Categories
Community Government Politics Stormont

FM/DFM Send Best Wishes to King Charles

First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelley have both sent their best wishes to King Charles following his cancer diagnosis. First Minister, Michelle O’Neill said: “I am very sorry to hear of King Charles’ illness and I want to wish him well for his treatment and a speedy recovery.” Deputy First Minister, […]

Categories
Business Campaigns Community Constituency Cost of Living Council Downpatrick Government Kilkeel Newcastle Newry Newry and Armagh NMD Council Politics South Armagh South Down Warrenpoint

NMD Council Agrees Rate Increase

Members of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council have struck the rate for the incoming financial year at 6.41%(last year was 5.99%). The Domestic Rate for 2024/2025 will be 0.4676 pence.  For a property valued at £133,000*, this would lead to an annual increase of £37.46 per year or £3.12per month.  The Non-Domestic District Rate […]

Categories
Business Community Constituency Government Lurgan Politics Stormont Upper Bann

We Must Hit The Ground Running – Beattie

Speaking after the Ulster Unionist Party decision yesterday to once again take the Department of Health, reappointing Robin Swann MLA as the Health Minister, Party Leader Doug Beattie MC MLA commented:   “The re-establishment of the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland is just the start of a process to deal with the issues affecting all of our people. […]

Categories
Campaigns Community Daisy Hill Government Health Politics Stormont

Health Minister Prioritises Pay Talks

New Health Minister Robin Swann has spoken of his honour at returning to the post. The Minister emphasised his intention to secure pay settlements for staff and resolve current industrial action. “That is my immediate priority and I want to see pay negotiations being initiated without delay, consequently I have written to the trade unions […]

Categories
Armagh Community Constituency Government Newry Newry and Armagh Politics South Armagh Sport Stormont

McNulty Suspended from SDLP

The SDLP has confirmed that it has suspended the whip from Justin McNulty MLA this evening. Mr McNulty left today’s sitting of the Assembly without seeking permission and did not return for important parliamentary business which included the SDLP taking up its role as the official opposition at Stormont. An SDLP Spokesperson said: “All SDLP […]

Categories
Business Community Government Politics Stormont

O’Toole: SDLP Opposition Determined to Deliver

SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole has said the party’s Opposition team is determined to deliver for people across Northern Ireland. Mr O’Toole was speaking during the sitting of the Assembly on Saturday. He also challenged the First and deputy First Minister to commit not to collapse Stormont in future. South Belfast MLA Mr […]

Categories
Business Community Constituency Council Downpatrick Government Lifestyle Newry Newry and Armagh NMD Council South Down

Council Unveils St Patrick’s Day Plans for Newry and Downpatrick

As the countdown to St Patrick’s Day begins, the historic town of Downpatrick and the city of Newry are gearing up for an unforgettable celebration on Sunday 17 March, with events running from 12 noon until 4pm. The St Patrick’s Day festivities promise to be a perfect blend of tradition, culture, and family-friendly activities, and […]

Categories
Community Constituency Council Government Health Newry Newry and Armagh NMD Council

Tackling Dog Fouling Must Be Priority For New Taskforce – Kearns

Sinn Féin councillor Geraldine Kearns has urged the new council cleansing Task force to make tackling dog fouling its top priority Speaking after the first meeting of this new group, the Newry City councillor said: “We welcome the formation of this new Task force by council, recognising the serious cleansing issues across the district that […]

Categories
Community Government Politics Stormont Westminster

SDLP Statement on Restoration of the Devolved Institutions

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has said that the restoration of the democratic institutions of governance in Northern Ireland is positive news for people, workers, communities, businesses and voluntary organisations across the North. The Foyle MP said that there should be no impediment to the quick restoration of the Assembly and Executive to get on […]

Categories
Community Government Politics Stormont Westminster

Sinn Féin Welcomes Progress on Return to Power-Sharing

Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD welcomed progress on the return to power-sharing and expressed optimism today that the Assembly is expected to elect a new Executive before the 8 February deadline.  Mary Lou McDonald said: “I am optimistic having heard Jeffrey Donaldson’s public declaration that we will see the northern institutions back up and […]

Categories
Business Community Constituency Council Government Health Lifestyle Newry Newry and Armagh NMD Council

Senior Council Management Must Step Up To Tackle Leisure Centre Issues – Mathers

Sinn Féin councillor Aidan Mathers has called on senior council management to step up and take real action to address long standing issues with Newry Leisure Centre. The Newry city councillor spoke after organising the latest meeting between senior council management and concerned users of the leisure centre. Councillor Mathers said: “At this latest meeting, […]

Categories
Banbridge Community Constituency Government Infrastructure Stormont Upper Bann

£1.65m Refurbishment of Cutts Water Level Control Structure on River Bann

The Department for Infrastructure has awarded civil engineering contractor CivCo a £1.65million contract for repair works to the Cutts Control Structure on the Lower River Bann in Coleraine. The gates at the Cutts are part of a series of three control structures along the Lower Bann, with the other control structures at Kilrea and Toome.  […]