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Business Campaigns Community Cost of Living Government Politics Stormont

SDLP: Executive Parties Need to Focus on Practical Action For Households Not Squabbling

Executive parties need to focus on agreeing a clear ask of the UK Government around a potential support package for households struggling with the huge increases in the cost of energy, SDLP Economy spokesperson Sinead McLaughlin has said ahead of an emergency committee meeting tomorrow which will take evidence from the Economy minister. The Foyle […]

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Business Campaigns Community Cost of Living Government Politics Stormont

SDLP Calls For Executive Support Package After Energy Costs Spike

The SDLP is calling on the Executive to provide a support package to help families struggling with the spike in energy costs. Prices have risen sharply following the outbreak of conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran. SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole MLA has submitted an urgent question to Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald […]

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Armagh Business Community Constituency Government Newry Newry and Armagh South Armagh Stormont

Kimmins Confirms St Patrick’s Day as a Non-Charge Day For Controlled Parking Zones

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed that St Patrick’s Day will now be treated as a non-charge day for Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs). This follows a change in legislation that brings St Patrick’s Day into line with other holiday periods. The change will apply to Controlled Parking Zones in Belfast, Newry and Lisburn. Minister Kimmins […]

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Business Community Constituency Newry Newry and Armagh Newry Chamber

Newry Chamber Celebrates International Women’s Day with Sold-Out Luncheon at Killeavy Castle Estate

Newry Chamber hosted their 7th Annual International Women’s Day Celebration Lunch at a packed Killeavy Castle Estate with over 200 guests on Friday 6th March, kindly sponsored by KPMG Ireland, Southern Regional College and Younique Aesthetics Clinic. The 200+ guests enjoyed a prosecco drinks reception served in the spectacular surroundings of Killeavy Castle before proceeding into the castle pavilion […]

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Business Campaigns Community Cost of Living Government Politics Stormont

SDLP: Executive Parties Hoodwinking Public With Inflation Busting Rates Rise

SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole MLA has said the Executive are attempting to hoodwink the public by introducing an inflation-busting rates rise without a plan for public service. Executive parties backed an increase of 5.0% for domestic properties and an increase of 3.0% for non-domestic properties. South Belfast MLA Matthew O’Toole said: “The […]

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Business Campaigns Community Cost of Living Government Politics Stormont

Minister Archibald Responds to Rising Price of Home Heating Oil and Fuel

Minister Archibald has commented on the rising price of home heating oil and fuel emerging as a result of the situation in the Middle East. Minister Archibald spoke with both the British Energy Minister, Michael Shanks, and the Irish Energy Minister, Darragh O’Brien. Following those discussions, Minister Archibald said she had a constructive engagement with […]

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Business Community Constituency Council Government Newry Newry and Armagh NMD Council Politics

District Rates Rise Agreed for Newry, Mourne and Down

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has struck a new district rate of 2.8%. At the Council meeting on Monday 2 February 2026, a new domestic rate of 0.4999 pence for 2026/2027 was agreed. The new Non-Domestic Rate for 2026/27 is 31.0337 which represents an increase of 2.8%. For a property valued at £133,000, the […]

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Business Community Government Politics Stormont

SDLP Launches ‘Save Our Pubs’ Campaign

The SDLP has launched a campaign to save pubs, hotels and other hospitality businesses following changes to business rates. It follows the revaluation of non-domestic properties, which has seen some rates bills for local businesses rise dramatically. The SDLP is bringing forward a public petition calling on the Finance Minister John O’Dowd to urgently intervene […]

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Business Community Constituency Council Government Newry Newry and Armagh NMD Council South Down

Council Launches £4.5m Local Economic Partnership Action Plan

The Minister for the Economy joined Newry, Mourne and Down District Council at a Local Economic Partnership meeting where the council formally commenced delivery of its Local Economic Partnership Action Plan, becoming the first council in Northern Ireland to do so. The Council’s Local Economic Partnership was formed on 27January 2025. The aim of the […]

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Business Community Constituency Council Government Newry Newry and Armagh NMD Council

‘Make it Local’ Returns to Support Christmas Shopping Season

As the festive season approaches, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is reinforcing its commitment to local businesses by relaunching its successful ‘Make it Local’ Christmas campaign.Kicking off on 24 November, the campaign coincides with the busy Christmas shopping period and celebrates the unique character, quality and creativity of independent businesses across the district. With […]

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Business Community Constituency Council Entertainment Government Lifestyle Newry Newry and Armagh NMD Council

Harte Welcomes Opening of Newry Christmas Markets and Encourages People to Come Along

Sinn Féin Councillor Valerie Harte has welcomed the opening of the Newry Christmas Market tomorrow, highlighting the social benefits for families and residents, the economic boost for local businesses and traders, and the positive impact the event will have in bringing the city centre to life. Councillor Harte said: “It is fantastic to see initiatives […]

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Business Community Constituency Newry Newry and Armagh Portadown Upper Bann

Shelbourne Motors Drives Home Top Honours at NI Motor Industry Awards

Shelbourne Motors, the prominent family-owned automotive group based in Portadown, led the field of top winners at the prestigious Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards this weekend, securing a major hat-trick of awards. The Portadown firm’s success highlights the exceptional talent in the local industry, with Shelbourne Motors claiming three major accolades alongside other successful local […]