11/08/2014 BBC Newsline

Protesters against fracking in County Fermanagh have been

celebrating the decision by the Environment Minister not to allow an

Mark H Durkan said that drilling could have a significant impact on

the environment and the shale gas exploration company Tamboran must

Here's our South West reporter Julian Fowler.

People gathered at the gates of the quarry as they have done for the

last three weeks. But feelings of fear

and anger were replaced by relief. They held an ecumenical service

celebrating the decision The Environment Minister said he was

taking a precautionary approach. I have listened to many people over

this past period of time who have raised numerous concerns, chiefly

around the hydrology in the Fermanagh area. That remains a key

concern for me. It is one we have not seen conclusive evidence that

there will not be an impact on, therefore in the absence of that

evidence I have no option other than to ask for an environmental

statement. If Tamboran want to drill here to

find out how much shale gas is in the rock, they will now need to

apply for full planning permission - It is a great relief that the

Minister has made the decision. It is the first time we will have the

opportunity to be consulted. It is of grave concern to the local

community. The fact that we have to go through the planning process with

the impact assessment will delay the project up

Tamboran Resources said it was deeply concerned

at the minister's decision and is reviewing its position.

A major emergency operation swung into action on Strangford Lough this

afternoon after a sudden squall hit a world championship boating event.

Initial reports suggested scores of people were in the water

87 boats were taking part in this boating event on Strangford Lough

when a squall, bad weather, came in very quickly. Around 20 competitors

ended up in the water. Some of the GP 14s capsized. This is not

unusual. The crew are all trained on how to write the boats. A stronger

squall registered 37 knots following the first, capsizing a further

number of the fleet. The inshore lifeboat was tasked quickly along

with coastguard teams. They were on the scene quickly and able to

establish how many people were in danger and who were safe. Two

helicopters were involved as with the police, the fire service and the

ambulance service. The Ulster Hospital declared a major incident

in preparation for receiving patients but few needed hospital

attention. The operation is over and in the end very few people needed

medical attention. Only two people had to go to hospital. One with a

suspected broken wrist, the other with an injured knee.

The Health Minister's told the BBC he can see merit in the idea

of charging people who end up in Accident and Emergency

It comes after a number of deaths which have been linked to waiting

As Chris Buckler now reports, there has been mixed a reaction

The NHS is a service under pressure. Waiting times are a constant worry

and resources are often stretched. R is in minutes can mean the

difference between successful care and being treated. Collett's mother

died at the Royal Hospital. Belfast Trust Ledger admitted the delays at

the emergency department may have contributed to her death and former

others. Even when she was seen after six hours, it was hours after that

before she was skunk. There were numerous issues. We often think if

we had made more of a noise may be things that have been different.

Waiting times things that have been different.

just at the Royal but in health trusts across Northern Ireland.

During the busy periods here in the trusts across Northern Ireland.

emergency department there have been patients lined up and this room on

trolleys either waiting for treatment or waiting to be admitted.

That has caused a blockage in the system. The pressure tends to be

greatest at the weekend when alcohol inevitably contributes to the

numbers at hospital. It has led some to call for a debate about charging

people who end up needing treatment as a result of drink or drugs. The

principle of it has merit. We already charge people, insurance

companies for example, for people who have come in as a result of road

traffic collisions, etc. There is an ability to make money from various

sources. It is not something wholly alien to the system. The suggestion

of making people pay is controversial but there was some

support for it in Belfast. If you are going in drug it is self

afflicted. Fair enough, because they are taking the time of the doctors.

Health services in our bad when something has to be done but I do

not about charging. -- the health services in a bad way. And are

always difficulties when services in a bad way. And are

change to the principle of the health service being free for all.

Holywood's very own Rory McIlroy is due home later this week to show

He clinched the PGA title yesterday just weeks after picking up

As darkness descended on Valhalla, on the course

As darkness descended on Valhalla, Rory McIlroy lifted his fourth

major. This morning just a few hours later, the senior steam from his own

club, Hollywood, where competing against Don Murray. The Hollywood

men lost this match but their spirits were up after Rory

McIlroy's winning Kentucky's. He has been fantastic for the club. Playing

in the father and son competition, the juvenile people around Hollywood

are incredible and there has been great encouragement. I is the Rory

McIlroy factor affecting tourism? Visiting golfers put more than ?22

million into the local economy. The average spend per day is ?385

compared to ?55 by other tourists. As well as the duels in our crime we

have a real breath of courses for different abilities and budgets. --

the duels in our crown. At Hollywood golf club today several visitors

from England were looking forward to teeing off on Rory McIlroy's

concourse. If he keeps going that way he will be top of the pile.

Without a shadow of the doubt. He will be a great. Next to Bono he is

probably the best-known Irish face on the planet. If you go to some

South American jungle you will find somebody who knows who he is. The

hopes and dreams of many a golfer have been dashed or realised on the

golf course but still people pick up the club. The staggering success of

Rory McIlroy on the world stage has not just added bounce to his stab at

also, as a massive boost to the game here in Northern Ireland.

Let's get the weather. What is left of tropicals and birth

is controlling our weather at the moment. -- tropical storm Bertha.

Tonight scattered showers will continue to come in but many areas

will end up dry tomorrow morning. Temperatures down to ten or 11

degrees. Tomorrow will be much like today and there will be bright and

sunny spells. Plenty of dry weather but by the afternoon you showers. To

get up. Tomorrow morning many will get off to a dry start. A good start

across town and Armagh. The storm will affect much of Scotland

tomorrow with blustery conditions. South of that, not as windy but

still quite breezy. The breeze is bringing in the scattered showers

across Ireland and Britain and it will feel fresh for us all and more

autumnal the further north you are. Tomorrow looks as though the brunt

of the showers will be towards the north coast. They will drift further

south during the day. There will be a few scattered showers.

Temperatures will struggle. Towards the north coast, 15 degrees, and not

much better further south. A better picture into Wednesday. The wind

will stay with us and so will be showers. Bright and sunny where

where as well and temperatures up to 19 degrees. For Thursday and Friday

things will settle down for plenty of dry and bright weather and

temperature is hopefully a little bit as well.

Good to hear. You can keep up-to-date with news online and

follow us on Facebook. Good evening.