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Campaigns Community Constituency Cost of Living Government Health Newry Newry and Armagh Politics Stormont

Sinn Féin Determined to Make Childcare Affordable For All – Kimmins

Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has said the Executive must work together to deliver a strategy which makes high quality childcare affordable for all families. The party’s social care spokesperson and MLA for Newry and Armagh said: “High-quality, affordable early years and childcare is absolutely essential in ensuring parents can get to work while also giving […]

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

Newry: £1m Hotel Grant Concerns

By Donal McMahon A major financial tourism package is set to be launched in Newry, Mourne and Down after a four year delay due to Covid. The report on the Tourist Accommodation Funding Programme was presented to the council’s economy, regeneration and tourism (ERT) committee this week. However, no scrutiny was allowed on the £1m funding […]

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Community Constituency Council Government Health Newry Newry and Armagh NMD Council Politics Sport

Mathers Welcomes Works to Repair Leisure Centre Equipment

Sinn Féin councillor Aidan Mathers has welcomed works to repair a number of previously damaged machines in Newry Leisure Centre. The Newry City councillor said: “I was pleased to see that works are now underway to repair a number of machines that had been previously damaged. “The number of damaged machines was a key concern […]

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Community Constituency Government Health Newry Newry and Armagh Politics Stormont

Long Term Solution Needed to Support Children’s Hospice – Kimmins

Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has said a long term solution to support NI Children’s Hospice is essential. Reacting to the announcement from the Minister of Health, the party’s health spokesperson said: “To fully support NI Children’s Hospice and families, we must develop a long term solution to support the vital work of the Hospice.  […]

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

Illumaphonium: Halo Art Installation to Help Boost Newry Nighttime Economy

Already large numbers of local residents and visitors have come to experience the mesmerising special effects of the new temporary art installation, ‘Illumaphonium: Halo’, that is currently installed on Sugar Island in Newry. On Friday 2 February, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte officially switched on the lights of this dynamic, […]

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Business Community Dáil Éireann Government Louth Politics Seanad Éireann

Concerns Over PayPal Redundancy In Dundalk

Concerns about the redundancy that may be offered to PayPal workers facing redundancy was raised in the Dáil last week by Dundalk TD Ruairí Ó Murchú who also said he has asked the multinational company to ensure their Northern workers are treated fairly. The Sinn Féin deputy was speaking during a debate on the Financial […]

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Community Crime Dáil Éireann Government Louth Politics Seanad Éireann

Government Needs to be More Proactive on Drugs – Ó Murchú

The war on drugs has been ‘an abject failure’ and the government needs to be more proactive in funding projects such as the Family Addiction Support Network and the Red Door Project in Drogheda, Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú has said. The Dundalk deputy was speaking in the Dáil last week during a debate […]

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Community Government Politics Stormont

Sustainable Budget and Public Sector Pay a Priority – Archibald

Finance Minister Dr Caomihe Archibald MLA has written to the Treasury requesting a meeting to discuss the significant financial pressures facing our public services. Commenting after meeting the Prime Minister and speaking to colleagues from Irish Congress of Trade Unions the Finance Minister said: “I have pressed the Prime Minister on the need for reform on how […]

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Business Community Constituency Council Government Newry and Armagh NMD Council Politics South Armagh

Byrne: Rates Increase Will Punish Those Who Can Least Afford It

SDLP councillor Pete Byrne has said that a local rates increase will hurt families who are already struggling financially.  Councillors on Newry, Mourne and Down District Council voted in favour of a 6.41% increase on Monday night. The rates increase was proposed by Sinn Féin, and seconded by the DUP. The SDLP voted against the […]

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Community Constituency Government Health Newry Newry and Armagh Politics Stormont

Kimmins Calls For Health Minister to Urgently Meet with NI Children’s Hospice

Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has called on the health minister to urgently meet with the NI Children’s Hospice following the announcement they are to reduce bed capacity due to a loss of government funding. The Newry and Armagh MLA said: “News that NI Children’s Hospice is to cut its bed capacity due to a […]

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Community Constituency Government Infrastructure Lurgan Politics Stormont Upper Bann

O’Dowd Meets Transport Trade Unions to Discuss Pay Award

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has met members of the GMB, SIPTU, and Unite unions to discuss the pay award for transport workers. Speaking after the meeting, Minister O’Dowd thanked the Trade Unions for calling off strike action planned for next week: “The move by the unions to call off next Thursday’s planned industrial action to allow time for talks is an […]

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Community Education Government Politics Stormont

Minister Pledges to Deliver on Key Priorities for Education

Education Minister Paul Givan has pledged to build on Northern Ireland’s reputation for providing a high quality, innovative and inclusive world class education system. Speaking after visiting Rathmore Grammar School, the Minister said: “Education is the cornerstone of our society. I am honoured to be appointed as Education Minister and look forward to working with school […]