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Business Community Government International Politics Stormont Westminster

Sinn Féin President Welcomes Conclusion of Protocol Negotiations

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD this afternoon welcomed the conclusion of negotiations between London and Brussels and the fact that a deal has been struck.  She said the party will meet this evening to carefully assess the detail of the deal. Teachta McDonald said: “I welcome today’s announcement that negotiations between London and […]

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Business Community Government Infrastructure Politics Stormont Westminster

TUV Calls For Unionist Parties to Reaffirm Joint Unionist Declaration When Approaching Windsor Framework

TUV Leader Jim Allister MLA has called on the unionist parties to reaffirm the joint unionist declaration when approaching the Windsor Framework and its affect on the NI Protocol. Mr Allister said: “Among all the spin a critical consideration is how far, if at all, the existing Protocol has been superseded. A ‘framework’ will not […]

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Business Community Government International Politics Stormont Westminster

SDLP Encourages Political Leaders to Approach Windsor Framework in Good Faith

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has encouraged political leaders to approach the terms of a deal between the European Commission and the British Government in good faith and with a determination to restore the democratic institutions in Northern Ireland. Colum Eastwood MP said: “The SDLP will study the legal text of the agreement between the […]

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Armagh Campaigns Community Constituency Cost of Living Government Health Newry and Armagh Politics Stormont

‘Housing Executive Rent Rise Will Add More Pressure to Families’ – Boylan

Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has said the rise in Housing Executive rents will pile more pressure on families who are already struggling. The Newry and Armagh MLA said an Executive is needed now to protect people. Cathal said: “Confirmation that Housing Executive rents will be increased by 7% is deeply concerning and will add more […]

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Campaigns Community Constituency Cost of Living Government Infrastructure Newry Newry and Armagh Stormont

On-Street Parking Charges in Belfast, Newry and Lisburn to Increase

Given the ongoing pressure on public funding, and the need to support the carbon reductions in the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, on-street parking tariffs in Belfast, Newry and Lisburn will increase from 1 April 2023.  The on-street parking tariffs in the Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) in Belfast, Lisburn and Newry were last increased […]

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Business Community Government International Politics Stormont Westminster

Jim Allister Warns Against Constitutionally Damaging Deal

TUV Leader Jim Allister has slammed any potential Protocol deal. Statement by TUV leader:- “When all is said and done the critical test of any Sunak deal with the EU will be constitutional, not economic. “It is the imposition and supremacy of EU law and subjection to the EU Customs Code which have Art 6 […]

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Business Campaigns Community Constituency Cost of Living Government International Lurgan Stormont Upper Bann

Worrying Time for Workers and Families in Lurgan – O’Dowd

Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd has expressed his concern after reports that up to 200 jobs are at risk at a cold storage business ‘Americold’ in Lurgan after the company announced that it was to restructure. Mr O’Dowd said: “This will be a very worrying time for the workers and their families. “This company is a […]

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ABC Council Business Campaigns Community Constituency Cost of Living Council Election 2023 Elections Government International Lurgan Upper Bann

200 Jobs Lost at Americold, Lurgan

SDLP Lurgan councillor Ciaran Toman has said that up to 200 jobs being lost at the Americold depot in the area is a massive blow. The company confirmed the move on Monday, citing plans to “prioritise downsizing”. Councillor Toman said: “The news that Americold is downsizing its operation in Lurgan with up to 200 people […]

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Government Politics Stormont Westminster

The Challenge to the PM on the Protocol 

TUV Leader Jim Allister has called the potential Protocol deal as unacceptable. Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister: “If this is a Prime Minister who is disinterested in being Prime Minister of a United Kingdom and is prepared to cede sovereignty over law-making to a foreign power then he’s not heading for a deal which […]

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Agriculture Business Community Constituency Government Lurgan Upper Bann Westminster

Pig Farmers Urged Not to Miss Funding Deadline

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has urged pig producers across Northern Ireland to be mindful of the upcoming deadline for DAERAs Exceptional Costs Pig Scheme. Applications will close to the scheme on February 21, 2023. Speaking ahead of the deadline, the DUP EFRA Spokesperson said: “The Exceptional Costs Pig Scheme is currently open to applications. […]

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Business Community Constituency Newry Newry and Armagh

50th Year in Business for Abbey Autoline

Northern Ireland’s largest insurance broker AbbeyAutoline has marked 50 years in business with the launch of a series of community outreach activities across the province. 2023 marks a major milestone for AbbeyAutoline as it embarks on its 50th year in business in Northern Ireland. At a special event hosted in Belfast, Managing Director Julie Gibbons […]

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Business Campaigns Community Cost of Living Council Government Politics Stormont Westminster

SDLP Opposes Belfast Rates Hike

SDLP Councillors on Belfast City Council have voted against a proposal to increase the local rate to 7.99% as families across the city struggle with the cost of living crisis.  Speaking after tonight’s meeting of Belfast City Council, SDLP Group Leader Dónal Lyons said: “Belfast City Council should not be considering a significant rate hike […]