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Armagh Community Constituency Government Infrastructure Newry and Armagh Stormont

Boylan Welcomes Measures to Tackle MOT Backlog

Sinn Féin MLA and transport spokesperson Cathal Boylan has welcomed measures outlined by Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd to help address MOT delays.  The Newry and Armagh MLA stated:  “I welcome the actions outlined by Minister O’Dowd to help tackle the MOT backlog.  “This included the recruitment of 55 new vehicle examiners across the network, as well […]

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Community Constituency Government Infrastructure Lurgan Politics Stormont Upper Bann

O’Dowd Outlines Measures to Cut MOT Waiting Times

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has outlined a number of measures to tackle MOT waiting lists and tasked officials to bring forward other options for urgent consideration. Speaking in the Assembly on Monday, Mr O’Dowd said he will explore the introduction of temporary exemption certificates and proposals to consult on testing every two years.  Minister O’Dowd said: “I appreciate the frustration many […]

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Community Constituency Council Government Infrastructure Newry Newry and Armagh NMD Council

Potholes a Real Issue for Rural Communities – King

Sinn Féin councillor Cathal King has said that the number of potholes on rural roads is a matter of real concern. The Newry City Councillor said: “A number of people in rural areas such as Meigh, Killean, Killeavy and others have raised their concerns about the number and size of potholes on local roads.  “Of […]

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Community Constituency Government Infrastructure Lurgan Politics Stormont Upper Bann

O’Dowd Rules Out Privatisation of MOT Services

Speaking ahead of Monday’s Assembly debate on waiting times for MOTs, Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has emphatically ruled out the privatisation of the service. Minister O’Dowd said: “There have been calls for my Department to adopt a similar vehicle testing model to that in Britain, through a network of authorised garages.  Let there be no mistake, […]

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Community Constituency Government Health Infrastructure Lurgan Politics Stormont Upper Bann

Infrastructure Minister Meets Mental Health Champion

Infrastructure Minister has met the Mental Health Champion Professor Siobhan O’Neill and discussed how he can support mental health initiatives. Speaking after the meeting John O’Dowd said: “This was a productive meeting where I renewed my commitment to supporting Professor O’Neill in her work.  Infrastructure has an important role to play in terms of improving mental health, […]

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Community Constituency Government Infrastructure Lurgan Politics Stormont Upper Bann

Infrastructure Minister Welcomes Suspension of Transport Strike

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has welcomed the suspension of the transport strike which had been planned for later this week.   Following a meeting between Translink and the Unions today, the Unions have agreed to suspend the planned strike action and ballot their members on a new offer.  John O’Dowd said: “Resolving public sector pay quickly has […]

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Community Constituency Council Dáil Éireann Government Infrastructure Newry and Armagh NMD Council South Armagh Stormont

Byrne Welcomes Investment In All-Island Rail

SDLP All-Island Rail Spokesperson councillor Pete Byrne has welcomed investment from the Irish Government on the Dublin-Belfast railway line. The €12.5m funding will allow an hourly rail service between the cities. Councillor Byrne said: “This improved railway service will make a massive difference not only to people living in Belfast and Dublin, but to everyone living […]

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Community Constituency Government Infrastructure Lurgan Politics Stormont Upper Bann

O’Dowd Invests Additional £8.1m to Repair Road Network

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has made an additional £8.1million capital investment in the structural road maintenance programme this year. In a written statement to the Assembly the Minister said: “Members will no doubt agree that it is vital that all available capital budget within my Department is fully utilised to deliver much needed investment in our […]

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Community Infrastructure Sport

Translink Ulster GAA Coach of the Year Award Shortlist Announced

Nine outstanding volunteer coaches have been chosen as finalists in the Translink Ulster GAA Coach of the Year Award. Members of the public are now being encouraged to support the finalists and vote to decide who the overall winner should be. Representing their respective counties, the finalists were selected following public nominations submitted by club […]

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Community Constituency Council Government Infrastructure Newry and Armagh NMD Council South Armagh

Finnegan Welcomes Resurfacing Work on Dundalk Road

Sinn Féin councillor Aoife Finnegan has welcomed news that works to resurface the Dundalk Road have begun. The Slieve Gullion councillor said: “Resurfacing works have now begun on the Dundalk road, outside of Newtownhamilton. “This road has been in a poor state for some time and after much lobbying by Sinn Féin, it’s great to […]

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Community Dáil Éireann Government Infrastructure Politics Seanad Éireann Stormont

€800 Million Injection Will Be Catalyst For Change – Archibald

Finance Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA has welcomed the Irish Government’s commitment of €800 million for Shared Island projects.  Speaking following a meeting with the Irish Finance Minister Michael McGrath TD at Parliament Buildings, Dr Archibald said: “Today is a significant investment by the Irish Government demonstrating the power of joint working to deliver positive benefits for […]

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Business Climate Community Constituency Government Infrastructure Newry Newry and Armagh Politics South Armagh Stormont

Murphy Announces Details of Flood Support Programme For Businesses

Economy Minister Conor Murphy has provided details of a support package for businesses affected by recent flooding. The Enhanced Flood Support Scheme will provide further support to businesses that were directly flooded following the severe weather in late October and early November. The scheme will be delivered by district councils and will open for applications […]