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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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Advertising Armagh Banbridge Business Downpatrick Kilkeel Louth Lurgan Newry Portadown South Armagh South Down Upper Bann

Advertise With Clanrye News and Sport

Clanrye News and Sport is now offering advertising on its website for just £200 for the year. The news website currently covers Newry and Armagh, South Down and Upper Bann constituencies as well as County Louth. Having amassed over a quarter of a million (250,000) website hits in the space of a year. This has […]

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Education Government Upper Bann Westminster

Integrated Education Bill Will Discriminate Against Local Schools! – Lockhart

DUP MP for Upper Bann Carla Lockhart has said the Alliance Party’s Integrated Education Bill will see many local schools in the controlled and maintained sectors discriminated against when it comes to funding, new school builds, and other forms of investment in children’s education. Carla Lockhart said: “I spend considerable time engaging with local schools […]

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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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Business Election 2022 Government Lurgan Stormont Upper Bann

O’Dowd Votes to Ban Zero Hours Contracts

Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd has welcomed progress on a Sinn Féin bill to Ban Zero Hour Contracts being imposed on workers and instead introducing banded hours.   The Bill is designed to ensure no worker is forced to work zero hour contracts unless they explicitly state the arrangement suits them. Speaking in the Assembly during the Bill debate Mr O’Dowd […]

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Business Election 2022 Government Lurgan Politics Stormont Upper Bann

O’ Dowd : Almac Analysis of Protocol Significant

Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd has said that a statement released by Almac Group outlining their analysis of the Brexit Protocol is noteworthy. The Upper Bann representative said:“Almac is one of the greatest economic success stories we have and the fact that it is headquartered right here in Upper Bann is something to be rightly […]

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Election 2022 Infrastructure Lurgan Upper Bann

Cuts to Rural Transport Should be the Last Stop not the First – O’Dowd

Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd has said that there must be no further cuts in Translink services for rural areas.  The Upper Bann representative stated: “Once again we see rural transport being targeted for cuts. Why is cutting rural transport Translink’s proposed solution to every problem?   “Our public transport network is vital for connecting people and communities, for tackling social isolation […]

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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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Agriculture Business Government Upper Bann Westminster

Lockhart Meets Cross-Party Group of MPs to Rally Support for Red Diesel Rethink

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has met with MPs from across the various Westminster parties this week to garner support for a joint approach to the Treasury for a red diesel rebate rethink.  Carla Lockhart said:  “The debate I hosted in Parliament last week had cross-party support – Conservative, Labour, Lib Dem, SNP MPs all […]

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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 […]