Categories
Campaigns Community Constituency Daisy Hill Government Health Newry Newry and Armagh Politics Stormont

Grant: Restructuring of Services Leading to Widespread Confusion and Uncertainty

Following the resignation of the Health Minister Ms Grant said what is happening because of the fixation the Department of Health has with the reconfiguration of our health and social care services, and the total lack of transparency was all very predictable. The Workers party in all our submissions to the consultation documents warned that […]

Categories
Government Housing Politics Stormont

Residential Property Prices Increase to £200,000 Average

Land & Property Services, supported by the Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency, has released the latest Accredited Official Statistics on the House Price Index for Quarter 2 2026. The Northern Ireland House Price Index, based on HMRC stamp duty data, forms part of the UK House Price Index, ensuring figures are directly comparable with […]

Categories
Election 2027 Elections Government Politics Stormont

Stormont 2027: The Biggest Election In Years?

By Kevin McAteer Clanrye News & Sport constituency-by-constituency working projection A new LucidTalk poll has placed Sinn Féin on 22%, the UUP on 16%, the DUP on 15%, the SDLP on 13%, the TUV on 12% and Alliance on 10%, pointing to the possibility of a major shake-up at the next Assembly election. But Northern […]

Categories
Agriculture Community Government Politics Stormont

UUP Calls For Agriculture Minister to Resign

Ulster Unionist Party Agriculture spokesperson Robbie Butler MLA has called on Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir to stand down, following the Ulster Farmers’ Union’s vote of no confidence and its rejection of the independence of the Fivemiletown review. Robbie Butler said: “On Monday of this week, some people in the agri sector were hoping the Minister […]

Categories
Agriculture Community Constituency Government Lurgan Politics Stormont Upper Bann Westminster

MP Tells Stormont Protest That Farmers Have Had Enough of DAERA Hypocrisy

Following this week’s AERA meeting in Stormont, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said many serious questions remain unanswered in the aftermath of the Fivemiletown cattle cull conducted by DAERA. She said: “Farmers and members of the public want answers, but unfortunately the extraordinary committee meeting, which saw MLA’s recalled from their summer recess, failed […]

Categories
Community Constituency Council Government Newry Newry and Armagh NMD Council Politics

Council Reviews Progress and Performance In 2025-26

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has approved its Assessment of Performance 2025-26, outlining progress made against key priorities over the past year and highlighting areas where further improvement is needed. Considered and approved by the Strategy, Policy and Resources Committee on Thursday 13 August 2026, the Assessment reflects the Council’s ongoing commitment to delivering […]

Categories
Agriculture Community Constituency Government Lurgan Politics Upper Bann Westminster

Lockhart Questions Independence of Cattle Review and Calls For Multidisciplinary Panel

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has raised serious concerns over the DAERA Minister’s decision to appoint a former Dublin Government Chief Veterinary Officer to lead an external review into the Fivemiletown cattle massacre. Ms Lockhart challenged the appointment, saying it raises legitimate questions around perceived conflict of interest, institutional independence and whether a review conducted […]

Categories
Climate Community Constituency Government Health Politics South Down Stormont Warrenpoint

DFI Says No Cllrs Needed at Warrenpoint Harbour Authority

By Donal McMahon A Stormont department key to appointing “commissioners” to a Co Down port says it has no need for councillors amid a stink protest.The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Minister Liz Kimmins has invited councillors to apply to the board of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority (WHA), following resignations last July over concerns of foul odours in […]

Categories
Community Government Politics Stormont

Sign Language Act Receives Royal Assent

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the granting of Royal Assent to the Sign Language Act, marking a historic and transformative moment for sign language users across Northern Ireland. The Act provides formal recognition and support for sign language, helping to ensure that Deaf people can participate more fully in society and access public services […]

Categories
Community Constituency Government Infrastructure Newry Newry and Armagh Politics Stormont

Kimmins Announces £450,000 Carriageway Resurfacing Scheme for B7 Chapel Hill Mayobridge

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced a resurfacing scheme for B7 Chapel Hill Road, Mayobridge commencing on Monday 27 July 2026. The scheme will involve resurfacing for 1.6 kilometres at two locations with the urban section commencing at the Roundabout to just past Chapel Car Park and the rural section starting at Milltown Hill Road, […]

Categories
Business Community Constituency Government Infrastructure Newry Newry and Armagh Politics Westminster

Hughes Welcomes Permanent Additional Free Hour In Controlled Parking Zones In Newry

Sinn Féin MP for Newry and Armagh Dáire Hughes has welcomed Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins’ announcement that the Controlled Parking Zones pilot scheme in Newry will now become permanent. Dáire Hughes MP said: “I am delighted that Minister Liz Kimmins has made the additional free hour in Controlled Parking Zones in Newry permanent. “This is […]

Categories
Business Community Constituency Government Lurgan Politics Stormont Uncategorized Upper Bann

O’Dowd Calls on Businesses to Have Their Say on Changes to Business Rating System

Finance Minister John O’Dowd has met with Belfast Chamber to discuss proposed reforms to the business rating system and encourage businesses to respond to the consultation on the Business Growth Accelerator and Non-Domestic Vacant Rating measures. Speaking following the meeting, John O’Dowd said: “I welcomed the opportunity to meet with the Belfast Chamber and discuss my […]