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Publication of NI Cancer Waiting Times Statistics Release (October – December 2020)

The Department of Health has published the NI Cancer Waiting Times Statistics Release for October, November and December 2020. The release gives details of the waiting times for patients accessing cancer services at hospitals during October, November and December 2020. Key facts and figures are listed below: Waiting times for first treatment following an urgent […]

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WEIR PROVIDES ADDITIONAL PATHWAY FUNDING FOR EARLY YEARS EDUCATION

An additional £900,000 will be available as part of the Pathway Fund budget so that all 169 eligible applicants can receive an award this year. The Fund is administered by Early Years – The Organisation for Young Children (EYO) and prioritises support to children facing disadvantage who are at risk underachieving in education. This year […]

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Restoration of Railway Link Would Improve Local Active Travel, says Coade

Restoration of the Armagh to Portadown railway link and creation of a greenway alongside it would not only enhance opportunities for people but improve the active travel experienced in the local area, Alliance Newry and Armagh representative Jackie Coade has said. Ms Coade, recently selected as Alliance’s representative for the constituency, said there was a […]

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‘ But, who cares?’ – John Herron

In a poll that was taken last summer by the Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey, it was found that 79% of people claim to have some religious affiliation. Of course, this does not mean that the affiliation is deep, or important, or genuine; it may mean just that we are ashamed not to claim […]

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MINISTER ANNOUNCES MAJOR NEW HEALTH SERVICE SUPPORT FUNDS

Health Minister Robin Swann has announced the establishment of new grant schemes for cancer and mental health charities and a Carers Support Fund. The Cancer Charities Support Fund and Mental Health Support Fund will each receive £10m, while £4m has been allocated to the Carers Support Fund. The Minister has also allocated £15m to Health […]

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Phone First for Urgent Care – Southern Trust

With lockdown restrictions lifting and more leisure activities resuming, the Southern Trust is reminding people with urgent but not critical symptoms to ‘Phone First’ before attending Emergency Departments or Minor Injuries services. Patients, including children, considering  attending Emergency Departments or the Minor Injuries Services at Craigavon, Daisy Hill or South Tyrone Hospital with an urgent […]

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EXECUTIVE AGREES RELAXATIONS TO COVID RESTRICTIONS

The Executive has agreed a package of relaxations to the current Coronavirus Health Regulations. From April 23: Resumption of driving instruction and theory tests; Driving testing can resume; Re-opening of close contact services including training; Re-opening of outdoor visitor attractions including outdoor activity centres; Resumption of Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning (EATL) on an indoor […]

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MINISTER HARGEY BUILDS UP SOCIAL HOUSING STOCK

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced that 2,403 new social homes were started in 2020/21 – almost 30% more than the target for the year (1,850 units). During the same period, 1,318 social housing homes were completed (against a target of 1,200). Looking ahead with the aim of continuing to build our quantity of social […]

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Police Ask Public To Avoid Newcastle Area Due To Mountain Fire

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service continue to deal with a major fire in the Mourne Mountains. This is expected to be ongoing for the rest of Saturday. Police would ask that all members of the public avoid the Newcastle area, in particular Trassey Road, Bloody Bridge, Tollymore Forest Park and Donard Carpark to ensure […]

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MANAGED ISOLATION PACKAGES FOR PASSENGERS GO LIVE

Managed isolation arrangements have been activated ahead of the return of international flights to local airports. Any passenger who has been in, or transited through a ‘red list’ country in the previous 10 days must book and pay for a managed isolation package before making any other travel arrangements. The package will include collection at […]

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HARGEY WELCOMES FURTHER EASEMENTS TO ORGANISED SPORT AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has welcomed the Executive’s announcement on Thursday, 15 April, that a number of significant easements to the current Covid restrictions will take place over the next few weeks.  In summary, the easements announced mean that from 23 April outdoor sports, organised by a club or individual affiliated to a recognised governing […]

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Council Begins Phased Reopening of Leisure Centres

Swimming pools and gyms at Newry Leisure Centre, Down Leisure Centre and Kilkeel Leisure Centre will reopen for individual training on Friday 30 April as part of a phased re-opening of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s indoor leisure facilities. This initial phased reopening is in line with the current COVID-19 guidelines.  Members can book […]