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Community Constituency Crime Downpatrick Newry and Armagh South Down

Priest Attacked In Church In Co. Down

Detectives are appealing for information following the report of a priest being seriously assaulted in Downpatrick.It was reported to police at around 10.10am on Sunday, 10th August that a man had walked into the church on St Patrick’s Avenue and hit the priest on his head with a bottle before leaving.The victim was taken to hospital […]

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

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Photo Competition Deadline Fast Approaching

Budding photographers across the district are reminded to capture their unique perspective of our Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty before 15 August. Each year, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council hosts an amateur photography competition to highlight the splendour of the district’s three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The winning photographs from across The […]

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Community Constituency Downpatrick Government Health Housing Kilkeel Newcastle Newry Newry and Armagh South Armagh Stormont Upper Bann Warrenpoint

Over £6 Million Spent on Temporary Housing By Housing Executive In Newry, Mourne and Down In 5 Years

Northern Ireland is facing a housing emergency of historic proportions. With homelessness rising, social housing waiting lists surging, and affordability worsening, families and individuals are struggling to find safe and permanent shelter. Housing Demand Soars As of 31st March 2025, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) waiting list reached 49,083 households an increase of around 25% since […]

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Community Constituency Council Downpatrick Government Lifestyle NMD Council Politics South Down

Council Approves Next Phase of Castlewellan Forest Park Treetop Walk

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has confirmed its commitment to delivering Northern Ireland’s first-ever treetop walk at Castlewellan Forest Park, following the successful completion and approval of the project’s Outline Business Case. Working in partnership with EAK Ireland, which is part of the EAK group, a leading provider of immersive, nature-based experiences, the Council […]

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Armagh Community Constituency Craigavon Downpatrick Infrastructure Newry Newry and Armagh South Down Upper Bann

The MOT Centres in NI With The Worst Pass Rates

By Compare NI New figures have revealed the MOT test centres with the worst pass rates across Northern Ireland. The car insurance experts at CompareNI.com have ranked which Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) test centres motorists are least likely to pass. Over the past year, Coleraine had the lowest pass rate for private cars out of all […]

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Community Constituency Crime Downpatrick Inside the Courtroom NI South Down

Man Caught By Three Undercover Decoys Thought He Was Talking to Fellow Paedophile Who Had Access to Two Grandchildren

By Paul Higgins A Co. Down creep who was caught engaging in online sexualised messaging with not one but THREE undercover decoys, wept in court as he was handed an Enhanced Combination Order.  Downpatrick Crown Court heard that while Trevor Bailie thought he was talking to two little boys and a “fellow paedophile who had […]

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Campaigns Community Constituency Cost of Living Downpatrick Education Government Politics South Down Stormont

Mason Welcomes £55 Million Investment Into Childcare and Early Years

Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has welcomed the £55 million investment into childcare and early years. The party’s spokesperson on childcare and early years said: “Today’s announcement of additional childcare support for school-aged children is very welcome, and will help make childcare more affordable and accessible for families from September. “The extension of 22.5 free […]

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Community Constituency Downpatrick Education Government South Down Stormont

Irish Medium Early Years Education Must Be Supported – Mason

Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has said more must be done by the Department of Education to enhance Irish medium early years education. Speaking following a meeting of the Assembly’s Education Committee, the party’s spokesperson on childcare and early years said: “In the face of a lack of support, Irish medium education continues to flourish […]

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

Young Adults Shine and Celebrate Ireland’s Fossil Heritage with Local School Children

One of the best ways for children to learn is from their peers, and the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark Team saw this in action recently when they were on the road delivering interactive workshops about Ireland’s Fossil Heritage. Developed by The University College Cork, the workshops explored how fossils are formed, Ireland’s ancient timeline and […]

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Community Constituency Crime Downpatrick Government South Down Westminster

Those Behind Mournes Fires Must Be Held to Account’ – Hazzard

South Down MP, Chris Hazzard, has slammed those involved in starting wildfires in Mourne Mountains in recent days and called for them to be held to account. Over 100 firefighters tackled the blaze which started on Saturday and stretched for approximately two miles close to forestry and property. The fire service also stated that the […]

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Community Constituency Crime Downpatrick Government South Down Stormont

SDLP: Greater Care Needed to End Mournes Fires

SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath has called for people to take greater care in the vicinity of the Mourne Mountains to end regular fires. He was speaking after the latest major incident at the weekend. South Down MLA Mr McGrath said: “There are a number of reasons these fires start, from particular practices to […]

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

St Patricks Day Parade: Traffic and Parade Routes

There will be some disruption to traffic in across Newry, Mourne and Down this St Patrick’s Day, 17 March, with a number of parades and processions taking place. In Downpatrick, the Downe Old Car Club Cavalcade will begin at midday on Ardglass Road, travelling along Edward Street, John Street, Irish and Market Street for dispersal […]