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Business Community Election 2022 Government Lurgan Stormont Upper Bann

Boris and the Tories Must Scrap VAT on Energy Bills

Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd has said ‘extortionate hikes’ to gas prices are crippling workers and families.  Speaking after Firmus announced another 34% price in areas of the north this week, the Upper Bann MLA said: “News that Firmus are again set to increase gas prices by almost 34% is another huge blow to workers […]

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Community Election 2022 Government Politics Stormont

Irish Language Move Will Leave Many Questioning Merit of Devolution

Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister: “Comments by NIO Minister Conor Burns indicating that Irish language legislation will be introduced at Westminster before the Stormont elections will leave many Unionists questioning the point of devolution. Why should Unionists accept a form of devolution which gifts a party committed to the destruction of Northern Ireland places […]

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ABC Council Community Council Education Government Lurgan Upper Bann

Cllr Mackle Calls for Scrapping of Transfer Tests

Sinn Féin council group leader Liam Mackle has said that cruel transfer tests should be ‘scrapped’ to remove unnecessary stress from children.  The ABC representative said:  “Over the weekend many children endured the anxiety of waiting for their results from the transfer test. It is unacceptable at any time to select and reject young children […]

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Community Upper Bann

Planning Consent for Scarva Playpark a Big Step Forward – MP

Carla Lockhart MP has said the granting of planning permission for a new state of the art playpark in Scarva is a significant step forward in making the plan a reality for local children. The DUP MP said: “This is fantastic news for the children of Scarva, who will love their new play park when […]

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Community Education Infrastructure South Armagh

Coade Welcomes Consideration of 20mph Speed Limit at Kingsmill Primary School

Newry and Armagh Alliance representative Jackie Coade has welcomed the news from the Department of Infrastructure to reduce the speed limit to 20mph at Kingsmill Primary School in her constituency. Speaking to Clanrye News and Sport Ms Coade said: “After months of lobbying DfI I am relieved to be informed an assessment has been carried […]

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Armagh Community Election 2022 Government Infrastructure Stormont

Boylan Urges for Better Access to Driving and Vehicle Tests

Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has said the Infrastructure Minister must urgently address the driving and vehicle backlog. The Newry and Armagh MLA said: “People are continually frustrated with trying to get vehicle and driving tests across the north. “Long waiting times for driving tests has totally stressed learner drivers, especially those who may need […]

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Advertising Community Newry

Full Transport Manager Course With Compliance HQ

Newry based training group the Compliance HQ is offering a full transport manager course. The course itself is ten days in total and is for anyone wanting to become a transport manager. The role of transport manager is an extremely important position within the haulage industry. Tasked with the responsibility of organising haulage, staff rotas, […]

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Armagh Banbridge Business Community Lurgan Portadown Upper Bann

Finalists Announced for ABC Council Business Awards

A record response from local business has seen almost 50 shortlisted businesses and individuals from over 120 entries making it through to the finals of the ABC Business Awards. 48 finalists, chosen by a panel of independent judges from an unprecedented number of entries, will now be interviewed to determine the winner in each of […]

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Community Dáil Éireann Government Louth

Fianna Fail Call for Swift Action to Address Long Processing Times for First-Time Passports

Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North West, Aindrias Moynihan has called for swift action to tackle the ongoing issue of lengthy processing times for first-time passport applications. Deputy Moynihan, who questioned the Minister for Foreign Affairs on the issue in the Dáil last week, commented, “We are coming to the point where many families are […]

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Community Education Lurgan Upper Bann

Choice and Cost Important When it Comes to School Uniforms – Mackle

Sinn Féin council group leader Liam Mackle has said choice as well as cost is important when it comes to school uniforms.  The ABC spokesperson was speaking after a briefing by the Children’s Commissioner Koulla Yiasouma to the Education Committee. Cllr. Mackle said:  “If given a choice there are good reasons for children to decide […]

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Community Education Government Lurgan Upper Bann Westminster

MP Praises Bleary Preschool for Positive Impact on Young Lives

Local Member of Parliament Carla Lockhart has visited Busy Bees Pre-School, Bleary, to see the pre-school in action and discuss future support for the work of the school with local young people. Carla Lockhart said: “Busy-Bees Pre-school is a fantastic asset to the community in Bleary and beyond, and a brilliant place for children to […]

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Community Education Newry South Armagh

Newry and South Armagh Schools Join PSNI Pilot Programme

Schools across the Newry and South Armagh area are to join Pilot Programme, Operation Encompass. The programme, which is already operational across the Downpatrick area, sees police sharing information with schools where there have been instances of domestic abuse involving a child. This will allow officers to pass on relevant information to the school the child […]