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Agriculture Politics South Armagh

Magennis Welcomes £300 Million Direct Payments to Farm Businesses 

Slieve Gullion Sinn Féin councillor, Oonagh Magennis has echoed the feelings of her party colleague, Declan McAleer MLA in welcoming £300 million direct to farm payments this week but highlighted concerns for the future of farm support. Oonagh explained further: “The Single Farm Payment is essential for the survival of many farm businesses, accounting for […]

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Agriculture Crime Politics

UUP Calls For Immediate Action to Crackdown on Illegal Transportation of Puppies

The Ulster Unionist Party’s Agriculture Spokesperson, Rosemary Barton MLA, has called for the authorities in both Northern Ireland and the Republic to crack down on the illegal trade of puppies which are transported from the Republic of Ireland for sale in Great Britain via Northern Ireland.   Rosemary Barton MLA said: “Following the airing of […]

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Newry Politics

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald Officially Opens New Newry Office

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has officially opened the new office of Sinn Féin representatives Liz Kimmins MLA and Mickey Brady MP.  Speaking at the official opening, the Sinn Féin President said; “I’m delighted to officially open Liz and Mickey’s new office, right here in the heart of Newry. This office is already […]

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Crime Politics

Journalists Face Threats and Death – Workers Party

In recent weeks a number of vigils have taken place to remember the journalist and investigative reporter, Martin O’Hagan, and to protest at the failure to secure prosecutions following his murder in 2001. Journalist, Lyra McKee, was shot dead while observing rioting in April 2019. Veronica Guerin, a crime reporter, was shot dead in June […]

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Education Politics

Increased Waiting Lists for Assessment Cannot Continue and Must Be Addressed – Aontu

Aontú Education Spokesperson and Representative for East Derry Gemma Brolly welcomes NICCY’s most recent report ‘More than a Number’ and urges robust actioning of recommendations as a matter of urgency. Ms Brolly began by commenting “I wish I could say that the figures for waiting times and numbers shocked within this report shocked me, however […]

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Politics

£1.9 million Fisheries Grants Support Scheme Launched

Fisheries Minister Edwin Poots MLA has launched a grants support scheme for local fishing businesses worth £1.9million. The Maritime and Fisheries Fund for Northern Ireland replaces the now fully-committed European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.  Financial support totalling £1.9million for fishing and aquaculture stakeholders is available up to 31 March 2022.  The new funding is designed […]

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Politics

Apply For a Fireworks Licence and Keep Communities Safe at Halloween

If your Halloween celebrations involve fireworks this year, make sure you stay on the right side of the law by applying for a licence. That was the message today from Justice Minister Naomi Long as she highlighted the need for people to act responsibly, comply with the law and use fireworks safely to help avoid […]

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Election 2022 Politics

UUP Select Taylor for Newry and Armagh

UUP Slieve Gullion Councillor David Taylor has been selected by his party to contest the 2022 assembly election in Newry and Armagh constituency. Speaking at his party’s conference Taylor expressed his immense joy and pride at leading his party into the election in the Newry and Armagh area. Speaking during his speech at the opening […]

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Community Politics

Minister Announces Improved Air Quality Alert System to Help Protect Public Health

Environment Minister Edwin Poots MLA has announced changes to his Department’s High Air Pollution Alert Protocol in order to improve how the public are informed when periods of high air pollution are forecast or being experienced in Northern Ireland. Officials from DAERA and Department of Health (DoH) have worked in collaboration to update the system […]

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Politics

Panel to Undertake Independent Review of Education Announced

Education Minister, Michelle McIlveen has announced the independent panel which will undertake the review of education. The five panel members are:  Chairperson Dr Keir Bloomer, Vice-Chairperson Sir Gerry Loughran, Marie Lindsay, Robin McLaughlin and Isabel Nisbet.  Michelle McIlveen said: “I am very pleased to announce the appointment of the Independent Panel who will take forward this important […]

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Politics

Northern Ireland Food Strategy Framework Launched

Making Northern Ireland a world-class food region, that provides safe, healthy and environmentally friendly food for the future is the central ambition of the latest DAERA-led consultation. The ‘Food at the Heart of Our Society – A Prospectus for Change’, was launched today by DAERA Minister Edwin Poots at the Balmoral Show. It aims to […]

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Politics

Minister Addresses Protocol with Eustice and Frost

Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots has met with Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs George Eustice and Minister of State, Lord Frost at the Balmoral Show to stress the importance of the agri-food sector and the impact the Northern Ireland Protocol is having on it. During a visit to Northern Ireland, the Rt […]