Category: Uncategorized

More than 10 firearms discovered in Jerretspass have been described as a “significant” cache of weapons by police. Officers made the discovery after a search operation in Jerrettspass in County Down. An NCA spokesperson said: “National Crime Agency officers, supported by colleagues from the PSNI, have today recovered a significant number of firearms following a search […]

Significant relaxations to the Covid-19 restrictions will come into effect from Monday 24 May, the Executive has confirmed today ( 20/02/21). Ministers said the easements will be immensely beneficial to families, communities and the economy, and urged everyone to stay safe as they enjoy more freedoms. First Minister Arlene Foster said: “I’m pleased that we are […]

Over a million people in Northern Ireland have now received their first COVID-19 vaccine dose. The milestone has been reached some five months after the very first COVID-19 vaccine jab was administered in Northern Ireland. It means that almost 70% of the adult population has now received their first dose. It also comes just days […]

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has established a Culture, Arts & Heritage Recovery Taskforce to consider measures to support re-opening and recovery in the short-term as they emerge from the pandemic and to pave the way for a longer term strategy for the culture, arts and heritage sectors.  Speaking after her first meeting with the Taskforce’s […]

A £9million investment by Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey will fully fund the Housing Executive’s Covid Reset Plan on homelessness this year. The Covid Reset Plan ‘The Way Home – Homelessness Response to Covid-19′ aims to build on the collaborative response which has been so effective to date during the pandemic to end homelessness together. It […]

A key Bill which would allow MPs elected in the North of Ireland speaking rights in the Dáil passed 1st stage in the Dáil today. Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín TD tabled the Bill. He stated; “The discussion on Irish Unity has gathered significant pace in recent years. Brexit has convinced many in the north that London […]

The Workers Party has condemned an unannounced, but significant, change to the time limits for the completion of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims.  During the pandemic the Department for Communities extended the time allowed to complete a PIP application form from one month to 90 days. As of Monday of this week, and without warning  or […]

Both are occupied lands one in Ireland and one thousands of miles away in Palestine. Both have suffered immensely under imperialist occupation over the decades . There’s a special bond between Palestine and Ireland, a connection that has lasted an eternity.  Scores of protesters gathered at The Quays shopping complex in Newry. Sainsburys was the […]

Education Minister, Peter Weir has announced a return to public examinations during the next academic year.  Young people will, however, have fewer examinations in 2022 and there will be significant reductions in assessment across the range of CCEA qualifications. Speaking in the Assembly, Peter Weir said: “I am pleased today to bring forward a clear plan […]

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon is encouraging the public to get involved in planning.   The Department and Community Places are co-hosting a virtual “Planning Your Place: Getting Involved” community engagement event on Tuesday 25 May.  Speakers from across Europe will present at four online sessions. They will use examples to demonstrate the importance of community engagement in […]

A £200,000 fund aimed at supporting roof repairs to listed buildings is now open. Owners can avail of £5,000 for repair works associated with roofs including chimneys and gutters while £10,000 is available for the repair of thatched roofs. This is part of a £350,000 Executive package of support being provided to the built heritage […]

SDLP Assembly Member for Newry and Armagh Justin McNulty MLA has welcomed the findings of the Ballymurphy Inquest which have vindicated the decades long campaign for truth by the families of the victims.   Mr McNulty said, ‘This week’s findings of the Ballymurphy Inquest are a long awaited vindication of the long and determined campaign […]