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Government Politics Stormont

Executive Publishes Programme For Government

The NI Executive has launched its Programme for Government following approval by the Assembly. First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have said the PfG is an ambitious agenda for change, which will be delivered by working in partnership. First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “Today represents a significant milestone for the Executive as […]

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Campaigns Community Constituency Daisy Hill Health Newry Newry and Armagh Politics

Grant: We Need An Equality Impact Assessment on Daisy Hill

“Thursday 27th February 2025 Daisy Hill and other Rural hospitals and health facilities will be the losers in a Three tier Hospital system, We must have a Equality impact Assessment carried out.” Nicola Grant commenting on the Workers Party response to to “Hospitals -Creating A Network for Better Outcomes” said the Workers Party has made it […]

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

Newry: Public In The Dark Over Solar Bins

By Donal McMahon A Northern Ireland council is keeping the public in the dark over plans for new solar bins. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) closed the door to the  chamber with no reports opened to ratepayers at its recent environment committee. The secret discussion on the business case, 15 years behind the […]

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

Grant Calls For Newry Council to Release Green Energy Report

Nicola Grant Workers Party representative has called upon Newry Mourne and Down District Council to share a report on transforming old dumps into green energy sources. The council claiming that the report is commercially sensitive beggars’ belief she says Nicola continued the council has agreed to engage in forums to share information yet refuse to […]

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Community Constituency Downpatrick Government Health Politics South Down Stormont

SDLP: Urgent Response Needed to Address Cancer Deaths In Deprived Areas

SDLP Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA has said that urgent action is needed to address the high level of cancer deaths in deprived parts of the North. He was speaking following the publication of Cancer Research UK’s Cancer in the UK 2025: Socioeconomic Deprivation report. It found cancer death rates are around 45% higher for […]

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ABC Council Armagh Community Constituency Council Government Health Newry and Armagh

ABC Council Commemorates Tenth Anniversary of Care Day With Tree Planting Ceremony

In a heartfelt commitment to the wellbeing of local young people in care, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough (ABC) Council held a special tree planting ceremony to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Care Day. The event, which took place on Wednesday 12 February at the Palace Demesne in Armagh saw representatives from Voice of […]

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Agriculture Community Constituency Government Newry Newry and Armagh Politics South Armagh Stormont

Aoife Finnegan MLA Pledges To Stand Up For Rural Areas

Sinn Féin’s newest MLA, Aoife Finnegan, has said she will use her position to stand up for rural areas. The Newry and Armagh representative was speaking after being appointed to the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee. “I’m delighted to be working on the AERA committee, especially given my role as party spokesperson on environmental […]

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Community Constituency Government Health Newry Newry and Armagh South Down Stormont

SDLP Welcomes Minister’s Commitment to Explore Access to Muscular Dystrophy Drugs

SDLP Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA has welcomed a commitment from Minister Mike Nesbitt to work with the Belfast Trust to secure access to new muscular dystrophy drugs. Mr McGrath used his topical question to raise the issue during questions to the Health Minister in the Assembly on Tuesday. It comes after 12-year-old Alfie […]

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Community Government Health Politics Stormont

Landmark Day For The Deaf Community Welcomed

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has hailed the Second Stage of the Sign Language Bill as an historic event for the Deaf community in Northern Ireland. Prior to the debate, Minister Lyons met with members of the Deaf community at Parliament Buildings, saying: “I am incredibly grateful to the Deaf community who have travelled to Stormont […]

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Campaigns Community Cost of Living Education Government Politics Stormont

School Uniforms Bill Introduced In Assembly

A new Bill to reduce the costs of school uniforms has been introduced in the Northern Ireland Assembly by Education Minister Paul Givan. The Bill will provide the necessary powers to make a difference in terms of affordability of school uniforms.  Paul Givan said: “Today’s introduction of the School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Bill is a major […]

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Campaigns Community Cost of Living Government Politics Stormont

SDLP Opposition Urges Action on Universal Credit Five-Week Wait and Ties to illegal Lending

The SDLP Opposition has called for immediate interventions to address the harmful impact of the five-week wait for Universal Credit payments.  SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan warned that the delay is pushing vulnerable individuals into debt and in some cases towards illegal lending. Mr Durkan said: “The five-week wait and inextricable links with illegal […]

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

Sinn Féin Select New Newry & Armagh MLA

Slieve Gullion Councillor Aoife Finnegan has been selected by Sinn Féin to fill the Assembly seat left vacant by Conor Murphy’s election to Seanad Éireann. At a convention on Saturday, Sinn Féin members unanimously endorsed Aoife to represent Newry and Armagh in the Assembly. Speaking after her selection, Aoife Finnegan said: “I am both delighted […]