Categories
Health Politics

TUV Challenges Executive on Face-Covering Policy

Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister: “I have always been clear that there is a duty on everyone to take all sensible and reasonable steps to help stop the spread of COVID. We all have our part to play in suppressing the spread of a virus which has caused much suffering and resulted in the […]

Categories
Health

‘Lateral Flow Before You Go!’ – Swann

Health Minister Robin Swann has emphasised that free Rapid Lateral Flow Tests are available online and from a network of local pharmacies. And he underlined the importance of using Rapid Lateral Flow Tests regularly to help keep family and friends safe this winter. The Minister stressed that using Lateral Flow Tests does not remove the […]

Categories
Agriculture

Poots Announces £12m Scheme for Farmers

Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots has announced that Tier 2 of the Farm Business Improvement Scheme – Capital (FBIS-C) will open for applications on 10 January 2022. The funding for farmers and growers will provide transformational investment in on-farm projects costing in excess of £30,000. Speaking at the RUAS Winter Fair, Minister Poots said: “I am […]

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Agriculture Banbridge Community

Lockhart Meets Utility Regulator to Discuss Energy Prices

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has met with Utility Regulator Chief Executive John French to discuss ongoing increases in energy costs, and what support can be offered to customers struggling to meet the rising prices. Carla Lockhart said: “Over recent months we have witnessed a sharp rise in the cost of energy, both for domestic […]

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Business

Economy Minister Addresses Northern Ireland Economic Conference

We stand at a pivotal moment as we emerge from a major health and economic crisis following the Covid-19 pandemic. That was the key message from Economy Minister Gordon Lyons as he addressed the Northern Ireland Economic Conference at Galgorm Resort and Spa in Ballymena today. The Minister continued: “It is also an opportunity for us […]

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Community Politics

Hargey Sets Out Plans to Deliver Over 100,000 Homes

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey set out her plans to deliver over 100,000 homes, as her draft Housing Supply Strategy is launched for public consultation. Minister Hargey said: “This Strategy is to deliver 100,000 plus homes over its 15 year lifetime. I want at least a third of these homes to be social homes. These homes will […]

Categories
Health Infrastructure

Ministers Want You to Wear Face Coverings on Public Transport!

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon and Health Minister Robin Swann are again reminding the travelling public of the importance of wearing face coverings on public transport including buses, trains and the Strangford Ferry. With more people travelling over the festive period, Ministers Mallon and Swann are again appealing for people to do this safely by wearing a […]

Categories
Agriculture Crime Newry

Newry Man Convicted For Waste and Pollution Offences

A confiscation order totaling £177,123.53 has been granted by Newry Crown Court on 3rd December 2021 against Mr. James Morgan (38) of Benagh Road, Newry, County Down, for keeping and disposing controlled waste in a manner likely to cause pollution and without a license contrary to the Waste and Contaminated Land (Northern Ireland) Order 1997. […]

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Business Community Politics

What Support Will Be Available For Individuals Impacted By Restrictions? – UUP 

East Belfast Ulster Unionist Party MLA Andy Allen MBE has called on the Economy Minister to detail what support will be available for individuals such as DJs impacted by recent restrictions. Mr Allen said: “I have written to the Minister for the Economy on behalf of a number of DJs who have contacted me following […]

Categories
Banbridge Business Politics

VAT Cut Must Be Extended! – Lockhart

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has written to the Chancellor Rishi Sunak to call for an extension to the cut in VAT for our hospitality sector, and a return to the 5% rate that was enacted earlier in the pandemic. Carla Lockhart said: “Our hospitality industry is in crisis. I am speaking with local businesses […]

Categories
Crime Newry

Man Taken to Hospital Following Serious Assault in Newry

Police are investigating following a report of a serious assault at the Windsor Manor area of Newry this morning (Monday 3rd January). One man has been taken to hospital for his injuries and another man has been arrested in relation to the incident. There are no further details at this stage. “We would appeal to anyone […]

Categories
Health

‘We Must Not Drop Our Guard on Omicron!’ – Swann

Health Minister Robin Swann has strongly warned against complacency over the COVID-19 Omicron variant. The Minister emphasised that Omicron poses a significant threat to health and social care services. The Omicron variant is now dominant in NI, accounting for a majority of new COVID-19 infections. The Minister said: “There remains a great deal of uncertainty about […]