CLANRYE NEWS 
Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has said delivering affordable childcare must be a priority to support workers and families. Speaking after a party delegation met education and Executive Office officials, Sinn Féin’s childcare spokesperson said: “The rising cost of childcare is a huge issue for workers and families, particularly with reports of some parents paying more than £550 per […]
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has told the British Chancellor his government should act now to cut rising fuel costs. The South Down MP said:”The British Government must immediately cut the price of fuel which continues to rise and put people out of pocket.“Figures show that petrol prices are up 13 pence per litre since […]
SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath has expressed serious concern at a report looking at smear tests in the Southern Trust. The Royal College of Pathologists report identified several failings, with 17,500 women set to have their tests re-checked, with some being recalled for new tests to be carried out. Mr McGrath raised the issues with […]
SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath hosted a roundtable with health organisations at Stormont on Monday. Mr McGrath is engaging with health organisations, the community and voluntary sector and political parties in the South to look at how we can save our health service. Among the groups in attendance on Monday were the British Medical Association, […]
SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath has called for talks to avert industrial action from junior doctors. Mr McGrath urged health officials to engage with junior doctors and listen to their legitimate concerns. South Down MLA Mr McGrath said: “Junior doctors balloting for strike action is a symptom of how desperate pay and conditions have gotten […]
By Donal McMahon A Northern Ireland council is to demand the completion of a “vital” Co Down bypass following a “hammer blow” departmental decision to down tools on the project. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) approved a motion this week that seeks to gain answers from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) on the stalling […]
SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA has responded to today’s published waiting list times and said these figures “underscore the awful human cost of political failure.” Mr McGrath said: “The figures published today paint a devastating picture of the current status of health waiting lists in the North. These aren’t just figures or statistics, these are […]
By Donal McMahon A masterplan for the development of Downpatrick is set to be launched this September following approval this week of a ‘Living High Street Framework’. The Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group (DRWG) organised through the local authority to forge the plan, has been engaged for almost a year. The Department for Communities with Newry, Mourne and […]
By Donal McMahon A Northern Ireland council is to curb the use of disposable BBQs on its lands following huge wildfire destruction in its Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) recently approved the development of an awareness programme due to concerns of “irresponsible” use and disposal of single use […]
By Donal McMahon A Stormont grant of almost £300k is set to develop “key environmental activities” in a newly designated UNESCO global geopark. The Mourne Gullion Strangford geopark, only the second in Northern Ireland to attain the global title, encompasses three areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB), Mourne, Ring of Gullion, and Strangford Lough and […]
By Donal McMahon The future of Down County Museum has been given a potential tourism boost following fears expressed by a town councillor that the heritage attraction was being “downgraded”. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) approved the 2023-26 policy at this week’s enterprise, regeneration and tourism committee. The former Downpatrick gaol, which hosts 13, […]
By Donal McMahon A proposed Co Down Titanic memorial to the last person recovered from the tragedy has failed to gain support following a cllr’s discovery of another victim from the district. Crossgar native, James McGrady (27) who was a Catholic saloon steward on the fateful ship, perished when it sank on April 15, 1912 […]
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