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The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Heartbreak as one of Ireland's historic pubs closed for ‘foreseeable future' after arson attack as PSNI issue appeal
A RESTAURANT owner suffered heartbreak after a suspected overnight arson attack destroyed the establishment in Co Antrim. Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service were called to reports of a blaze at a bar and restaurant Sixty Six, formerly Billy Andy's, in the Browndod Road area in Advertisement Three appliances and an aerial platform were used to tackle the The shocking scene shows the devastating impact of the damage, with the rustic building's roof completely destroyed and the building gutted. The Sergeant Allen said: "We received a report at around 2:50am of a fire at commercial premises in the Browndod Road area. Advertisement READ MORE ON PSNI "Officers attended the scene along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service who worked to extinguish the blaze. "Enquiries are ongoing and at this stage, the fire is being treated as deliberate." The 19th-century establishment was well-loved by the locals and tourists from around the world due to its relaxed atmosphere with traditional Irish music and fabulous local dinners. The owners took to social media to inform their loyal customers that their premises will be "closed for the foreseeable future" after the shocking incident. Advertisement Most read in Irish News They added that more information about their closure will come at a later date as the Northern Ireland cops investigate the incident. The owners also confirmed that they will be contacting those who have booked reservations at the establishment to inform the news. 'MANY MONTHS TO REPAIR' Local Councillor Roy Beggs was left heartbroken to hear the sad news of the local establishment that will have a devastating impact on the local. He said: "Sad loss of local Restaurant & B&B through fire damage. Advertisement "With Sixty Six's (Billy Andy's) roof gone & building gutted, it will take many months to repair." The loyal customers shared their heartbreak on Another person added: "Absolutely gutted. Part of local history gone forever..." The third person said: "Absolutely terrible news, you will rebuild bigger and better." Advertisement Another customer wrote: "Absolutely disgusting that this has happened to you and the staff. "Smashing spot." 1 PSNI is currently investigating the suspected arson attack on a local restaurant Credit: PA:Press Association
Belfast Telegraph
29-05-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Council vehicles still fuelled by used cooking oil from takeaways despite test equipment theft
A council has agreed to continue with a trial that sees used cooking oil fuel its vehicles after equipment was stolen during a break-in. The burglary at a Mid and East Antrim Council depot resulted in the theft of testing equipment containing trial data. However, councillors have agreed to continue with their trial of hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) in a further three vehicles. To date, 11,800 litres of HVO fuel have been used in the trial involving six council vehicles during the initial testing phase. This started last October but was halted temporarily following the break-in. The report states that emissions from council vehicles contribute to a quarter of the local authority's carbon footprint. By fully adopting HVO as an alternative fuel, it is anticipated the council could reduce the amount of carbon its fleet produces by up to 90%. The HVO is produced from used cooking oil collected from fast food outlets. It can be fully blended with diesel and requires no modifications to diesel engines. It has been estimated the council's vehicle emissions could be reduced overall from 1,733 tonnes annually to 132 tonnes. However, the council's annual fleet fuel bill could rise from £790,000 to around £898,000. Speaking at the meeting, DUP councillor Peter Johnston said: 'For us as a council, value for money is a big consideration. It is positive to note that the cost of fuel is coming down.' Ulster Unionist Roy Beggs said it was 'right that we should continue with the trial'. Alliance's Aaron Skinner said: 'Trials like this are what we have to be doing. It is good to see this coming forward. In terms of energy security, it is good to see.' Shaun Morley, the council's operations director, stated: 'Technology has moved on quite a bit. Engines are much more resilient.' Mid and East Antrim Borough Council owns 260 vehicles worth £3.2m, councillors have been told. A previous report said the fleet consists of bin lorries, vans, heavy goods vehicles, trailers, tractors, quads and excavators. With the exception of four small electric vans, the fleet is diesel-powered.
