http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110822131357/http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/newsroom The latest news articles from NIDirect. en-gb Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:24:35 GMT http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110822131357/http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/newsroom?WT.mc_id=rss-news http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110822131357/http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/nidirect-logo.gif http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110822131357/http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-apr12-rate-bills-issued-to-homes-and-businesses?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-apr12-rate-bills-issued-to-homes-and-businesses Rate bills are being issued to homes across Northern Ireland by Land & Property Services (LPS) this week. LPS is the government agency responsible for collecting rates. This year’s bill shows the amount owed for the billing period 2012 to 2013, as well as any debt carried forward from previous years and any rate relief where applicable. Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:42:41 GMT http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110822131357/http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-apr12-special-public-transport-arrangements-for-titanic-events?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-apr12-special-public-transport-arrangements-for-titanic-events Special bus, coach and rail transport arrangements have been announced for forthcoming events taking place in Titanic Quarter this month. This includes the Titanic Light Show and Titanic Sounds. You can find out details of these arrangements below. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:17:26 GMT http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110822131357/http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-apr12-children-warned-about-dangers-of-water-sites?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-apr12-children-warned-about-dangers-of-water-sites NI Water is sending a ‘play safe’ message to young people and asking their parents to be vigilant over the Easter holidays. It is warning about the dangers of playing near construction sites where water mains upgrade work is being carried out. Playing at these locations could have serious consequences. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:37:26 GMT http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110822131357/http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-apr12-proni-hosting-series-of-titanic-talks?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-apr12-proni-hosting-series-of-titanic-talks The Public Records Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) is hosting a series of talks this month about the Titanic. The talks will be held in the lecture theatre at the PRONI building in the Titanic Quarter, Belfast and begin on Wednesday 4 April at 1.00 pm. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:10:04 GMT http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110822131357/http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-apr12-online-calculator-helps-parents-work-out-baby-costs?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-apr12-online-calculator-helps-parents-work-out-baby-costs Recent research has revealed that half of parents underestimate the cost of having a baby. It's vital to plan, prepare and save hard before your baby arrives or you could face money worries. A new online calculator can help parents work out how much they will need to spend on their baby in its first year. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:05:54 GMT http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110822131357/http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-apr12-think-about-giving-blood-it-could-save-lives?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-apr12-think-about-giving-blood-it-could-save-lives Why not consider donating blood? Around 500 people in Northern Ireland need life-saving blood each week. To ensure an adequate supply to our hospitals, 300 people need to give blood every day. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:46:02 GMT http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110822131357/http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-apr12-check-driving-licence-expiry-date-ahead-of-holidays?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-apr12-check-driving-licence-expiry-date-ahead-of-holidays Going on holiday and thinking of hiring a car? You should check the expiry date on your driving licence. If it is due to expire, you will need to ensure you get a replacement well in advance of travelling. Don’t leave it until the last minute, as you might not leave yourself enough time to get your licence renewed. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 11:06:16 GMT http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110822131357/http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-mar12-be-alert-for-signs-of-human-trafficking?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-mar12-be-alert-for-signs-of-human-trafficking Men, women and children are being trafficked into and across Northern Ireland. Everyone has an important role to play in the fight against this evil crime. You are urged to open your eyes to this form of modern-day slavery and report any suspicious activity to the police. Fri, 30 Mar 2012 10:49:19 GMT http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110822131357/http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-mar12-titanic-belfast-ready-to-welcome-the-world?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-mar12-titanic-belfast-ready-to-welcome-the-world Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest Titanic visitor attraction, has opened. It is an iconic six-floor building where visitors will learn about the construction of RMS Titanic. Where possible it is advisable to buy tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. Fri, 30 Mar 2012 10:04:58 GMT http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110822131357/http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-mar12-dangers-of-fires-in-the-countryside?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-mar12-dangers-of-fires-in-the-countryside Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is warning of the dangers and extreme consequences of deliberate fire-setting in the countryside. Gorse fires can be a serious problem. While some of these fires are started accidentally, the majority are believed to be started deliberately. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:50:44 GMT