The  SpinOff will have all the colour, energy and fun of the main annual cycle but all packed into a single day. Entertainment, refreshments and a mental wellbeing event will all take place before and after the cycle.

Crossmaglen Community Association invites everyone to wish the cyclists taking part in the Cycle Against Suicide Spin Off a safe journey as they depart the Rangers at 10.15am on Saturday for a parade to the Square for a 10.30 start.  The cyclists will be welcomed back to the Square at 3.30pm for refreshments, entertainment and a mental health talk by several high profile speakers including Tyrone GAA player Cathal McCarron.

Shop owners and businesses along the route are all encouraged to decorate their shop fronts in the Cycle Against Suicide’s orange. Residents too are urged to show their support for this great cause by making banners or flags.

All Cyclists MUST attend the Safety Briefing at 9.30am, or they cannot take part.  Registration is currently open online via www.cycleagainstsuicide.com, with an entry fee of 10 euro for Cycling Ireland or  CAS club members.  Registration for cyclists not affiliated to these clubs will cost 30 euro which includes membership and insurance and is also available on the Spin Off morning in Crossmaglen Rangers, from 8.00am-10.00am only.

Crossmaglen Community Association are delighted to welcome the All Island Cycle to the town and stand shoulder to shoulder with the cyclists to break the Cycle of Suicide.

If you are interested in volunteering or donating refreshments or helping out on the day, please contact the organisers via the Cycle Against Suicide – Crossmaglen SpinOff Facebook page, or by coming along to the Rangers Hall from 8am on Saturday morning. Help is required with registrations, and refreshments in the evening from 3pm.

Later on Saturday evening the Festival of Lights Truck Run will continue to showcase the unfailing community spirit in Crossmaglen.  The illuminating event takes place at 7.30, also raising awareness and support for charity and again the Crossmaglen Community Association encourage everyone to come to the square at 7pm to show their support to all the participants as they make their way around South Armagh. For those who did not see it last year this is a  breath-taking sight not to be missed.

There has been a marked spike in the reported thefts of livestock from farms in the border area with more than 3,500 animals reported stolen in the last three years alone.

The revelation was made by Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill recently, in response to an Assembly question from UUP MLA Danny Kennedy.

The Minister revealed that since 2012, 1,850 animals were reported stolen to the Newry Divisional Veterinary Office (DVO) while the Armagh DVO recorded a total of 1,684.

Under the Cattle Identification (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2012, keepers must report cattle that are lost or stolen in writing to DARD within seven days of the event being noticed.  Information on stolen animals or animals reported as missing is kept on the Department’s database, the animal and public health information system (APHIS).

Minister O’Neill said the PSNI actively investigates reports of stolen cattle and said anyone who suspects that an animal has been stolen should report it to the PSNI as soon as possible so that a full investigation can be carried out.

Responding to Mr Kennedy’s assertion that the proximity of the border “is clearly not a coincidence” and questioned the involvement of “crime gangs”, Minister O’Neill ssaid she would support any action that helped to remove the criminality that is in our society.

“That is an issue that has been raised consistently; I have raised it at the North/South Ministerial Council.  Whilst we have joined-up working between the PSNI and an Garda Síochána, there are opportunities for us to work more effectively together in dealing with any criminality, whether in relation to any type of rural crime or, in this instance, cattle theft,” she added.

This Saturday, the much anticipated second annual Festival of Light Truckers’ charity convoy will get underway, promising to be even bigger and better than last year’s glittering event, with more than 200 trucks already registered to take part.

The special event marks the culmination of a year of fundraising in memory of the late Eugene Donaghy from Crossmaglen where proceeds from numerous events have benefitted Southern Area Hospice Services and Marie Curie Cancer Care.

In a unique spectacle, proudly sponsored by MT Waste Management Ltd, the huge convoy will set off from Crossmaglen Square at 7.30pm sharp, treating the public to a dazzling display of illumination as the vehicles wind their way along the 20 mile route via Culloville, Shelagh, Crossmaglen, Fords Cross, Forkhill, Mullaghbawn, Silverbridge and returning to Crossmaglen.

Although fundraising truck runs have become a familiar feature in recent times, the Festival of Light event sets itself apart as it is taking place at night.    Last year’s inaugural event proved to be a huge success with hundreds of people gathered in the town, and at vantage points along the route to watch the 114 participating trucks in all their illuminated glory.

This year, organisers Gerard McMonagle and local fireman Gerard Murray have built on last year’s success and, with double the amount of trucks already registered to take part in the magnificent display, excitement is certainly building for the event.

And in added bonus this year, Bessbrook-based Pak Aerial Media has agreed to record the event from the air, subject to favourable weather conditions.

Truckers are invited to sign in at the registration point in front of Superbites in the Square from 6.00pm onwards and with such a large attendance anticipated, it is advisable to come early. Trucks will be parked up in the Main Square and in the Rangers GFC car park

All rigs are welcome to participate, regardless of make, model or age.  Upon registration, a donation of £30 per truck is requested, with all money raised going to the aforementioned chosen charities.

The whole community is once again urged to come out and support this event, which is guaranteed to be another unforgettable occasion for both participants and spectators.

More information can be found on its Facebook page ‘Festival of Lights Truck Run’ and truckers can also use this page to register their participation in the event.

A new brain injury centre of excellence, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, will offer invaluable respite and support services to its patrons, those behind the project have said.

At the centre, located outside the village of Camlough, dignitaries and invited guests joined survivors and their carers on Thursday for the official opening ceremony.

The £350,000 unit – named ‘Our House’ by one of its patrons – is run entirely by brain injury survivors and their families.

Chairman of the Brain Injury Foundation and one of project founders, Frank Dolaghan, whose son Tony suffered a brain injury when he fell from a cliff in Co Donegal more than 20 years ago, said it could transform lives.

“If you care for someone with a brain injury it can be very stressful and isolating.  And, the biggest problem for brain injury survivors is also social isolation – they are just sitting at home playing games or watching television.  We are changing that,” he said.

The new unit provides a permanent space where brain injury survivors can socialise and develop communication skills – enhancing their confidence and aiding reintegration with the community.

“The centre, named ‘Our House’ by one of our brain injury survivors, is intended to be just that – a place which is welcoming and inclusive, open, homely and comfortable.  It is full of warmth and positivity. It is a base from which our members can build and maintain linkages with our local community,” Mr Dolaghan continued.

“Above all, it is owned and controlled by our members. We are indebted to the Space and Place team, to our builders and our professional advisers and all our other supporters for helping so much to bring us to this very exciting stage in our development.

“We have even more dynamic plans for the future and look forward to everyone’s continuing support,” he added.

The centre was built with a grant from the National Lottery Space & Place programme.

Frank Hewitt, the Big Lottery Fund’s Northern Ireland chairman, said: “It’s wonderful to see how the Brain Injury Foundation have transformed this building with funding from the Space and Place programme.  We are looking forward to seeing the difference the new centre will make to people affected by brain injury and their families.”

Space & Place Programme Coordinator Michael Hughes praised the efforts of the Brain Injury Foundation: “The Space & Place programme is here to help connect communities together and the Brain Injury Foundation are doing that by helping those with brain injuries, and their families and carers, to integrate into the wider community.

“The Brain Injury Foundation has worked tirelessly to complete this work and we can’t congratulate them enough on their efforts,” he said.

Unite the Union Newry have demanded an explanation from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council about a council “junket” in the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle earlier this month, which wracked up an expenses bill of £2,200.

The two day event, which took place on the 2nd and 3rd of October, included a tour of the new council area, aimed at familiarising councillors with the new Super Council district.

According to Unite, 12 local councillors enjoyed an overnight stay in the luxurious five star hotel at a cost of over two thousand pounds to ratepayers.  The group’s spokesperson also claimed to have a full list of all the councillor’s names and the political parties involved in the event.

The latest expenses scandal comes in the wake of startling revelations that the former Newry and Mourne District Council spent almost £45,000 on so-called “farewell events” before it merged into the new Super Council in April last year.

Figures revealed by the Detail Data website show that, while the majority of outgoing councils spent less than £15,000 on initiatives which included publicly funded receptions for councillors and staff, exhibitions, commemorative books, concerts and community carnivals, Newry and Mourne council spent a whopping £44,460.  That amount was trumped by Down District Council who spent £48,858.

The scale of the costs has infuriated constituents along with community groups, many of whom were turned down for council funding this year.

The Examiner has learned that a freedom of information request has been submitted to the council by a member of the public requesting a full run down of costs incurred at the Slieve Donard junket.

In an exclusive statement to The Examiner, Unite the Union Newry Chairman, Chris Morley, said:

“Unite calls on Newry, Mourne and Down Council to give a full breakdown of costs that were incurred by the ratepayer/taxpayer following 12 councillors’ stay at the luxurious five star Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle.

“Unite has a full list of all the councillor’s names and political parties who were involved. Some of these councillors live less than 20 miles from the Slieve Donard Hotel.

“As big as our super council is, one can still easily drive from one end of our district to the other in under 60 minutes.

“Most days working men in this area commute to Dublin and Derry for a day’s work and have to make the arduous journey home every night.  Why should our elected representatives be afforded this luxury where £2200 was incurred out of the public purse?

“Surely a taxi bus shuttle service would have been a much more cost effective way of doing things?

“We need answers and we want them now. How anyone can justify this expense is beyond reasoning, while we are seeing cuts in disability, welfare and our infrastructure on a weekly basis.

“Working class people are struggling to make ends meet yet these councillors, who say they are being closer to their constituents, lapped it up in splendid grandeur in the Slieve Donard Hotel.  “This has all the hallmarks of a junket.  It is totally unethical and the constituents of Newry, Armagh and Down need a full explanation.”

Mr Morley confirmed the statement had been submitted to the council who indicated they would reply within 28 days.