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Health Minister Robin Swann has hailed “another landmark to welcome” as the number of COVID-19 vaccines administered in Northern Ireland passed the one million mark. The Minister expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the roll-out of the vaccination programme. Minister Swann said: “Vaccination is saving many lives in Northern Ireland. It is also protecting a great […]

Slieve Gulllion area Sinn Féin Councillor Mickey Larkin has said that an effective public awareness campaign highlighting the dangers of quads and scramblers is needed. The local Councillor made his comments after an incident involving speeding quads at the Longfield road junction caused vehicles to swerve and narrowly avoided crashing. The Councillor said,  A number […]

Aontú Deputy Leader & Cllr for Mid Ulster, Denise Mullen, has welcomed a breakthrough in the pension’s quagmire, but has called for immediate clarity as to the criteria being applied to determine eligibility.  Cllr Mullen:  “Today’s announcement from the Stormont Executive Office that they will foot the bill for a Pension scheme for victims and […]

The Labour Party NI has called for an inquiry into the high number ofcovid deaths in care homes. According to the NI Statistical ResearchAgency, 40 percent of covid deaths in Northern Ireland took place incare homes up to October 2020, from the date of the first covid deathin the province. From the outbreak of the […]

A further expansion of the Covid-19 vaccination programme has been announced by Health Minister Robin Swann. From 12 noon today, people aged 40-44 will be able to book their vaccination appointments. If possible, booking should be done online at: https://covid-19.hscni.net/get-vaccinated However, where online booking is not possible, the telephone booking number is 0300 200 7813. Health […]

The AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine will continue to have a vital role in saving lives, reducing hospitalisations and helping Northern Ireland move out of lockdown. In line with latest MHRA and JCVI advice, the AZ vaccine will be rolled out on a phased basis to people aged 30 and over in Northern Ireland, as supplies permit. […]

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon and the Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan T.D. today announced the launch of an all-island Strategic Rail Review. This Strategic Rail Review will consider how the rail network on the island of Ireland can improve sustainable connectivity between major cities, enhance regional accessibility including to the North West and support balanced […]

90% of households here have completed the Census with the vast majority choosing to do it online. Census field staff will begin calling at houses this week to encourage the remaining households to complete the Census as soon as possible.  Commenting on the response to date, Census Director, Dr David Marshall says:  “We have had a […]

Newry & Armagh Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has said that the recent spate of vandalism in Urnaí Graveyard has angered many.  The MLA explained,  “Stonework around the church was damaged in the incident. Unfortunately, this is the most recent incident to happen, on this historical site, there have been previous issues of anti-social behaviour […]

Over £260 million of financial assistance has been paid to businesses under the Department of Finance’s Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS). Making the announcement, Conor Murphy said: “Throughout this pandemic I have been committed to supporting businesses and protecting jobs and livelihoods. “Financial assistance from the LRSS coupled with the business rates holiday has been a […]

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has confirmed she has allocated a further £4m to councils. Today’s announcement brings the amount of Rates Support Grant to councils for 2020/21 to a total of £22.3m. Minister Hargey said: “This further £4m payment in Rates Support Grant for 2020/21 will be of great assistance to councils as they continue to […]

Newry City Councillor Valerie Harte had said that there is support for Kilmorey Park to be included in the consultation on Windmill Road /Heather Park Play areas and she has encouraged all stakeholders to respond to the survey. The local Councillor said, “I am  delighted to see that Playboard NI in conjunction with Newry Mourne […]