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Business Community Government Politics Stormont

SDLP Launches ‘Save Our Pubs’ Campaign

The SDLP has launched a campaign to save pubs, hotels and other hospitality businesses following changes to business rates. It follows the revaluation of non-domestic properties, which has seen some rates bills for local businesses rise dramatically. The SDLP is bringing forward a public petition calling on the Finance Minister John O’Dowd to urgently intervene […]

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Community Constituency Government Infrastructure Newry Newry and Armagh Stormont

Graduated Driver Licensing to be Introduced In 2026 – Kimmins

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced plans to introduce Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) on 1 October 2026. GDL is a road safety scheme designed to reduce the disproportionate involvement of new – primarily young – drivers in fatal and serious road traffic collisions. It will introduce a revised training, testing and post-test framework for new drivers […]

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Community Crime Government Politics Stormont

SDLP to Bring Forward Assembly Motion on Online Harm Against Women

SDLP East Derry MLA Cara Hunter is bringing forward an Assembly motion calling for urgent action on AI-driven abuse and online violence against women and girls. It comes after the UK Government confirmed plans to legislate to outlaw the creation of non-consensual intimate images using AI, as well as the apps that enable it. Ms […]

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

McNulty MLA: Works on Casement Park Beginning “Not Before Time”

Ulster GAA has confirmed in a letter to local residents that, next week, long-awaited construction will begin on the Casement Park stadium in west Belfast.  SDLP Justin McNulty MLA has consistently been outspoken on the need to get Casement Park built, and lamented the fact that there hasn’t been a ball kicked there since 2013.  […]

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Community Constituency Council Entertainment Government Lifestyle Newry Newry and Armagh NMD Council Stormont

Kimmins Welcomes Green Light for Newry Music Festival

Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has welcomed the decision by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Economy, Regeneration & Tourism Committee to give the green light to an annual music festival for Newry. Ms Kimmins said: “This is very welcome progress following our Sinn Féin team working with council officials and local events operators to […]

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Armagh Community Constituency Government Health Newry Newry and Armagh South Armagh Stormont

Action to Deliver Better Outcomes For Women’s Health Is Urgently Needed – Kimmins

A dedicated plan around women’s health must be a priority for the Health Minister as gynaecology waiting lists continue to rise, Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has said. The Newry and Armagh MLA said the ongoing long delays in diagnosis and lack of specialist care for women and girls living with endometriosis is unacceptable. “Last […]

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Armagh Community Constituency Government Infrastructure Newry Newry and Armagh South Armagh Stormont

Kimmins: We Owe Huge Debt of Gratitude to Gritting Teams

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has thanked staff for the delivery of winter service.  Gritting teams have been out on the roads throughout the Christmas period and particularly during this current cold snap. Minister Kimmins said: “Staff across all our roads divisions have been working tirelessly day and night in some very difficult conditions, to keep traffic […]

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Government Politics Stormont

SDLP: Executive Ends Dismal Year on Budget Confusion

SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole MLA has said the Executive has ended a year of little delivery amid growing Budget confusion. He was speaking as the Executive faces a projected overspend of more than £400m next year while Ministers continue to announce new funding commitments without explaining where the money will come from. […]

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Armagh Community Constituency Government Infrastructure Newry Newry and Armagh South Armagh Stormont

McNulty: Delivery of Rail Review Could Transform Island

SDLP Opposition Infrastructure Spokesperson Justin McNulty MLA said the delivery of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review had the potential to transform public transport across the island. He was speaking following the publication of the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy. Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty said: “The SDLP drove the all-island rail review in government because […]

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Community Government Health Stormont

Health and Care Services Over Christmas and New Year

The Department of Health is encouraging everyone to look after themselves, both physically and mentally over this Christmas and New Year period. As the holiday season approaches, there are a number of health and social care services available. If you or some of your family members feel unwell, it is important, to choose the service […]

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Government Politics Stormont

SDLP: Alliance Must Account For Failure to Deliver on Reform In Government

SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole MLA has criticised the Alliance Party for tabling a motion “to mask their own inaction” on institutional reform, saying it highlights their inability to deliver on real change while holding influence at the Executive table. He reaffirmed the SDLP’s support for serious, actionable institutional reform, but said that […]

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Government Politics Stormont

SDLP: Quarter of a Billion Unspent Capital Underlines Staggering Executive Mismanagement

The quarter of a billion in underspent capital funding from mismanaged flagship projects like the A5 and Casement Park is a stark illustration of Executive financial mismanagement, the SDLP Opposition has said. Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole MLA warned that the £250 million of underspend – the largest for many years – announced today […]