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A MILLION VACCINES LATER…

Over a million people in Northern Ireland have now received their first COVID-19 vaccine dose. The milestone has been reached some five months after the very first COVID-19 vaccine jab was administered in Northern Ireland. It means that almost 70% of the adult population has now received their first dose. It also comes just days […]

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HARGEY ESTABLISHES CULTURE, ARTS & HERITAGE RECOVERY TASKFORCE

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has established a Culture, Arts & Heritage Recovery Taskforce to consider measures to support re-opening and recovery in the short-term as they emerge from the pandemic and to pave the way for a longer term strategy for the culture, arts and heritage sectors.  Speaking after her first meeting with the Taskforce’s […]

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HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN FULLY FUNDED – MINISTER HARGEY

A £9million investment by Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey will fully fund the Housing Executive’s Covid Reset Plan on homelessness this year. The Covid Reset Plan ‘The Way Home – Homelessness Response to Covid-19′ aims to build on the collaborative response which has been so effective to date during the pandemic to end homelessness together. It […]

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Key Bill Seeking Dail Representation for Northern MPs Passes 1st Stage in the Dáil

A key Bill which would allow MPs elected in the North of Ireland speaking rights in the Dáil passed 1st stage in the Dáil today. Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín TD tabled the Bill. He stated; “The discussion on Irish Unity has gathered significant pace in recent years. Brexit has convinced many in the north that London […]

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PIP Time Limits Put Pressure on Claimants – Workers Party

The Workers Party has condemned an unannounced, but significant, change to the time limits for the completion of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims.  During the pandemic the Department for Communities extended the time allowed to complete a PIP application form from one month to 90 days. As of Monday of this week, and without warning  or […]

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Solidarity from Newry to Palestine – Saoradh Newry

Both are occupied lands one in Ireland and one thousands of miles away in Palestine. Both have suffered immensely under imperialist occupation over the decades . There’s a special bond between Palestine and Ireland, a connection that has lasted an eternity.  Scores of protesters gathered at The Quays shopping complex in Newry. Sainsburys was the […]

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WEIR OUTLINES PLANS FOR EXAMS AND ASSESSMENTS IN 2021/22

Education Minister, Peter Weir has announced a return to public examinations during the next academic year.  Young people will, however, have fewer examinations in 2022 and there will be significant reductions in assessment across the range of CCEA qualifications. Speaking in the Assembly, Peter Weir said: “I am pleased today to bring forward a clear plan […]

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MALLON ENCOURAGES THE PUBLIC TO GET INVOLVED IN PLANNING

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon is encouraging the public to get involved in planning.   The Department and Community Places are co-hosting a virtual “Planning Your Place: Getting Involved” community engagement event on Tuesday 25 May.  Speakers from across Europe will present at four online sessions. They will use examples to demonstrate the importance of community engagement in […]

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ROOF REPAIRS FUND FOR LISTED BUILDINGS OPENS

A £200,000 fund aimed at supporting roof repairs to listed buildings is now open. Owners can avail of £5,000 for repair works associated with roofs including chimneys and gutters while £10,000 is available for the repair of thatched roofs. This is part of a £350,000 Executive package of support being provided to the built heritage […]

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BALLYMURPHY VERDICT VINDICATES FAMILIES’ CAMPAIGN FOR TRUTH: McNULTY

SDLP Assembly Member for Newry and Armagh Justin McNulty MLA has welcomed the findings of the Ballymurphy Inquest which have vindicated the decades long campaign for truth by the families of the victims.   Mr McNulty said, ‘This week’s findings of the Ballymurphy Inquest are a long awaited vindication of the long and determined campaign […]

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Saoradh Newry Remove Joe Biden Sign

The Joe Biden sign at the Albert Basin in Newry has been removed by the Revolutionary Republican Party Saoradh and replaced with a Palestinian flag.  Speaking from the party’s Newry office following the action Saoradh member Cliodhna McCool explained “Saoradh activists based at the party’s Newry office took this direct action in response to US […]

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PSNI RAISE CONCERNS OVER SEXTORTION

The Police Service of Northern Ireland want to take this opportunity to raise awareness of sextortion and the dangers associated with interacting with someone you don’t know online. Detective Sergeant Lenaghan said: “Sextortion is a form of blackmail where a perpetrator threatens to reveal intimate images of the victim online unless they give in to their demands. These demands are typically […]