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Community Education Government Stormont

£1.5M Funding to Local Employment and Education Projects

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced that her Department will provide match funding for 2022/23 to European Social Fund (ESF) projects who currently deliver services on behalf of her Department. The ESF projects aim to help and support people most removed from the labour market to overcome major barriers to social inclusion and entering employment. The pandemic […]

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Armagh Election 2022 Government Newry Politics South Armagh Stormont

Protocol Issue Cannot Be Fudged – TUV Newry and Armagh

Speaking to an anti-Protocol rally in Markethill, TUV leader Jim Allister said:- “The basis of unionist cooperation, as set out in the Ulster Day Declaration, is, in its words, the “unalterable position that the Protocol must be rejected”.  “The necessity for such rejection has not changed. It is because through the Northern Ireland Protocol the […]

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Campaigns Daisy Hill Election 2022 Government Health Newry Stormont

Health Tsunami Warning – Workers Party

A warning of a pending health tsunami has come from Workers Party representative in Newry and Armagh, Nicola Grant. The link between poverty, stress and ill health are well documented”, Nicola said “Newry and Armagh already has the seventh highest number of deaths from circulatory disease There can be no doubt that low pay, precarious […]

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Election 2022 Government Legacy Lurgan Politics Stormont Upper Bann

Kelly Calls for Greater Sensitivity Around the Past

SDLP Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly has called on public representatives to show greater sensitivity when talking about incidents from the North’s troubled past. She was speaking after a Tweet from Alliance councillor Michael Long made a dismissive reference to Bloody Friday, where nine people were killed and over 100 injured in IRA bombings in […]

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Community Election 2022 Government Newry Stormont

Planning System Needs to be Improved to Help Build Homes – Kimmins

Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has said the planning system needs to be improved in order to help build homes, improve environmental protections and help economic development. The Newry and Armagh MLA said: “A recent Audit office report highlighted the failure of the planning system to deliver for the economy, communities and the environment. “Two […]

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Armagh Community Election 2022 Government Infrastructure Stormont

Boylan Welcomes Opening of Bus and Coach Support Scheme

Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has welcomed the opening of a much-needed support scheme for private bus and coach operators.  The Newry and Armagh MLA said:   “I welcome that extra financial support for private bus and coach operators will finally be brought forward. “Private bus and coach operators are a crucial part of our local […]

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Community Government Health Stormont

Changes to Care Home Visiting Arrangements

Health Minister Robin Swann has welcomed an easing of care home visiting restrictions and the expansion of the Care Partner scheme to include hospitals and hospices. Following advice from the Public Health Agency, Minister Swann has agreed that restrictions on visiting in care homes will move from ‘Gradual Easing’ to ‘Further Easing’. This change means […]

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Business Government Politics South Armagh Stormont

Update from Finance Minister on the Draft Budget

Finance Minister Conor Murphy has updated the Assembly on the Draft Budget and additional funding. Updating MLAs, Minister Murphy set out legal advice he has received on how budgetary matters could be progressed in the absence of an Executive. Minister Murphy said: “I have now received detailed legal advice and unfortunately it is not possible to […]

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Crime Government Stormont

New Legislation on Sexual Offences and Trafficking Moves a Step Closer

Justice Minister Naomi Long MLA took steps to further strengthen existing law and introduce new offences to tackle sexual offending in Northern Ireland. Moving the Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Bill to Consideration Stage in the NI Assembly, Minister Long said: “Since my appointment as Justice Minister, I have made it my priority to legislate […]

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Government Infrastructure Stormont

Minister Publishes Report on Support For Biennial MOT Testing

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has published a summary of the findings from a Call for Evidence seeking views on the potential introduction of biennial (every two years) MOT testing for cars, light goods vehicles and motorcycles.  Currently private cars and motorcycles are first MOT tested at four years old and light goods vehicles under 3,500kg are […]

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Climate Community Election 2022 Government Newry Politics Stormont

Kimmins Urges Need for Robust Planning System

Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins is calling for action to improve our planning system in order to help build homes, improve environmental protections and facilitate economic development. The Newry and Armagh MLA stated: “A recent Audit office report stated that the planning system is failing to deliver for the economy, communities and the environment. “Of […]

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Community Election 2022 Government Infrastructure Lurgan Stormont Upper Bann

Public Backs SDLP Plan for MOT Testing Every 2 years 

SDLP Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly has welcomed a report from SDLP Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon that shows public support for move to biennial MOT testing.  A call for evidence on moving to MOT testing every two years received 1,224 responses with a high volume of interest and support for the plan.  Minister Mallon has […]