Mega-Megaliths was created with the help of Downpatrick Young Archaeologists’ Club, who charted their visits to important sites such as the 5,000 year-old Legananny Dolmen, the Giant’s Ring Passage Tomb, Newgrange Passage Tomb and Ballynoe Stone Circle during 2010. The Young Archaeologists Club made a special expedition last year to the passage tomb at Knockmany, County Tyrone, where they saw amazing 5000 year-old carvings similar to those found at Newgrange and Knowth in County Meath. This was followed by a visit to Beaghmore Stone Circles which is home to a

“I had a detailed meeting with the Ombudsman and his senior staff regarding Loughinisland. He informed me that his intention is to publish his report on the week beginning May 9th. He also confirmed that the latest delay in its publication was not because of new information received but about due diligence issues. “I told him that the repeated delays left him exposed to the perception that he’s being strung along by those who did not want to see the report published and were deliberately drip-feeding him information. “I made it clear to him that there are issues of confidence around his office which were only exacerbated by any further delays or failure to report on the week of May 9th. “I look forward to the publication of the report which I hope will bring closure and justice for the families.”]]>

South Down MLA Councillor Willie Clarke has spoken out after a number of people across the district raised concerns about the large amount of dog dirt to be found in footpaths and roads across the district. He said, “Dog fouling is both unsightly, unpleasant and a potential health hazard as canines commonly carry a parasitic round worm called Toxicara whose eggs are passed out with the faeces in to the soil. These eggs can last in the ground for up to two years,xa0 and the most common form of Toxicariasis is the covert type which has mild symptoms and can infect people with a fever, cough, wheezing, headache and difficulty sleeping.” “It is widely accepted that most parks and urban open green spaces in Ireland are infected with the Toxicara worm in various stages of development and that up to 40% of the population may have been infected at some time without realising it. “Most dog owners are responsible and clean-up after their dogs but those who don’t are having a negative impact on the standard of our public areas and placing people at risk.xa0 For example, in Newcastle’s new promenade the enjoyment of people using this amenity is often ruined because of this issue.xa0xa0 I would therefore urge all dog owners to comply with the law and be responsible for clearing up after their pet.xa0xa0There really is no excuse not to bag and bin dog dirt as Down Council provides dedicated bins in public areas where waste can be properly disposed off.”]]>

The Council has awarded its maximum premium grant of £20,000 to the 2011 Game Fair, while also sponsoring 34 other events to the tune of £46,000. The investment in the Game Fair has helped to ensure that the event, organised by The Great Game Fairs of Ireland in a unique partnership with the Ballywalter Park Estate, will extend over two days Saturday 30th April and Sunday 1st May 2011, bringing a substantial economic return to the region.

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