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Community Constituency Crime Downpatrick South Down

Disgraced Former NMD Councillor to Stand Trial Accused of Attempting to Sexually Communicate With Two Children

By Paul Higgins A former DUP councillor was today (thurs) ordered to stand trial accused of attempting to sexually communicate with two ‘children.’ Although William Walker was originally charged with the offences six months ago, today (thurs) is the first time the 60-year-old has actually appeared in court. Standing in the dock of Downpatrick Magistrates […]

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Community Constituency Crime Downpatrick South Down

Downpatrick Man Sentenced to 8 and a Half Years for Robbery and Disqualified Driving

A man has today been handed a eight and half year sentence, four and a half years in custody and four on licence, and was disqualified from driving for 10 years, after he was convicted of robbery and disqualified driving. 34-year-old Martin Smyth had pleaded guilty to the offences at Downpatrick Crown Court on Friday […]

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Armagh Banbridge Community Constituency Craigavon Downpatrick Government Health Infrastructure Kilkeel Lurgan Monaghan Newcastle Newry Newry and Armagh Portadown South Armagh South Down Stormont Upper Bann Warrenpoint

Housing Executive Rent to Increase by 7%

In response to the Housing Executive’s annual request for a rent increase, the Department for Communities has confirmed that from 4 April 2023, Housing Executive rents will increase by 7%. Rent pays for the housing services provided by the Housing Executive. This below-inflation increase will provide funding for essential maintenance, improvements and investment while also […]

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Armagh Banbridge Campaigns Community Constituency Craigavon Daisy Hill Downpatrick Health Kilkeel Lurgan Newry Newry and Armagh South Down Upper Bann

Thousands of Unite Health Members Join NI-Wide Strike in Demand for Fair Wages and Safe Staffing

Union warns of `existential crisis’ for health service as NI wages fall further behind 4000 members of Unite the union will join strike action tomorrow (Tuesday) at health and social care workplaces, across Northern Ireland. Workers, including ambulance service workers, are fighting for a fair pay rise and urgent action to avert an `existential crisis’ in […]

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Community Constituency Crime Downpatrick South Down

15 Year Old Charged With Arson

Police in Downpatrick have charged a 15-year-old boy with a number of offences including arson, assault on police and attempted grievous bodily harm with intent. The boy is due to appear before Newtownards Youth Court tomorrow, Tuesday, 21st February. As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service. The charges relate […]

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Armagh Banbridge Campaigns Community Constituency Craigavon Daisy Hill Downpatrick Health Kilkeel Lurgan Newry Newry and Armagh South Down Upper Bann

Hundreds of Health Workers will join 21st February strikes, says GMB

NHS workers will join teachers and other health unions on picket lines next week, GMB announces today (Wednesday).  In the midst of the worst cost of living crisis for a generation, NHS workers have been offered real terms pay cuts. Jim Donley GMB regional organiser, said:  “NHS staff worked tirelessly through the pandemic – always […]

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Community Constituency Council Downpatrick Government NMD Council South Down

Spring Forward and Secure Your New Job at Newry, Mourne and Down Job Fair

Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership is offering local employers and residents the opportunity to come together at a Job Fair in Downpatrick on Thursday 9 March 2023. Providing a platform for businesses across the district to promote a range of vacancies, the Newry, Mourne and Down Job Fair will entice those interested in […]

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Community Constituency Downpatrick Government Health Politics South Down Stormont Westminster

McGrath: NI Secretary Has Responsibility to Progress Dáithí’s Law

SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath has said NI Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris needs to take responsibility and progress Dáithí’s Law. He was speaking after a meeting between the Secretary of State and the MacGabhann family on Wednesday. South Down MLA Mr McGrath said: “The Secretary of State had the opportunity today to express his full support […]

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Armagh Banbridge Community Constituency Craigavon Downpatrick Health Kilkeel Lurgan Newcastle Newry Newry and Armagh Portadown South Armagh South Down Upper Bann Warrenpoint

Changes to Housing Selection Scheme Announced

Changes to the Housing Selection Scheme in Northern Ireland come into effect this week. The Housing Selection Scheme and Common Waiting List governs the allocation of all permanent social housing in Northern Ireland. It has been in place for more than 20 years and changes are now being introduced to ensure that those in greatest […]

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Armagh Banbridge Community Constituency Downpatrick Education Kilkeel Newry Newry and Armagh Portadown South Down Upper Bann

Southern Regional College Leading the Way With Accreditation Status!

Southern Regional College are the proud recipients of a formal accreditation status from The Royal Society of Chemistry. The College is the only Further Education College within Northern Ireland to achieve this accolade, and one of six Further Education providers in the UK with permission to use The Royal Society of Chemistry’s crest! The College […]

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Campaigns Community Constituency Cost of Living Craigavon Downpatrick Health Newry Newry and Armagh Politics South Down Upper Bann

4,000 Unite NHS Members to Strike Across NI Tomorrow

Health and social care workers determined to defend living standards Members of Unite, which represents 4,000 health and social care workers across Northern Ireland, will be joining members of other health unions in taking industrial action tomorrow (Thursday 26 January).  The strike is a result of the failure to deliver a cost of living pay […]

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Community Constituency Downpatrick Kilkeel Lurgan Newcastle Newry and Armagh Portadown South Armagh South Down Upper Bann Warrenpoint

NIFRS Recruiting For On-Call Firefighters In 46 Fire Stations

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is recruiting for On-Call Firefighters in 46 Fire Stations across Northern Ireland.  On-Call Firefighters are part-time Firefighters who respond to emergency incidents in their local area, including fires, road traffic collisions and other specialist service calls. They also play a crucial role in providing safety advice to their […]