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Community Constituency Crime Downpatrick Government South Down Westminster

 DUP MP Charged With Common Assault

DUP MP Jim Shannon has been charged with common assault of a woman.  In a case listed at Newtownards Magistrates Court today (Mon), 71-year-old Richard James Shannon is alleged to have assaulted a female on 1 October 2023.  The alleged background has not been opened, but it is understood the complainant is a sister of […]

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Community Constituency Downpatrick Government Health South Down Stormont

Ministers Nesbitt and O’Dowd Recognise Progress In Regional Cataract Service

Thousands more people across Northern Ireland are benefitting from faster access to sight saving treatment as investment through the Executive’s Programme for Government continues to transform ophthalmology services. Alongside significantly reducing cataract surgery waiting times, the Elective Care Framework is expanding capacity for time critical glaucoma services and delivering targeted reductions in waiting times for […]

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Community Constituency Downpatrick Government South Down Westminster

Construction Sector Can Be Strategic Partner For Creating Jobs and Tackling Regional Imbalance – Hazzard

Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has said that planning reform and long-term infrastructure investment are essential to unlocking economic potential. The South Down MP was speaking at the Construction Employers Federation’s inaugural conference where the CEF launched its ‘Delivery, not Delay’ manifesto for the 2027 Assembly Election. “The local construction sector can be a strategic […]

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Community Constituency Downpatrick Election 2027 Elections Government Kilkeel Newcastle Politics South Down Stormont Warrenpoint

Sinn Féin Targets Three Seats In South Down For The First Time

For the first time ever Sinn Féin have selected three candidates in South Down to contest the 2027 Assembly Election. Current MLAs Sinéad Ennis and Cathy Mason will be seeking re-election and will be joined by the former Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down Council, Councillor Michael Rice. Speaking at the launch on Wednesday evening […]

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Community Constituency Downpatrick Government Politics South Down Stormont Westminster

Gavin Robinson’s Comments Are Totally Detached From Reality – Hazzard

Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard described comments around the reform of Stormont made by DUP leader, Gavin Robinson as double speak and totally detached from reality. The South Down MP said: “While Gavin Robinson says politicians must want to work together, the DUP continue to frustrate progress – on the Good Jobs Bill, on Environmental […]

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Community Constituency Crime Downpatrick South Down

Downpatrick: Man Charged In Incident Where Officer Sustained Serious Injuries

Detectives investigating an incident in which an officer sustained serious injuries when he was struck by a stolen police vehicle have charged a man to court and made two further arrests. The man, aged 27, has been charged with dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and using a motor vehicle with no insurance.  He is due […]

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Community Constituency Crime Downpatrick South Down

Downpatrick: Attempted Murder of Police Officer and Police Vehicle Stolen

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has launched an attempted murder investigation after an officer was struck by a stolen police vehicle in Downpatrick. Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones said: “At approximately 4.45am this morning, Sunday 31st May, a vehicle failed to stop for police in the Fountain Street area – it was later located […]

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Community Constituency Council Downpatrick Government Kilkeel Newry Newry and Armagh NMD Council South Armagh South Down

Council Continues Major Investment In Play Parks Across the District

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is continuing with its investment programme to refurbish and enhance play parks across the district, with a series of major upgrades now completed as part of its ongoing Play Strategy 2024–2029. The most recent phase of works has delivered improved facilities at Bishop’s Court in Ballyhornan, Derrybeg in Newry […]

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Community Constituency Downpatrick Government South Down Sport Westminster

Irish Government Must End Geo-Blocking – Hazzard

Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has called on the Irish government to end the geo-blocking of RTÉ content from viewers in the north. The South Down MP said: “It is wrong that so many people in the north will be unable to watch our national team free to air on RTÉ because it is geo-blocked. […]

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Constituency Downpatrick Government International Politics South Down Westminster

Middle East Escalation Must Be Condemned and Should End Immediately – Hazzard

Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has slammed the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, describing them as an outrageous violation of the United Nations Charter and the multilateral system. The South Down MP said: “These attacks by the US and Israel do nothing but bring the threat of wider conflict in the Middle East closer. […]

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Community Constituency Council Downpatrick Entertainment Government Lifestyle Newry Newry and Armagh NMD Council South Down

Community Groups and Schoolchildren Preparing for St Patrick’s Festival Parades

Two community-based arts organisations are playing key roles in preparations for St Patrick’s Day festival parades in Newry and Downpatrick. Down Community Arts and Beat Carnival are supporting the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council events by working with schoolchildren and residents to develop floats and other parade content ahead of the annual 17 March […]

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Business Community Constituency Council Downpatrick Entertainment Government Lifestyle Newry Newry and Armagh NMD Council South Down

Newry and Downpatrick Getting Ready to Celebrate St Patrick’s Day 2026

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is getting ready and looking forward to once again delivering a vibrant programme of St Patrick’s Day events in Newry and Downpatrick for residents and visitors of all ages. As the home of St Patrick, the district holds a unique place in Ireland’s cultural story and this year’s programme […]