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Armagh Community Constituency Government Infrastructure Newry and Armagh Politics Stormont

Boylan Welcomes Protection of Concessionary Fares Scheme

Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has welcomed Infrastructure minister John O’Dowd’s announcement to protect free public transport for over 60s across the north. The Newry and Armagh MLA said: “I welcome the announcement by Minister O’Dowd to protect the SmartPass scheme for over 60s to ensure they can continue to avail of free public transport. […]

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Business Community Government Politics Stormont

Communities Minister Lyons Addresses Labour Market Conference

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has acknowledged the contribution of the voluntary and community sector in supporting employability provision for those facing barriers to employment. The Minister was speaking at the ‘Building an Inclusive Labour Market: The role of the Voluntary and Community Sector’ conference organised by NICVA, the representative body for the sector. The conference, […]

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Government Legacy Politics Stormont Westminster

SDLP: ‘Soldier F’ Anonymity Is Astounding

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has said that the treatment of Bloody Sunday families seeking justice for the murder of their loved ones has been disgraceful. Mr Eastwood was speaking after the family of William McKinney confirmed that the PPS has failed to challenge anonymity for ‘Soldier F’ who is charged with the murder of two […]

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Government Politics Stormont

Executive Legislative Programme ‘Thin’ After Big Promises!: SDLP

The Executive’s legislative programme for 2024 is anti-climactic compared to the promises made by Executive parties, SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole has said. O’Toole was speaking as the Assembly debated its legislative programme for this calendar year, much of which includes measures that were already in train while the Assembly was collapsed. There […]

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Crime Government Stormont Westminster

SDLP: PSNI Surveillance Allegations Must Be Investigated

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has said that allegations from a former Assistant Chief Constable that the PSNI monitored journalists and lawyers phones on a dedicated laptop to avoid scrutiny must be independently investigated.  Mr Eastwood submitted a series of parliamentary questions on authorisations granted to police to monitor the phones of journalists and lawyers in […]

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Community Constituency Government Infrastructure Lurgan Newry Newry and Armagh Politics Stormont Upper Bann

Concessionary Fares and Community Transport Protected In Budget Allocations

Concessionary fares, community transport funding and planned improvements to the Coleraine-Derry rail line are among the areas being protected by Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd following consideration of the department’s budget allocation. Speaking as the Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA), which sets out the initial assessment of the impact of the budget on spending proposals for the […]

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Election 2024 Elections Government Politics Stormont Westminster

Long Excuses on Unity Event Not Credible: SDLP

The Alliance leader’s claim that she cannot find time to participate in an event on Irish unity during the general election campaign but can remain as full-time Justice Minister is taking voters for fools, SDLP Opposition Leader Matthew O’Toole has said. Naomi Long confirmed today she would not be participating in the event at the […]

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Community Constituency Council Government Health Kilkeel Newcastle NMD Council South Down

South Down Cllr Shares Heart Felt Baby Loss Story

By Donal McMahon A South Down councillor has made an emotional plea for a Northern Ireland baby loss certificate scheme amid a current system where bereaved parents are forced to travel to Britain for post-mortems. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) chamber burst in to applause during the call for an all island approach […]

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Albert Basin Park Campaigns Community Constituency Council Government Health Infrastructure Lifestyle Newry Newry and Armagh NMD Council

Newry: £16m City Park Plans at ‘Acute Risk’ If Controversial Weedkiller Not Approved

By Donal McMahon Photo by Columba O’Hare A multi-million pound city park project is facing an “acute risk” from invasive plants unless council staff can use a controversial weed killer to tackle it, officials say. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s (NMDDC) environment committee voted in support on Wednesday night (May 22) for the use […]

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Campaigns Community Constituency Daisy Hill Election 2024 Elections Government Health Newry Newry and Armagh Politics Stormont Westminster

Positive News as Daisy Hill Hospital Performs Increased Number of Elective Procedures – Kimmins

Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has welcomed the increase in elective care procedures taking place at Daisy Hill hospital in Newry. Speaking after the Department of Health released an update on elective care framework outcomes, the party’s health spokesperson said: “Just one year on from Daisy Hill started operating as an Elective Overnight Stay Centre, […]

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Community Education Government Politics Stormont

Minister Givan Invests £3million In Digital Devices For Schools

Education Minister, Paul Givan, has today announced a major £3million investment in digital devices to support pupils’ learning. Around 8,500 new devices have been rolled out to replace computers in post-primary schools across Northern Ireland.  Welcoming the investment, Minister Givan said: “Access to quality, up-to-date technology is vital for children and young people. I am confident this £3million […]

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Community Council Government Lifestyle Louth Louth County Council

Fun Filled Day of Creativity in Louth for Cruinniú na nÓg 2024

Cruinniú na nÓg, an annual day of free creativity for children and young people, takes place this year on Saturday, June 15th. The national programme of events is funded by Creative Ireland, and the Louth programme is delivered by Louth County Council and the Louth Creative Ireland Culture Team. The Cruinniú na nÓg programme encourages […]