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Election 2022 Government Health Lurgan Politics Stormont Upper Bann

DUP Denying Access to Healthcare Not the Protocol -O’Dowd

Upper Bann Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd has accused the DUP of denying people access to medicines and operations. Mr O’Dowd was putting a question to the Finance Minister in the Assembly in regards his statement that he could no longer proceed with a three budget in the wake of the resignation of  DUP First Minister […]

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Community Council Crime Government Newry NMD Council South Armagh South Down

Newry Mourne & Down PCSP Chair Says Proposed Budget Cut is Unacceptable!

The Chair of the Newry Mourne & Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), the Ulster Unionist Councillor Alan Lewis, has said that a proposed cut to the current PCSP budget is unacceptable given that for the past two years the partnership has seen no rise in line with inflation. His concerns relate to correspondence […]

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Education Election 2022 Government Lurgan Stormont Upper Bann

Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd Has Welcomed Progress on Legislation for a Flexible School Starting Age

The Upper Bann representative and former Education Minister said: ‘’I welcome the progress this week on legislation going through the Assembly which will give families of year young children a choice to delay their school starting year. “This will benefit many children and families. ‘’Not every child that is young for their year will need to […]

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Community Council Government Newry NMD Council South Armagh South Down

Councillor Calls for Action on illegal Puppy Farming

Councillor Patrick Brown, the Alliance Party Animal Welfare Spokesperson, has tabled a motion calling for action on illegal puppy farming. The motion, brought at the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Meeting last week, reads: ‘This council notes the increasing and worrying prevalence of puppy farming and pet abandonment in recent years, and the high […]

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ABC Council Council Election 2022 Government Infrastructure Lurgan Portadown Upper Bann

Mackle Welcomes Improvements at the Underpass on Portadown Road, Lurgan

Sinn Fein Councillor Liam Mackle has said… ‘I welcome the fact that funding has been agreed to improve the fencing around the black path beside the underpass at Portadown Road.  ‘This and improved lighting are a move in the right direction. This has been an ASB hotspot for years and I have worked with local […]

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Election 2022 Government Health South Down Stormont

McGrath Pays Tribute to Children’s Cancer Unit

SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA has paid tribute to the outstanding staff in Northern Ireland’s Children’s Cancer Unit on International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day. Every year between 60 and 70 children are diagnosed with cancer in Northern Ireland and they will all spend time at the Children’s Cancer Unit at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital. […]

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Community Government Upper Bann Westminster

MP Welcomes Parental Bereavement Provisions

Local Member of Parliament Carla Lockhart has said the legal provision for leave and pay for bereaved parents passed by the Northern Ireland Assembly is long overdue, adding that the inclusion of loss by stillbirth or miscarriage is a positive step in recognising the pain felt at such a loss. Carla Lockhart said: “The loss […]

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Agriculture Climate Election 2022 Government Lurgan Politics Stormont Upper Bann

Slap a Windfall Tax on Energy Companies Making Huge Profits-O’Dowd

Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd has said ‘more must be done’ to support workers and families with soaring energy bills. Speaking after the party met with Firmus Energy, the Upper Bann MLA said: “Spiralling global energy prices and rising living costs are placing a huge burden on already struggling workers and families.  “We have met […]

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Banbridge Community Education Government Infrastructure Upper Bann Westminster

Progress Made Towards Safety Improvement at Bridge Integrated PS – Lockhart

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed confirmation from the Department for Infrastructure that a more detailed assessment of safety provisions at Bridge Integrated Primary School will be taken forward when resources are made available. Carla Lockhart said: “The Ballygowan Road is a busy road, and a number of parents have raised their concerns around […]

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Banbridge Community Government Upper Bann Westminster

MP Drops into New Waringstown Men’s Shed

Alongside local DUP Councillor Mark Baxter, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has visited the new Waringstown Men’s Shed to meet with the group leaders and how the new project will help local men. Carla Lockhart said: “A Men’s Shed is a fantastic asset in any community and it is great to see this new project […]

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Armagh Climate Community Newry South Armagh South Down Upper Bann

Amber Warnings in Force for Storms Dudley and Eunice

Two storms named by the Met Office are expected to bring impacts from strong winds for much of the UK, with the potential for some snow later in the week across parts of Northern Ireland, northern England and southern Scotland. Storm Dudley will impact the northern half of the UK from Wednesday afternoon, while Storm […]

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Community Election 2022 Government Health South Down Stormont

McGrath: Health Reform Must Be Key Focus of Next Executive

SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath has said that reforming the health service must be a key priority of the next Executive. Mr McGrath was speaking ahead of taking part in a health discussion panel at the SDLP Spring Conference on Sunday. South Down MLA Mr McGrath said: “The past two years have really taught everyone […]