Category: Uncategorized

22nd March 2021, Downpatrick: Local Rowallane councillor, Patrick Brown, is again raising the issue of divesting councillors’ pension funds away from fossil fuels, following his successfully passed motion two years ago. Cllr Brown said: “After recent findings from environmental activist groups have come to light, it is my understanding that the Northern Ireland Local Government […]

Slieve Gullion area Sinn Féin Councillor Oonagh Magennis has confirmed that a suspicious device has been found at Camlough Lake and  is being examined. The local Councillor said, “There are currently diversions in place as the Newtown Road has been closed. The discovery of this suspicious device  has caused serious inconvenience to local residents and […]

The Newtown Road at Camlough Lake, just outside Camlough, Co. Armagh, has been closed in both directions following the discovery of a suspicious object. Local diversions are now in place however members of the public are asked to avoid the area whilst the object is examined. ENDS

We note with concern that Bernie smith and supporters, attended a gathering in ballymena yesterday, where there was no social distancing or adherence to COVID regs.We have deep reservations about their presence again in Newry tomorrow (Monday) and are calling on relevant local authorities to deal with this matter in the appropriate manner.Whilst we are […]

Health Minister Robin Swann and Education Minister Peter Weir have announced a programme of regular testing for Covid-19 is to be introduced in schools in Northern Ireland. Departmental officials will be liaising with the education sector in the coming days to discuss operational preparation and delivery with a view to rolling out the programme in […]

Health Minister Robin Swann has reminded everyone aged 60 and over that the best time to book their Covid-19 vaccination is now. The Minister said: “We will be extending the vaccination programme to other age groups before very long, and that means many more people will be looking to fill appointment slots. So if you are […]

Finance Minister, Conor Murphy has announced the establishment of a Fiscal Council and a Fiscal Commission. Making the announcement, Conor Murphy said: “The establishment of the Fiscal Council and the Fiscal Commission represents a real step forward for the public finances. “Putting the Fiscal Council in place will bring greater transparency and independent scrutiny to the […]

Economy Minister Diane Dodds has welcomed the publication of Sir Peter Hendy’s Union Connectivity Review Interim Report. Speaking of the publication of the Report the Minister said: “This is an ambitious Report which aims to deliver a UK-wide transport network that encompasses sea, rail, air and road. Improved connectivity through a better connected network is […]

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced the release of over £7.5million of awards to support charities facing financial difficulty as a result of the pandemic. Over 300 charities are being offered the funding after successfully applying to Phase 2 of the Covid-19 Charities Fund. The money is awarded to support unavoidable costs and eliminate deficits […]

A dashboard charting the progress of Northern Ireland’s vaccination programme has gone live. It is the first step in plans to publish detailed daily data on vaccination. Work is ongoing on the necessary data reporting and digital infrastructure for a more comprehensive dashboard. Welcoming the new dashboard, Health Minister Robin Swann said: “Our vaccination programme […]

Employers from key sectors within Northern Ireland can now access the national testing programme as part of a targeted expansion of asymptomatic testing Launching the programme Health Minister Robin Swann said: “As COVID-19 infections continue to fall and the vaccination programme continues to deliver at scale and pace, it is important that we do not […]