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Government Politics Stormont

Executive Legislative Programme ‘Thin’ After Big Promises!: SDLP

The Executive’s legislative programme for 2024 is anti-climactic compared to the promises made by Executive parties, SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole has said. O’Toole was speaking as the Assembly debated its legislative programme for this calendar year, much of which includes measures that were already in train while the Assembly was collapsed. There […]

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Community Constituency Government Infrastructure Lurgan Newry Newry and Armagh Politics Stormont Upper Bann

Concessionary Fares and Community Transport Protected In Budget Allocations

Concessionary fares, community transport funding and planned improvements to the Coleraine-Derry rail line are among the areas being protected by Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd following consideration of the department’s budget allocation. Speaking as the Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA), which sets out the initial assessment of the impact of the budget on spending proposals for the […]

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Election 2024 Elections Government Politics Stormont Westminster

Long Excuses on Unity Event Not Credible: SDLP

The Alliance leader’s claim that she cannot find time to participate in an event on Irish unity during the general election campaign but can remain as full-time Justice Minister is taking voters for fools, SDLP Opposition Leader Matthew O’Toole has said. Naomi Long confirmed today she would not be participating in the event at the […]

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Campaigns Community Constituency Daisy Hill Election 2024 Elections Government Health Newry Newry and Armagh Politics Stormont Westminster

Positive News as Daisy Hill Hospital Performs Increased Number of Elective Procedures – Kimmins

Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has welcomed the increase in elective care procedures taking place at Daisy Hill hospital in Newry. Speaking after the Department of Health released an update on elective care framework outcomes, the party’s health spokesperson said: “Just one year on from Daisy Hill started operating as an Elective Overnight Stay Centre, […]

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Community Education Government Politics Stormont

Minister Givan Invests £3million In Digital Devices For Schools

Education Minister, Paul Givan, has today announced a major £3million investment in digital devices to support pupils’ learning. Around 8,500 new devices have been rolled out to replace computers in post-primary schools across Northern Ireland.  Welcoming the investment, Minister Givan said: “Access to quality, up-to-date technology is vital for children and young people. I am confident this £3million […]

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Community Constituency Dáil Éireann Government Infrastructure Lurgan Politics Seanad Éireann Stormont Upper Bann Westminster

O’Dowd Welcomes Construction Beginning on Narrow Water Bridge

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has welcomed the move to construction of the Narrow Water Bridge project.  The project will produce a 195m cable-stayed bridge connecting Omeath with Narrow Water near Warrenpoint, designed for vehicular, cycle and pedestrian traffic. The Department for Infrastructure has worked closely with the Irish Government and Louth County Council over the […]

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Community Constituency Election 2024 Elections Government Infrastructure Politics South Down Warrenpoint Westminster

Narrow Water Bridge Will Be Transformative – Hazzard

Sinn Féin’s Westminster candidate for South Down, Chris Hazzard, has said the Narrow Water Bridge project will be key to unlocking the huge potential across South Down. Speakingafter meeting with An Taoiseach at the site of the bridge where work begins today, Chris Hazzard said: “Today is a positive step for the people of South […]

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Community Crime Government Politics Stormont

SDLP: Justice Minister Needs to Move on Independent Snooping Inquiry If Policing Board Will Not

The Justice Minister must take the initiative to deliver an independent inquiry on police surveillance of journalists if the Policing Board does not, Opposition Leader Matthew O’Toole MLA said today after an SDLP Opposition Day motion. The Justice Minister today opposed a call for her department to establish a specific inquiry, but after pressing by […]

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Community Crime Government Politics Stormont

SDLP: Long’s Stubborn Response to Court Judgement Irresponsible

The Justice Minister’s stubborn refusal to confirm that she will not appeal a court judgement striking out a law granting lifetime and post death anonymity to sex offence suspects is both disappointing and irresponsible, the Leader of the Opposition has said. Responding to an urgent oral question brought by Matthew O’Toole MLA – who is […]

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Campaigns Community Daisy Hill Government Health Politics Stormont

Health and Social Care Leaders Deeply Concerned at Financial Outlook for Frontline Services

STATEMENT FROM THE CHAIRS OF HSC TRUSTS EMBARGOED UNTIL 12.01AM MONDAY 3RD JUNE As health and social care leaders, we are deeply concerned at the financial outlook for the frontline services which our organisations deliver. We have no wish to be involved in political controversy and are very mindful of the growing budgetary pressures on all […]

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

SDLP Selects Byrne as Newry, Mourne and Down Chair

The SDLP has selected councillor Pete Byrne as the next Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. Councillor Byrne will take up the position at a council meeting on Monday night. He will be the first LGBT+ chair of the council. SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood said: “Throughout his time in politics Pete Byrne has […]

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Community Education Government Politics Stormont

Full Suspension of Support Staff Strike Action Announced

Education Minister Paul Givan has welcomed the full suspension of strike action by support staff which was due to continue tomorrow. NIPSA and GMB unions had called off action for today and tomorrow, with all support staff unions now agreeing to suspend action due to take place on Tuesday 4 June. Welcoming the decision, the Minister […]