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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 […]

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Community Constituency Downpatrick Government Newry Newry and Armagh NMD Council Politics

St Patrick’s Day Plans For Newry and Downpatrick

Everyone is welcome to this year’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Newry and Downpatrick on Monday 17 March. As the home of St Patrick, the annual celebration is the cornerstone of Newry, Mourne and Down’s cultural calendar. It showcases the best of our local arts, heritage, food and music. Our traditional carnival parades, with street […]

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

Discover Hidden Gems at Home: Tourism Showcase Event Explores the Best of Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark

Discover the hidden treasures right on your doorstep at the Hidden Gems at Home Tourism Showcase Event, taking place at the Newry Variety Market on Sunday 23 March 2025, from 1pm to 6pm. This exciting event is designed to inspire local residents in Newry, Mourne and Down to explore the best of what Mourne Gullion […]

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Community Constituency Downpatrick Government Health Politics South Down Stormont

SDLP: Urgent Response Needed to Address Cancer Deaths In Deprived Areas

SDLP Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA has said that urgent action is needed to address the high level of cancer deaths in deprived parts of the North. He was speaking following the publication of Cancer Research UK’s Cancer in the UK 2025: Socioeconomic Deprivation report. It found cancer death rates are around 45% higher for […]

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

Nominations Now Open For Council’s NMD Be Active Sports Awards

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, in partnership with the Sports Association Newry, Down and South Armagh (SANDSA), is excited to announce the opening of nominations for this year’s NMD Be Active Sports Awards. These prestigious awards will once again acknowledge the remarkable sporting accomplishments of athletes and clubs whilst collectively recognising the tremendous contributions […]

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Campaigns Community Constituency Daisy Hill Downpatrick Government Health Newry Newry and Armagh Politics South Down Stormont Upper Bann

McGrath: Ambulance Delays Contributing to Health Service Collapse

SDLP Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA has said that lengthy delays in ambulance response times is contributing to the collapse of the health service. He was speaking after a debate in the Assembly on Monday. Mr McGrath has long been highlighting the impact of ambulance delays, particularly in rural areas. South Down MLA Mr […]