Upside and downside of the economy
TWO announcements yesterday demonstrated the rollercoaster ride facing the Northern Ireland economy.
The world-famous Tyrone Crystal factory in Dungannon is to close, with the loss of 31 jobs.
Crystal-making tradition in Tyrone dates back more than two centuries and the factory has been trading for the past 40 years.
There are many mantelpieces around the world enhanced by a piece of Tyrone Crystal, but unfortunately a global drop in demand for fine ornaments and vases has prompted the closure.
There was better news in Carrickfergus, where planning approval was given for an extension to Northern Ireland's only salt mine.
The extension will safeguard 54 jobs and create 10 new ones, as well as providing enough road grit for the next 30 years.
After the coldest winter in over 30 years, it had been revealed that current salt reserves would run out in 2012.
But road users can now breathe a sigh of relief with the approval of the 20m investment at the Kilroot site, which is one of only three salt mines in the United Kingdom. The extension will cover an area the equivalent of 340 football pitches.
Tyrone Crystal was a famous brand which promoted quality craftsmanship from Northern Ireland but it will now disappear.
The staff at Kilroot perform their important duties deep underground and away from the public gaze.
Economically, it was a day of mixed emotions for the community as we continue to feel the effects of the worldwide recession.
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 5 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North west
