THE Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has launched a major report 'Review of Planning Processes in Northern Ireland" calling for a fundamental review of the Planning System and making 35 major recommendations.
CEF managing director John Armstrong said, "An efficient planning system is crucial to the growth of our economy, prosperity and well-being of the people of Northern Ireland. The present planning system is doing the opposite. It is acting as a brake where planning applications can take up to two years or more to process.
"The current system is complex, cumbersome and so slow that it takes several years for an Area Plan to be reviewed. This is one of the main reasons that development land is not available for building new houses and is one of the key underlining factors causing house prices to rise so fast. We are concerned that many first time buyers will not be able to afford to put a foot on the property ladder.
"Furthermore, projects that improve the built environment attract inward investment. These projects are being hindered by the bureaucratic Planning System.
"When the Assembly is back in power on 8 May, it will want to work to remove barriers to growth and regeneration of disadvantaged areas. An important priority for them is therefore to urgently review and improve the Planning System in Northern Ireland."
Entries sought for energy awards
SUSTAINABLE Energy Ireland has put out the last call for businesses to enter the 2007 Energy Awards. The annual Sustainable Energy Awards, which are organised by SEI and sponsored by ESB Customer Supply, are intended to encourage and reward excellence in energy management. Last year, Dr Heather Thompson from Ballymena Borough council won the title of Energy Manager of the Year. The closing date for nominations is Friday, April 27.
David Taylor, chief executive of SEI said, "While the energy costs are of concern throughout our economy, many Ulster businesses are already tackling the challenge by adopting energy-efficiency measures. Many companies in Ireland have realised the potential to save energy, and previous energy award winners have proven the gains to be made. Even relatively small energy consumers have shown the benefits to the bottom line. With a view to encouraging more SMEs in particular, SEI has introduced a special SME category to the Sustainable Energy Awards this year."
For further information on the awards visit www.sei.ie
Heifers top to £805 at Omagh
A LARGE Bank holiday sale which saw over 1,100 head of cattle presented sold firmly in all sections with some keen prices for quality animals.
Heifers: Chas T McNabb, Drumquin 530kgs £805; N McGarrigle, Irvinestown 440kg £615, 360kg £530; Eugene Maguire, Carrickmore 470kg £615; B McGrath, Knockmoyle 660kg £780, 610kg £720, 550kg £630; A Donnelly, Dromore 410kg £555, 400kg £496, 400kg £480; M C Rafferty, Carrickmore 3709kg £480; D Colhoun, Omagh 420kg £540, 400kg £515, 410kg £495; Dromore Farmer 510kg £600, 430kg £520, 465kg £555; Geo Eddgar, Clanabogan 580kg £655 and £652, 500kg £572; F&M Ferris, Leglands 530kg £602, 480kg £562, 500kg £590; Clive Barr, Cuillion 390kg £515; Austin O'Kane, Pomeroy 470kg £575, 500kg £580, 440kg £510; R Beattie, Omagh 560kg £668; S McCusker, Dromore 360kg £460; W&P Snow, Boa Island 530kg £622, 530kg £592; J J Kelly, Loughmacrory 410kg £510, 370kg £450; M McManus, Dromore 350kg £448; R A McKinley, Omagh 350kg £442, 470kg £538; H Elliott, Cookstown 540kg £662, 510kg £620; P B Keown, Belleek 330kg £422; J Armstrong, Beragh 550kg £610, 430kg £515, 380kg £465; Drumm Estates 360kg £455, 350kg £438; J McElmurray, Cookstown 560kg £622, 500kg £575; S Hannigan, Dromore 470kg £545; K Hawkes, Omagh 400kg £460; Geo Earls, Roscar 380kg £468.
Good entry at Gortin mart
ANOTHER good entry of sheep at Monday night's sale with prices remaining steady. Leading prices as follows:
Spring lambs: M O'Hagan £66 (221/2kg), £60.80 (25kg); T Patrick £64 (21kg); R Ross £60.50 (221/2kg); E McFarland £60.50 (20kg); J McCullagh £62.50 (22kg); J Crammond £60 (20kg); R & J Porter £60 (201/2kg).
Fat Hoggets: R McCrystal £62 (28kg); H Collins £60 (28kg), £59.80 (261/2kg; R Wilson £60.20 (30kg); A Hetherington £58.50 (25kg); J Crilly £59.50 (24kg); H Bell £58 (241/2kg), £54.50 (24kg); M McCance £56.80 (23kg); J McNally £56.80 (26kg), £50.80 (21kg); S McDonald £53 (23kg); R & J Porter £61 (271/2kg), £57.50 (271/2kg).
Ewes with lambs: W Rainey £121(2), £120(2), £110(2), £100(1); R Kelly £120(3); J McCormick £107(2), £90(2); S Cassidy £97(2), £107(2), £105(2), £99(2), £90(2); P Millar £115(3), £100(2); V Bradan £118(2); R Baxter £92(2), £88(2).
Fat Ewes: R T Otten £50; I Crilly £46.50; S Armstrong £44.50; D Hempton £43; M McCance £43; T Conway £45.
