Category: Uncategorized

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 […]

Local Alliance councillor, Patrick Brown, successfully introduced a motion at Wednesday’s meeting of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council that seeks to address the issue of ‘conversion therapy’ and offer increased support for the LGBTQ+ community across the district and beyond. The motion reads as follows: “’This Council opposes the harm caused to our LGBTQ+ […]

In response to the decision by Newry 2020 to host a large public meeting on Wednesday 14th April to discuss the Newry City Centre Regeneration Programme, local Alliance Councillor, Patrick Brown, is urging the public (from the Newry community and beyond) to join and contribute to the discussion. Cllr Brown said: “There will be an […]

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Laura Devlin has opened an online Book of Condolence following the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The Book of Condolence will allow residents of the district to extend their sympathies in accordance with COVID-19 restrictions. Cllr Devlin said, “I would like to express my […]

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council will provide free sanitary products in leisure centres across the borough in a bid to end period poverty. The aim of the scheme is to support women and girls who may not be able to afford products such as sanitary towels and tampons by making these products free […]

A roll-out of universal basic income (UBI) could get people back on their feet financially in the recovery from the COVID pandemic, Alliance South Down representative Patrick Brown has said. Councillor Brown, recently selected as Alliance’s representative for the constituency, said a new group established to explore the feasibility of UBI trials in Northern Ireland […]

Economy Minister Diane Dodds has welcomed the commitment from the Executive to provide £286.8million in additional funding to deliver her Economic Recovery Action Plan. The money will be used to implement Minister Dodds’ ambitious plan to rebuild the Northern Ireland economy after the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The plan has already received strong support […]

Commenting on the recent budget announcement, Health Minister Robin Swann has welcomed the £52 million for Agenda for Change pay. He said: “This will enable pay parity with England to continue in 2021/22 and honours the previous commitment made by the Executive in January 2020. Likewise the announcement that £20 million for Safe Staffing will now be funded […]

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has welcomed the funding allocation for JobStart, and reiterated her commitment to boosting economic opportunities for young people and those seeking to re-enter the labour market. Minister Hargey was speaking after the Executive agreed to fund the employment scheme for 16-24 year olds. The scheme is designed to support young people […]