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Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has agreed to submit an Expression of Interest (E.O.I.) application for the UK City of Culture 2025. Organised by the UK Government Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport every four years, this process invites places from across the UK to bid for the title by setting out […]

Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the recommissioning of Banbridge Courthouse after an absence of five years. The courthouse which had been out of use since 2016, has been refurbished as part of the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunal Service’s (NICTS) effort to increase capacity for courts and tribunals cases. This allows faster recovery from delays […]

In this centenary year, whose very celebration is subject to the grace and favour of Sinn Fein – no centenary stone allowed at Stormont, not a single penny in the Executive’s budget to mark the centenary – it is folly to pretend all is well.  Those who foolishly believed feting SF in government would tame […]

Finance Minister Conor Murphy has extended emergency protection for tenants having difficulty paying rent on commercial leases as a result of the pandemic for a further three months. The special provision in the Coronavirus Act 2020 which was first applied at the end of March 2020, is being extended once again, until 30 September 2021, […]

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has praised Department for Communities’ frontline staff for their commitment and hard work during the Covid-19 pandemic. Minister Hargey was speaking after a visit to Newry Jobs & Benefits (JBO) office where she met Universal Credit staff from the Service Centre and frontline teams. Minister Hargey said: “I welcome this opportunity […]

Vaccination opens doors to normality, Health Minister Robin Swann has emphasised. In an open letter (below), the Minister makes a personal appeal to people who have not yet been jabbed, saying: “Please don’t put off your turn. The right time is now.” He continues: “Vaccination helps us reclaim our lives. We all want to keep enjoying the […]

The number of Covid-19 vaccines administered in Northern Ireland has passed the two million mark. The grand total includes first and second doses. Some 80% of the adult population have now received their first jab and close to 60% are fully vaccinated with both doses. The two million mark has been reached, as the first […]

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced work is to commence on the development of an Irish Language Strategy and an Ulster Scots Language, Heritage and Culture Strategy.  The Minister advised the Executive that her department is to proceed with the work of the Expert Advisory Panels. She said: “I am pleased that work is now underway on these […]

The First Minister, deputy First Minister and Health Minister have met with organ donation campaigners to mark significant progress in new soft opt-out organ donation legislation. Paul Givan, Michelle O’Neill and Robin Swann welcomed campaigners Dáithí, Maírtín and Seph Mac Gabhann to Stormont Castle after the Executive signed off the Health Minister’s proposed legislation on […]

Families entitled to extra support with school meals and uniforms can now apply online. Paper application forms continue to be available on request for applicants who do not have digital access. Education Minister, Michelle McIlveen said: “The Education Authority (EA) has sought to improve services for families by making it easier for them to apply for […]

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced a change to drink driving legislation which will automatically offer all those convicted of drink drive offences the opportunity to undertake rehabilitation training. The changes take effect from Monday 28 June. At present referral to the course is at the discretion of the Court however the change to the law […]

A vaccine international certification scheme will go live in Northern Ireland by – or before – 19 July, the Department of Health has announced. Work is focussed on delivering the scheme ahead of that date – potentially as early as 5 July – and should be possible providing cyber security checks are cleared successfully. Ensuring […]