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MURPHY EXTENDS PROTECTION FOR BUSINESS TENANTS UNTIL END OF JUNE

Finance Minister Conor Murphy has extended an emergency provision for commercial tenants by a further three months. The move, which extends the special provisions of the Coronavirus Act 2020, means business tenants here will continue to be protected from the threat of eviction for non-payment of rent until 30 June 2021, giving them a total […]

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THE TOUGHEST OF YEARS FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE – O’NEILL

Our young people have been deeply affected by the pandemic throughout the toughest of years, deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill has said. The deputy First Minister was speaking after she visited St Pius X College in Magherafelt today. Michelle O’Neill spoke with students in years 12-14 at the end of their first week back in […]

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“Irish Unity Now The Big Idea Of Our Time” Conor Murphy

Newry and Armagh MLA Conor Murphy speaking as Republicans commemorated the Easter Rising of 1916  has said that Irish Unity was now the ‘big idea of our time’ and ‘just as partition has stunted the development of our people and island, unity can unlock their potential’. Sinn Féin for the second year due to the […]

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MINISTER ANNOUNCES EXTENSION OF FREE CAR PARKING FOR HSC STAFF

Health Minister Robin Swann has approved a further period of free car parking for HSC staff from 1 April to 31 July (inclusive). Minister Swann said: “I have asked Trusts to proceed with putting in place arrangements to extend free parking for staff for another four months. I am aware that with the hope of further recovery […]

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Police Asking Public to Follow Health Advice this Easter

Ahead of Easter weekend, Police are asking the public to continue to follow the advice of the Health Minister and Department of Health and adhere to the Health Protection Regulations. Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said: “We understand that people may be frustrated and are keen to return to normal but the fact remains that we are […]

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Councillor Litter Appeal “Leave no trace”

Slieve Gullion area Sinn Féin Councillor Mickey Larkin has appealed for people to work at ‘leaving no trace’ of their visits to woods or walkways. The Councillor also expressed his dismay at the amount of bottles and rubbish left by a group  at the community wood behind the Pastoral Centre in Jonesborough. Cllr Larkin said, […]

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WEIR WELCOMES REOPENING OF SURE START AND YOUTH SERVICES

Education Minister Peter Weir has welcomed the phased return of Sure Start and youth services. The Executive has given approval for initial steps to be taken in resuming some early years programmes, including Sure Start, and youth services allowing the gradual re-opening of programmes to support children and young people who may be facing disadvantage. […]

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Quick Fix Patch & Mend Approach On Our Roads Is Not Working’Cllr Roisin Mulgrew

Councilor Roisin Mulgrew has said that recent repair work on road  surfaces in the Killeavy and Killean areas left a lot to be desired and did little to address concerns of many about their unsafe condition. The Sinn Féin Councillor said, “Myself and many other councillors are inundated with calls regarding the poor condition of […]

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DODDS ANNOUNCES EXTENSION OF PAYMENTS UNDER BUSINESS SUPPORT SCHEMES

Economy Minister Diane Dodds has announced that payments will be extended under two business support schemes. Payments to eligible businesses under the Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme (CRBSS), Part A and Part B, and the Large Hospitality and Tourism Business Support Scheme (LHTBSS) will continue beyond 31 March. The CRBSS will close to new applications […]

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HARM CAUSED BY ALCOHOL REMAINS KEY CHALLENGE – SWANN

Health Minister Robin Swann has warned that the harm related to alcohol use remains a key public health challenge. The Minister was speaking following the publication of a report from NISRA which examines recent trends in alcohol-specific mortality in Northern Ireland and highlights the associated socio-demographic linkages. The Health Minister said: “My Department worked with NISRA on this […]

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Councillor Highlights Road & Street Lighting Issues

Slieve Gullion area Sinn Féin Councillor Oonagh Magennis commenting after a collision at the Old Lislea Post Office Junction said that there was a need for additional street lighting and signage as well as clearer road markings on the stretch of road. The local Councillor said, “Local residents and myself feel that additional lighting and […]

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NI kids get “Street Smart, Road Safe” with new booklet launch

Primary school pupils across Northern Ireland are set to benefit from the launch of an innovative new road safety booklet. The comprehensive 36 page guide covers every aspect of how to keep safe whilst travelling as a pedestrian, cyclist or passenger. The publication is the cumulation of months of work by the charity, Road Safe […]