Categories
Health

O’Loughlin Welcomes Moves to Lift Ban on Gay and Bisexual Men Donating Blood

Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O’Loughlin has welcomed the news that the one-year blood donation deferral policy for men who have sex with men is set to be lifted. An independent advisory committee to review the evidence base for deferral and exclusion around blood donation was established earlier this year. The Group has recommended changes to […]

Categories
Health

Covid Isolation Reduced From 10 Days to 7 Days

The Executive has agreed that the current package of COVID-19 measures remains a proportionate response to the Omicron variant at this time. While the situation remains under continuous review, the Executive has agreed not to introduce additional restrictions following its latest considerations. The Executive also discussed self-isolation requirements and the proposal by the Health Minister […]

Categories
Health

“Make this New Year’s Eve as safe as possible!” – Swann

Health Minister Robin Swann has urged the public to make this New Year’s Eve as safe as possible by following health guidance and advice. “Traditionally this is a time when we look forward with hope and optimism. This year we will do the same but that must be tempered by continued caution and awareness that […]

Categories
Community Lurgan

O’Dowd Welcomes Completion of Craigavon Lakes Active Travel Improvement Scheme

Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd has welcomed the completion of the £400,000 Craigavon Lakes Active Travel Improvement Scheme. The Upper Bann representative said: “The completion of this upgrade to the footways and cycleways at Craigavon Lakes is wonderful news, and will enhance the enjoyment of the area and its facilities to all who use it. The upgrade […]

Categories
Community Crime Louth

Witness Appeal Road Traffic Incident, Newry Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth. 25th December, 2021

Gardaí in Dundalk are investigating a road traffic incident that occurred late on Christmas night, Saturday 25th December, 2021 on the Newry Road, close to the Newry Bridge, Dundalk, Co. Louth. At approximately 11.35p.m. Emergency services were alerted to reports of a man (late 20s) lying on the road way.  The man was in a […]

Categories
Business Portadown

McCabe’s Marks 100 Years

Local MP Carla Lockhart has congratulated Portadown based bicycle shop McCabe’s on marking 100 years in business, serving the community of Portadown and beyond. Carla Lockhart said: “To be in business for a century is a remarkable achievement. So many people in Portadown got “on their bike” for the first time following a purchase at […]

Categories
Agriculture Armagh

Over £360K Funding Boost for Two Rural Armagh Communities

Two rural communities in County Armagh have benefited from more than £360,000 grant funding from the Basic Services Scheme of the NI Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 – funded by Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and European Union (EU), and delivered by Southern Organisation for Action in Rural Areas (SOAR ABC). SOAR ABC […]

Categories
Politics

Each New Deadline Leaves Unionism Looking Weaker – TUV

Statement by TUV East Antrim candidate Norman Boyd: “Sir Jeffery Donaldson’s new deadline for action on the Protocol – “very early in the New Year” – simply underscores the weakness of his leadership of Unionism to date. Why would anyone take this seriously given that his deadline of action by the end of October passed […]

Categories
Banbridge Health Lurgan Politics

MLAs Must Explain Why Disabled Babies Less Worthy of Life – Lockhart

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has urged local Upper Bann MLAs Doug Beattie and John O’Dowd to explain to the public why they believe it is right that a baby can be aborted on the grounds of disability to full term of pregnancy. Both Mr Beattie and Mr O’Dowd rejected a Bill by DUP MLA […]

Categories
Politics

2021 Has Confirmed at Least Five Things That Many Already Knew – Workers Party

2021 has confirmed at least five things that many already knew. 1.We were only able to continue in the face of the global pandemic thanks to our key workers. From health and care staff, to drivers, maintenance teams, researchers, retail workers key service sectors and emergency services and their support structures, society continued to function […]

Categories
Community South Armagh

Byrne Welcomes Camlough Lake Budget Allocation

SDLP Slieve Gullion Councillor Pete Byrne has welcomed a budget allocation for the Camlough Lake Recreational Hub at this months Strategic Policy and Resource Committee. Byrne said: “I was delighted to propose the budget allocation from the capital programme for the Recreational Hub at Camlough Lake during the last Strategic Policy and Resource committee of […]

Categories
Health South Armagh

Boylan Welcomes Meeting With Keady GPs

Sinn Féin MLA for Newry and Armagh, Cathal Boylan, welcomed an engagement with a number of GP’s in Keady.  Speaking after the meeting, Cathal commented: “Myself and my party colleague Mickey Brady MP attended a meeting with GPs in Keady to discuss the current pressures on GP’s and what can be done to assist them.  […]