Latest news with #Dungannon
BBC News
a day ago
- Health
- BBC News
Mid Ulster: Residents protest over compost factory smell concerns
A crowd of more then 200 people gathered outside Mid Ulster Council offices to voice concerns about new planning proposals linked to a controversial compost factory in County who live close to the factory near Killeeshil have previously claimed their lives are being impacted by a bad smell which they say is coming from the year, the company Northway Mushrooms went into administration and the operators of the site are now Sawgrass Substrates Ltd (SSL).In a statement, the company said it acknowledged the concerns raised by some local residents regarding odour, but that it maintained "full compliance with all environmental requirements". A spokesperson for SSL added: "We take all community feedback seriously and are committed to operating responsibly and in line with our Waste Management Licence strictly regulated by the NI Environment Agency (NIEA)."Work at the factory involves the mixing of hay, chicken litter, and water to create a compost for mushroom March last year, local residents protested outside Northway Mushrooms to voice their concerns about a smell that they say they've been living with for later, the local school and GAA club said the smell was still impacting children's everyday Friday, members of the Cabragh Concerned Residents Association (CCRA) were once again protesting, this time outside Mid Ulster Council offices in Dungannon. Joseph McDonald is a member of Cabragh Concerned Residents Association (CCRA). Speaking at the protest, he said: "What you see here today is the spirit of our community, we're annoyed and distressed by what we see as an injustice."He said this issue has been ongoing for five years and they have been living with the smell which is like "rotten broccoli, it hits your chest and lungs"."Mentally it's not good for the community, you go out and put clothes on the line and the clothes are stinking, just even simple things like that. The hallway in my house is stinking," he said."Clean air is meant to be a basic human right, we're not getting that and we're putting out a message to our council tonight that something seriously needs to be done about the odour in this area." Protestors held placards and posters chanting "stop the stink".Many of the protesters said they believed the smell had gotten worse in recent surrounding odour issues at the factory in Killeeshil have been discussed several times at Mid Ulster protest on Friday is also connected to a new planning application linked to the application for a proposed "additional bio and roughing filter, yard extension (for bale storage), boundary fence and ancillary site works" has been recommended for is due to be presented to Mid Ulster's planning committee on Tuesday.A spokesperson for Mid Ulster Council said the purpose of the planning application was to "facilitate additional storage areas to ensure production is not interrupted" and that the proposed additional equipment would "mitigate emissions from the previously approved operations". The application has had more than 180 letters of objections, many of which are from local residents who live close to the at the protest on Friday a number of the protestors said they still had "serious concerns" that there would be still be ongoing odour a statement, SSL said it had "invested significantly in advanced odour reduction technologies".A spokesperson added: "To demonstrate our proactive commitment to the local community, an additional odour control facility is proposed with a capex of £1.2 million investment."This is not required as part of any regulatory requirements, but rather, our wider commitment to enhance the mitigation on site. Notably, no extension of the facility or further processing is proposed as part of the scheme. "The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) investigates environmental safety News NI contacted NIEA about the latest protest but did not receive a response.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Hate crime low in Dungannon but stats may show underreporting
The impact of targeted hate crimes often leaves victims feeling traumatised, bereft, fearful and intimidated in their own homes and workplaces – that's according to Victim Support NI Hate Crime Project Manager, Michael Avila. On a visit to Reach food bank in Dungannon last week, Mr. Avila and his colleague, Dawn McCartney, met with volunteers and service users to discuss the effect of hate crimes on victims and their families, and how to access support. Despite Dungannon being one of the most diverse towns in Northern Ireland, the rate of hate crime per capita in the Mid Ulster policing area is among the lowest in Northern Ireland, with the lowest rate in the Fermanagh and Omagh policing area. However, Mr. Avila believes the statistics may not tell the full story. 'In many ways, Mid Ulster is one of NI's councils exhibiting best practice when it comes to integration and fostering good relations between different communities,' he told The Impartial Reporter. 'In the last three financial years, we have had 41 referrals with a Dungannon address. This amounts to 13.7 referrals per year from Dungannon. This is very good when we compare it to other areas with high ethnic diversity. However, I don't doubt that there is underreporting.' He added: 'When we see a spike in referrals, it could either be that hate crimes have increased or that more crimes are being reported. When it's lower, it could be that people feel less likely to come forward.' Language barriers, education levels, service gaps and understanding of local laws could all contribute to underreporting. 'In an area where many migrants are working in factories, people may find it harder to report crimes. Whereas in other parts of NI, more migrants may be working in health or the private sector, which may attract migrants with higher English and education levels who may find the reporting process easier,' he said. Hate crime is defined as any incident perceived to have been committed against a person or property on the grounds of a person's ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or disability. Victim Support NI recognises that these crimes can happen anywhere – at home, in public, or at school or work – and may involve threats, verbal abuse, arson, robbery, violence, or damage to property. Mr. Avila explained that hate crime often begins with 'a slur or a small act of intimidation' but the effects can be long-lasting, particularly if someone has been repeatedly targeted. 'Paranoia is something we see often, but it's a realistic paranoia. If someone is being intimidated in their own home, where most people find peace, they can't experience that. It always plays on their minds,' he said. 'Hate crime leaves people feeling frustrated, fearful, and it can affect their mental health. These types of crimes can be very traumatic, especially as people are likely to be targeted repeatedly because of their identity. In 2023/24, Victim Support NI received 1,013 referrals across Northern Ireland. That rose to 1,369 in 2024/25. Of the 356 increase, more than 300 were racially motivated. Mr. Avila said: 'The riots in Belfast last August accounted for some of the increase but, even if you were to remove that month, racial hate crime has seen a vast increase in the last 3–5 years.' He added: 'Hate crimes have officially been recorded since 2004 and, because of the peace process, we've seen sectarianism decrease over time but as Northern Ireland has become more diverse, race has taken its place. 'Immigration is blamed for a lack of housing, but there would still be a housing crisis without immigration. Minority ethnic businesses remain vulnerable, with housing intimidation and anti-social behaviour on the rise, sometimes orchestrated by paramilitaries. Michael said depleted PSNI neighbourhood teams, alongside a need for education and restorative justice, add to the problem. Support Available Victim Support NI offers assistance regardless of whether an incident has been reported to police. Mr. Avila said: 'From the moment they report an incident to the charity, to all the way through the criminal justice system, victims can receive practical and emotional support. From follow-ups with police, housing issues, signposting to other organisations, after-court support, including complaints, compensation claims, we can help. We are able to move things for people, and we've seen hundreds of people re-homed from extreme situations. 'We see things from the victim's point of view. The criminal justice system is interested in justice and concentrates on the perpetrator, so we focus on the victim and help them navigate the justice system, which can be quite a cold process. 'In the 1,013 referrals we received last year, only 34 were being considered for trial and, only at the point of conviction does the judge ask if there is hate motivation. We don't really have hate crime laws here, we have hate sentencing laws though new legislation is to be tabled at the end of this year with a new statutory aggravation model which should open things up a bit.' Reach food bank manager Ally Moore added:'It is essential that anyone who has been a victim of hate crime has access to this free service that provides guidance and reassurance through all the police and court proceedings. The people from the hate crime advocate service have a wealth of knowledge that can help put the victim's mind at ease and enable them to know that they are not on their own.'
Irish Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Shamrock Rovers sign former Down footballer John McGovern
Shamrock Rovers have allayed concerns at centre forward by signing former Down footballer John McGovern from Dungannon Swifts for an undisclosed fee. McGovern, who scored 20 goals in all competitions for Swifts last season, will be available for Rovers from July 1st. The 22-year-old, who represented Northern Ireland at under-21 level, played for the Down senior football in 2024. 'We tried quite a bit over the last year to get him, but it wasn't possible,' said Rovers manager Stephen Bradley. 'John was at university and Dungannon weren't ready to sell at that moment in time. READ MORE 'We could have moved in on other players in the previous window, but we wanted to wait for John as he was someone we'd monitored for quite some time. He fits the group and we really like what he's about.' Rovers have been searching for a striker to replace Johnny Kenny, who scored 20 goals last year on loan from Celtic. Sixteen-year-old Michael Noonan has impressed with five goals this season while competing with Aaron Greene and Rory Gaffney for game time. 'John will give us real depth in that area of the pitch and he gives us another dimension,' Bradley added.
The 42
5 days ago
- Sport
- The 42
Shamrock Rovers sign former Down GAA star John McGovern from Dungannon Swifts
LEAGUE OF IRELAND Premier Division leaders Shamrock Rovers have confirmed the signing of striker John McGovern from NIFL Premiership club Dungannon Swifts. Rovers paid a fee to Dungannon which will remain undisclosed, each club has confirmed, with Dungannon saying that McGovern departs Stangmore Park 'with every blessing from everyone involved at DSFC'. Former Down Gaelic footballer McGovern, 22, scored 20 goals in all competitions for Swifts last season, opening the scoring in their Irish Cup final against Cliftonville which they eventually won on penalties. The Ballyholland native won a Tailteann Cup and an Ulster U20 title with The Mourne County but chose to pursue soccer over Sam Maguire football this summer. Advertisement McGovern is also is a former Northern Ireland U21 international. 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗙𝗘𝗥 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🥹 | 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻 𝗠𝗰𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻 💙 Goodbye and thank you, to you our trusted friend, John. We have agreed a deal for John McGovern to leave Stangmore Park, for an undisclosed fee, to join League of Ireland side, @ShamrockRovers John leaves Stangmore… — Dungannon Swifts FC (@DgnSwifts) May 27, 2025 Rovers boss Stephen Bradley, whose side are six points clear atop the LOI Premier Division table and host Galway United on Friday night, said the Hoops had been monitoring striker McGovern for a year but had been unable to sign him while he completed his college degree in Business and IT studies. 'John will give us real depth in that forward area of the pitch and another dimension,' Bradley said. 'His age profile means he's one for now, but also the future. 'We tried quite a bit over the last year to sign John, but it wasn't possible. He was at University and Dungannon weren't ready to sell at that moment in time. So, it was a case of continuing to monitor John, and thankfully, we've got him in now. 'We could have moved in on other players in the previous window, but we wanted to wait on John as he was someone we'd monitored for quite some time.' McGovern's transfer is subject to subject to international and domestic clearance which, when approved, would allow the Down native to be available for selection from 1 July.
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Shamrock Rovers snap up Northern Ireland Under-21s goal-getter as Stephen Bradley gives exciting verdict
SHAMROCK ROVERS have made their first summer signing by agreeing a deal to take Dungannon Swifts striker John McGovern to Tallaght. The 22-year-old will move to Dublin 24 on July 1 after the Hoops agreed a fee for the Northern Ireland Under-21 striker. Advertisement 2 Despite his young age, he's already built up quite the CV 2 Stephen Bradley revealed the Hoops have been keeping tabs on him for some time He netted 20 goals in all competitions last season, including a goal in the Irish Cup final as Dungannon beat Cliftonville to win their first major silverware in their history. And Rovers' boss Stephen Bradley revealed the striker - who made his debut for Newry City when 17 - has been on his radar for quite some time. He said: 'We were up quite a lot to watch John. We tried quite a bit over the last year to get him, but it wasn't possible. 'John was at university and Dungannon weren't ready to sell at that moment in time. Advertisement Read More On Irish Football "So, it was a case of continuing to monitor John and thankfully we've got him in now. 'We could have moved in on other players in the previous window, but we wanted to wait on John as he was someone we'd monitored for quite some time. 'He fits the group, has a good age profile and we really like what he's about. So we waited and now we got it done.' While McGovern scored a goal every other game last season, Bradley insisted that Rovers are signing more than just a traditional No. 9. Advertisement Most read in Football Exclusive He said: 'I don't think out and out poachers can play in this team, as silly as that sounds, I don't think they can. 'There's so much more we ask of our forwards to do and be involved in. So John isn't just an out and out goal scorer. Rasmus Hojlund leaves Man Utd fans unimpressed in training video with Angryginge 'If you watch him, he's got a bit of everything, he's someone we really like and he's a really good person and we can't wait to get working with him.'
