Category: Uncategorized

DAERA Minister Edwin Poots MLA has instructed his officials to indefinitely allow all pet dogs, cats and ferrets travelling from Great Britain (GB) to Northern Ireland (NI), without checks while negotiations between the UK government (UKG) and European Union (EU) continue. The move comes after the Minister spoke to Secretary of State for Environment, Food and […]

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has today signed contract documents awarding the construction phase of the £5.1 million Shimna River Flood Alleviation Scheme to Dawson WAM Ltd. The project involves the construction of approximately 1,430 metres of flood walls and embankments. It is anticipated that works will commence on site in the coming weeks. The scheme […]

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has said she will have no part in ‘inhumane’ new rules by the British Home Office targeting rough sleepers for deportation. The new measure allows the Home Office to deport homeless non-nationals on the grounds of rough sleeping, even if they have previously been granted permission to stay. Minister Hargey has […]

With just 100 days to go until Christmas, HMRC is urging shoppers to ensure they don’t get caught out by unexpected charges when buying from overseas traders. Changes introduced on 1 January this year mean that some UK consumers buying presents for family and friends from EU businesses may now need to pay customs charges […]

Health Minister Robin Swann has welcomed the advice on Covid booster vaccinations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). Accepting the advice from the JCVI, the Health Minister Robin Swann: “Our COVID-19 vaccination programme in Northern Ireland has been successful in protecting people from serious illness and has ultimately saved many, many lives. “Introducing […]

Ulster Unionist Economy spokesperson Mike Nesbitt MLA has welcomed clarity on the dates of the long-awaited High Street Voucher Scheme. Mike Nesbitt said: “I welcome the fact that the High Street Voucher Scheme will finally come on-stream on the 27 September with the first cards issued on 4 October and due to be spent by 30 November. […]

Special schools are set to benefit from an £800,000 investment for outdoor play and learning support. The funding will support the delivery of high quality creative and innovative play and learning experiences for all children and young people in special schools.  Education Minister Michelle McIlveen announced the new programme at Longstone Special School in Dundonald. She […]

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has moved the second stage of the Private Tenancies Bill in the Assembly. The Private Tenancies Bill, introduced by the Minister in July, improves protections for tenants living in the private rented sector. Minister Hargey said: “This Bill will ensure that those renting privately have access to good quality housing with peace […]

Up-skirting, down-blousing and adults masquerading as children online are among the new offences that today are one step closer to becoming law, following the introduction of the second stage of legislation by Justice Minister, Naomi Long. Naomi Long said: “The Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Bill has the protection of victims at its heart. I […]

Police investigating an incident which took place at the Newry Street area of Rathfriland on Friday 17th September have arrested a 16 year old male. Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon District Chief Inspector Barney O’Connor said: “ On Friday night at approximately 8:40pm, a black Seat Leon failed to stop, a number of times, for police […]

Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister: “There is palpable anger across the Unionist community following last night’s outrageous incident in Rathfriland in which a car was driven into two bands. This is entirely understandable as we could very well be waking up to news of many people injured or worse.  “The shocking behaviour captured on […]

Sinn Féin MLA for Newry and Armagh, Conor Murphy and his colleague, Councillor Oonagh Magennis welcomed progress on the development of the GAA club in Belleeks.  Commenting on the visit Conor stated:  I was delighted to accompany my colleague to visit the GAA club in Belleeks today. We met with two hard working club volunteers; […]