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Business Community Government Politics Stormont

The Executive Office Launches Consultation on Artificial Intelligence Strategy

First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have today launched a consultation on the Executive’s Draft Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy. The draft strategy sets out a vision for the responsible, ethical and fair adoption of Artificial Intelligence across the public sector. It has been developed by representatives from across government, industry and […]

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Business Community Constituency Council Entertainment Government Lifestyle NMD Council South Down Warrenpoint

Loughside Festival Launches Exciting 2026 Festival Programme

The Loughside Festival Committee is delighted to announce the launch of the 2026 Loughside Festival, which will take place in Warrenpoint from Saturday 8 August to Sunday 16 August 2026. The week-long celebration promises a packed programme of family entertainment, live music, cultural events, sporting activities, community celebrations and the much-anticipated fireworks display, offering something […]

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Business Government Infrastructure Stormont

Fleadh to Deliver Lasting Economic and Tourism Boost

Hosting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 will deliver significant economic, cultural and tourism benefits across the north, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has said. The Minister was speaking at the official opening of this year’s festival at Belfast City Hall, where she also wished everyone a successful and enjoyable week. The Minister said:  “It is […]

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Business Climate Community Constituency Council Government NMD Council South Down Warrenpoint

Warrenpoint Harbour Must Disclose ‘Stink’ Minutes

By Donal McMahon A Co Down harbour at the centre of long running bad odour claims is being forced to hand over data from board meetings a year after councillors walked away in solidarity with local people. Warrenpoint Harbour Authority (WHA) has refused to provide minutes in a Freedom of Information (FoI) request citing “commercial […]

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

Businesses In Newry, Mourne & Down Among the Most Engaged In Succession Planning

Businesses in Newry, Mourne and Down are among the most engaged in Northern Ireland when it comes to succession planning, according to new research by Employee Ownership Ireland. A survey of businesses across Northern Ireland found that 68% of respondents in the Newry, Mourne and Down council area had considered succession planning, slightly above the […]

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Business Community Government Infrastructure Lifestyle Newry Stormont

Kimmins Announces Additional Late-Night Bus and Rail Services For Fleadh

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced additional late-night bus and rail services to support Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026. Minister Kimmins said: “With over 800,000 people expected to attend the Fleadh, there will be increased demand on transport services. These additional late-night services will help people travel safely and conveniently while supporting Belfast’s wider traffic management arrangements. […]

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Business Campaigns Community Cost of Living

Older NI Drivers Being Punished Most For Paying Car Insurance Monthly

Older drivers in Northern Ireland are being hit harder than almost anywhere else in the UK for spreading the cost of their car insurance, new data has shown. Research by CompareNI.com has found that motorists aged 65 and over in NI are consistently forking out more than most other regions when paying their insurance in monthly instalments rather […]

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Business Community Constituency Government Infrastructure Newry Newry and Armagh Politics Westminster

Hughes Welcomes Permanent Additional Free Hour In Controlled Parking Zones In Newry

Sinn Féin MP for Newry and Armagh Dáire Hughes has welcomed Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins’ announcement that the Controlled Parking Zones pilot scheme in Newry will now become permanent. Dáire Hughes MP said: “I am delighted that Minister Liz Kimmins has made the additional free hour in Controlled Parking Zones in Newry permanent. “This is […]

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Business Community Constituency Government Lurgan Politics Stormont Uncategorized Upper Bann

O’Dowd Calls on Businesses to Have Their Say on Changes to Business Rating System

Finance Minister John O’Dowd has met with Belfast Chamber to discuss proposed reforms to the business rating system and encourage businesses to respond to the consultation on the Business Growth Accelerator and Non-Domestic Vacant Rating measures. Speaking following the meeting, John O’Dowd said: “I welcomed the opportunity to meet with the Belfast Chamber and discuss my […]

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Business Community Constituency Crime Newry Newry and Armagh

Newry Man Jailed Due to Fatal Workplace Accident

By Paul Higgins A man has been jailed and a business fined following a fatal workplace accident in Newry in 2022. While 53-year-old Walter Manley was given a 40-month sentence for manslaughter, McKinstry Biomass Ltd was fined a total of £120,000 for breaches of health and safety regulations. At an earlier hearing of Newry Crown […]

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Business Community Constituency Newry Newry and Armagh Sport

PLAYR-FIT Business 5s Raises £9,650 for Evora Hospice

PLAYR-FIT has proudly presented Evora Hospice with a cheque for £9,650 following the outstanding success of this year’s PLAYR-FIT Business 5s charity tournament. Now firmly established as a highlight of the local business and sporting calendar, the annual event continues to grow year after year, attracting more teams, stronger community support, and an ever-increasing display […]

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Business Community Health

New Weight-Loss Tablet Approved as Community Pharmacies Prepare for Growing Demand

A new tablet version of one of the world’s most popular weight-loss medications has been approved for use in the UK, potentially opening the door to greater access for patients seeking support with obesity and weight management. The treatment, developed by Novo Nordisk, contains semaglutide — the same active ingredient found in the injectable Wegovy […]