Categories
Community South Down

Holy Cross PS, Kilkeel Win SDLP COP26 Climate Competition

SDLP Climate Champion Cara Hunter has chosen Holy Cross Primary School, Kilkeel as the winners of the party’s COP26 climate competition. The school’s P6/P7 class submitted a video urging Stormont politicians to take the climate crisis seriously. East Derry MLA Cara Hunter said: “These young people have creatively challenged political leaders by demanding action on […]

Categories
Community Crime Newry

Malone Condemns St Brigids Church Vandalism

Independent Newry City Councillor Gavin Malone has condemned the recent vandalism of a statue at St Brigids Chapel in the Meadow in Newry. Speaking on the issue Cllr Malone stated: “Recently I was contacted about vandalism at St Brigids Church in the meadow. On Arrival, I was appalled to see the statue of Our Lady […]

Categories
Community Politics South Down

Alliance Councillor Introduces Motion to Tackle Homelessness in the District

Local Alliance councillor, Patrick Brown, introduced a motion at Monday’s meeting of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council that seeks to implement contactless payment stations to address the homelessness crisis in the area. The motion calls on Council to lead in developing an innovative new way to raise money for local homelessness charities. It reads […]

Categories
Community South Armagh

£630,000 Refurbishment For Derrymore Estate

Residents of Bessbrook and beyond will be able to enjoy the benefits of new play and recreation facilities at Derrymore Estate, Bessbrook, County Armagh following a total investment of £632,658 from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, (DAERA), Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Sport NI The project was funded under DAERA’s […]

Categories
Agriculture Community South Armagh

Top Prize For Slieve Gullion Forest Park

Slieve Gullion Forest Park in County Armagh has won a prestigious award in recognition of how the forest benefits those who walk its trails and use the excellent facilities. The Royal Forestry Society’s ‘Community Woodlands Award’ highlights how Slieve Gullion Forest Park has developed into a hub for visitor experiences, recreation, well-being, volunteering, learning and […]

Categories
Community Politics South Down

Crotlieve Councillor Slams Newry, Mourne and Down Council For Removing Bamboo From Kilbroney Park

Independent Crotlieve Councillor Jarlath Tinnelly has slammed Newry, Mourne and Down District Council after they removed bamboo from Kilbroney Park. The Council has been slammed for removing bamboo in the park which has exposed a previously hidden badger sett. Speaking on the issue Cllr Tinnelly stated: “I have no hesitation in stating that the removal […]

Categories
Agriculture Community

Rural Community and Voluntary Organisations to Avail of Micro Grants Scheme

Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots MLA has visited a Playgroup in County Down to see for himself the benefits of his Department’s Rural Micro Capital Grants Scheme (RMCGS).  Annahilt Playgroup, a voluntary organisation managed by a group of parents, received a £1,399.08 grant through the 2020 scheme towards total project costs of £1,727.26. Through this […]

Categories
Community Politics

Minister Proposals to Increase Affordable Housing Options

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has launched a consultation on a proposed new affordable rent model that will increase affordable housing options here. The consultation looks at the introduction of Intermediate Rent. Launching the consultation, Minister Hargey said: “Access to housing is a fundamental right.  We need to look at all options to ensure that everyone has […]

Categories
Business Community

Spend Local Deadline Extended

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons today announced that the deadline to use the £100 pre-paid Spend Local card will be extended to December 14. In a statement to the Assembly, the Minister said: “To date, over 1.024 million cards have been dispatched, over 580,000 of these have been activated. Over £26.5m has now been injected into […]

Categories
Community South Armagh

Crossmaglen Road Cannot Be Put on the Backburner Again- Magennis

Sinn Féin Councillor for the Slieve Gullion area, Oonagh Magennis has said that it is important that vital works for the main Crossmaglen road from Camlough are not placed on the backburner again.  Councillor Magennis was speaking after contacting the DFI section manager about works that were originally pencilled in for 2020.  She said: “I […]

Categories
Armagh Banbridge Community Lurgan Portadown

Creative Writing Students Close Final Chapter With Book Launch

A number of groups from across the borough, who successfully completed a six-session creative writing course aimed at building positive relations gathered at the Armagh City Hotel, Armagh to mark the launch of ‘Once Alien Here’ containing a collection of their poems, stories and scripts. Supported by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s Peace […]

Categories
Armagh Banbridge Community Lurgan Portadown

Lord Mayor Urges Residents to ‘Be Allergen Aware’ at Halloween

There has been a lot of publicity recently around Natasha’s Law – the new Food Safety Law that is now in place requiring food retailers to provide full details of the ingredients and allergens in all pre-packaged food.  This publicity has heightened public awareness around an issue that can have a major impact on many […]