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Business Campaigns Community Cost of Living Government Politics Stormont

SDLP Questions Minister’s Failure to Support Small Businesses

SDLP Economy Spokesperson Sinéad McLaughlin has questioned Minister Conor Murphy’s failure to bid for support for small and medium-sized enteprises (SMEs). He confirmed in the Assembly on Tuesday that he did not bid for any funding in the latest monitoring round. Business groups had asked the Minister to provide support in the context of rises […]

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Government International Politics Stormont

University Belfast and Ulster University Conferred Honorary Doctorates on Joseph Kennedy III

The Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Edwin Poots MLA, has hosted a joint ceremony at Parliament Buildings during which Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University conferred honorary doctorates on Joseph Kennedy III, President Biden’s Special Envoy for Economic Affairs. The Speaker spoke during the ceremony held in the Great Hall on Wednesday. He said: […]

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Business Community Government Politics Westminster

SDLP Highlights Impact of Immigration Changes on NI Businesses

SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has highlighted the negative impact of changes to immigration rules on businesses in Northern Ireland. Ms Hanna hosted a Westminster Hall debate on Wednesday to highlight the effect of changes to immigration policy which were introduced by the previous Conservative Government in their dying months. South Belfast and Mid Down […]

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

Murphy Raises Key Economic Issues For North With British Government

Economy Minister Conor Murphy raised a number of key economic issues with British Government Ministers during a visit to London. The discussions included concerns on the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme, support for renewable energy developments, and the previously paused Enhanced Investment Zone for the north of Ireland. Speaking afterwards Minister Murphy […]

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Community Constituency Council Downpatrick Entertainment Government Lifestyle Newry Newry and Armagh NMD Council South Down

Christmas Lights Switch On Events Across Newry, Mourne and Down Announced

Newry Mourne and Down District Council is getting ready to light up the district this festive season!  Dates are set and Christmas lights will be turned on across its towns and city at Switch On events happening between Thursday 21 November and Saturday 7 December. These evenings will provide everyone with plenty of opportunities to enjoy […]

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Campaigns Community Constituency Daisy Hill Health Newry Newry and Armagh

Newry: Aontú Raises Serious Concerns About Maternity Services at Daisy Hill Hospital

Aontú rep Sharon Loughran has raised serious concerns about maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital. The Newry based rep says: “In recent weeks there has been heightened concern about the situation regarding maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital. Patients have been diverted to Craigavon Hospital. Some maternity staff at Daisy Hill report being told at […]

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Campaigns Community Cost of Living Government Stormont

Over £62 million In Additional Benefits Sees £21 million Boost For Pensioners

Over £62 million in additional benefits has been generated in 2023/24 by a Department for Communities service which helps people access entitlements they have not been claiming. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons welcomed the annual Make the Call Wraparound Service results and highlighted an additional benefit uptake of £21.3 million by pensioners. The results also showed […]

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Community Constituency Crime Newry Newry and Armagh

6 Burglaries Reported In Newry and South Armagh

Detectives in Newry are appealing for information following six potentially linked reports of thefts, burglaries and attempted burglaries over the weekend.  Detective Sergeant Lewis said: “We received a report of a burglary in the Old Road area of Drumintee, where cash was stolen from an outbuilding. We believe this may have occurred sometime between 4.30pm […]

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

Murphy Leads All-Island Trade Mission to Singapore

Economy Minister Conor Murphy arrived in Singapore to lead an all-island trade mission to the world’s largest fintech trade event, Singapore Fintech Festival.   The four-day trade mission, which is supported by Invest Northern Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, will promote the island of Ireland as a hub for innovation in regtech, fintech, and […]

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Business Climate Community Constituency Government Health South Down Stormont Warrenpoint

RARE: DAERA-Defra Planning Fraud Risk Red Flags Raised In Warrenpoint

Today we have written to Minister O’Dowd (DfI), Minister Muir (DAERA), Minister Lyons (DfC), Minister Murphy (DfE), Ms Ward (CEO Newry, Mourne and Down District Council / NMDDC), representatives of Defra’s “SPS Facilities Project” and representatives of the Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO).  Our letter is informed and guided by two NIAO publications, “Good Practice […]

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Community Government International Politics Westminster

Alliance: Misogyny Will Rise Due to Trump Win

Misogynistic abuse against women online will only rise as a result of the radicalisation of young men, spearheaded by figures such as Elon Musk and reflected in the election of Donald Trump as US President, Alliance MP Sorcha Eastwood has said. The Lagan Valley MP was speaking after Prime Minister’s Questions (6 November), where she […]

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Community Government Health Stormont

Health Minister Launches Winter Preparedness Plan

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced a series of initiatives to protect key health and social care services during another highly challenging winter period. The measures are detailed in a 2024/25 Winter Preparedness Plan published today. They will not eliminate winter pressures on the HSC system but will help to alleviate their impact. The Health […]