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Community Election 2022 Government Politics South Down Stormont

McKevitt: Parties Cannot Whitewash Bedroom Tax Record

SDLP Crotlieve Councillor Karen McKevitt has said that parties that voted for the bedroom tax cannot whitewash their record which has hurt struggling families. Cllr. McKevitt was responding after Sinn Féin Vice President Michelle O’Neill claimed the party had “binned the Bedroom Tax”. Sinn Féin, the DUP and the Alliance Party voted to introduce Tory […]

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Agriculture Council Government NMD Council South Armagh

Minister Poots’ Proposals Could Devastate Small Farms and Rural Planning – Magennis

Sinn Féin Councillor Oonagh Magennis, has said that small farmers must have their voices heard as Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots brings forward plans for a future agriculture policy. The Slieve Gullion Councillor said: “Farmers have been waiting anxiously to find out what policies the Minister plans to put in place in the wake of Brexit […]

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Campaigns Community Daisy Hill Election 2022 Government Health Newry Stormont

Irwin Says Long Term Daisy Hill Solution Needed

Newry & Armagh DUP Assemblyman William Irwin MLA has said that a long term solution is required to ensure Daisy Hill Hospital can build resources as opposed to what he described as being continually subjected to “service disruption”. Mr Irwin stated, “The Health Minister has responded to my official question and I am concerned by […]

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Community Election 2022 Government Health South Down Stormont

McGrath Welcomes Support for Dáithí’s Law 

SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath has welcomed the passing of Dáithí’s Law in the Assembly on Tuesday. The legislation will see deemed or presumed permission of organ donation from anyone who hasn’t explicitly opted out. It comes following a campaign from the family of five-year-old Belfast boy Dáithí MacGabhann who is currently awaiting a heart […]

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Community Election 2022 Government Lurgan Stormont Upper Bann

O’Dowd Welcomes Parental Bereavement Law

Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd has welcomed the passing of a new law in the Assembly which will entitle workers to paid leave following the death of a child, a stillbirth, or miscarriage.  Mr O’Dowd said: ‘The Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay bill has passed its final stage in the Assembly and will now become law. “This […]

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Campaigns Community Council Daisy Hill Government Health Newry NMD Council

Emergency Surgery Must Return to Daisy Hill – Sinn Féin

A Sinn Féin emergency motion to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council condemning the move by the trust to withdraw emergency surgery from Daisy Hill has been passed overwhelmingly.  Cllr. Roisin Mulgrew, who proposed the motion, spoke after the Council meeting: “Sinn Féin is totally opposed to services being taken out of Daisy Hill. The […]

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Community Council Government Infrastructure NMD Council South Down

McKevitt Welcomes Annalong Puffin Crossing

SDLP councillor Karen McKevitt has welcomed a £35,000 puffin crossing for the Kilkeel Road in Annalong. The announcement was made by SDLP Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon on Monday. Councillor McKevitt said the important safety measure would be welcomed by the local community. Councillor McKevitt said: “This significant investment by SDLP Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon will […]

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Community Election 2022 Government Infrastructure South Down Stormont

McKevitt Welcomes New Campaign on Careless Driving

SDLP Crotlieve Councillor Karen McKevitt has welcomed a new road safety public information campaign highlighting the dangers and consequences of careless driving. The campaign was announced by SDLP Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon on Monday. It is due to launch by the autumn on TV, radio, social media and bus rear advertising. Cllr. McKevitt said:  “I […]

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Community Council Government Newry NMD Council South Armagh South Down

Local DEAs Help Families Reconnect to Key Services

To help connect families to supports and services provided by local organisations, the District Electoral Areas of Newry and Slieve Gullion, delivered a Family Connection Day at Kileavy Castle on Wednesday 2 February. The event, funded by the Department of Communities, was organised to help raise awareness of the support services operating within the district.  […]

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Banbridge Election 2022 Government Politics Stormont Upper Bann

Unionist Consent Needed to Restore Stormont – Lockhart

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has expressed her frustration at the lack of progress in negotiations between the UK and EU over new arrangements to succeed the current Northern Ireland Protocol, and said the decision by Sir Jeffrey Donaldson to withdraw the First Minister from post was one that was regrettable but necessary. Carla Lockhart […]

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Election 2022 Government Politics Stormont

Stormont Needs to be Reformed to Prevent the DUP Holding it to Ransom – Aontu

Aontú Leader and Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín TD stated; “Aontú condemns the DUP collapse of the democratic institutions in the north of Ireland.  We condemn their threat to prevent a new Executive being formed until they get their way on the North of Ireland Protocol. We are appalled that this has happened 44,000 people […]

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Agriculture Armagh Climate Election 2022 Government Newry Politics South Armagh Stormont

Irwin ‘deep concern’ After Net Zero 2050 Vote

Newry & Armagh DUP Assemblyman William Irwin MLA has said he is shocked that 50 MLA’s voted to amend the Climate Change No2 Bill to a new target of net zero emissions by 2050. The DAERA committee member, who voted against such a move, said the decision was reckless and would cause immense and costly […]