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Campaigns Community Cost of Living Government Health Politics Stormont

Minister Announces Cross-Departmental Approach to Tackle Housing Issues

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has launched an ambitious cross-departmental plan to tackle housing issues. Minister Lyons set out the first whole system Housing Supply Strategy at the Assembly. He said: “The housing issues we face are significant, and the current situation is not sustainable. For too long, there has been no joined-up, cross-departmental approach to housing […]

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Campaigns Community Daisy Hill Government Health Politics Stormont

Nesbitt Launches Major Three-Year Plan

A new three-year strategic plan for health and social care has today been published by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt. The plan involves a wide range of initiatives based on three central themes – Stabilisation, Reform and Delivery. The Health Minister said: “Since taking office, I have underlined the need to build hope for all those who deliver, […]

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Community Constituency Government Infrastructure Politics South Down Stormont Warrenpoint

‘Upgrades to A1 Will Improve Safety and Cut Journey Times’ – Ennis

Sinn Féin MLA Sinéad Ennis has welcomed an announcement from Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd to commence procurement for the A1 Junctions Phase 2 this week. The South Down MLA said: “The A1 Junctions Phase 2 is a long-anticipated project for those who travel this road on a daily basis, particularly commuters between Dublin and Belfast. […]

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Government Politics Stormont

SDLP Challenges FM on Abysmal Failure to Deliver Promised Legislation

SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole MLA has challenged First Minister Michelle O’Neill over the Executive’s failure to deliver its 2024 legislation programme. Speaking in the Assembly chamber on the penultimate plenary sitting day of 2024, Mr O’Toole asked the First Minister to explain why less than 50% of the 2024 Executive Legislative Programme […]

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

Murphy Hails Local WorldSkills Medal Winners

Economy Minister Conor Murphy has congratulated local vocational skills students who have once again showcased their abilities on the world stage. Five local students competed as part of Team UK in the global WorldSkills Lyon 2024 competition in September 2024. The Minister held a reception in Parliament Buildings, Belfast, to congratulate the local students who […]

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

Pay Offer For NI Water Workers Represents ‘Positive Solution’ – Boylan

Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has welcomed a pay offer made to NI Water workers that would see their wages rise by 5%, as well them being paid a one-off £1500 payment. The Newry and Armagh MLA said: “This represents a significant step forward, with a 5% pay rise and a £1500 payment offered to NI Water […]

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

McNulty Calls for Equality on Cross-Border Rail Travel

SDLP Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty has raised the stark disparity in rail fares between the North and the Republic at a Stormont debate this week. Mr. McNulty brought a motion calling for Executive Ministers to align rail fares across the island of Ireland. Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty said: “I brought this motion to the […]

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Albert Basin Park Campaigns Community Constituency Council Government Newry Newry and Armagh NMD Council Politics

City Centre Park Ready To Move To Planning Stage -Mathers

Newry City Councillor Aidan Mathers has said that news the Newry City Centre Park project is now ready to go to the planning stage, is welcome. The Sinn Féin elected representative explained, “The Environmental Agency (NIEA) has completed  out its  investigations and surveys so the project is ready to go to the planning stage early […]

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Community Constituency Council Government Health Lifestyle Newry Newry and Armagh NMD Council Politics

Petition Created Following Concerns Over Newry Leisure Facilities

Workers Party Newry and Armagh rep Nicola Grant has created a petition to raise awareness of the disruption of facilities at Newry Leisure Centre. The petition follows discontent on social media about the lack of facilities at Newry Leisure Centre and a protest arranged regarding gym facilities not being repaired. Speaking to Clanrye News and […]

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

Kimmins Welcomes Passing of Motion Calling For Improved Regulation For Non-Surgical Cosmetic Treatments

Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has welcomed the passing of her party’s motion in the Assembly on Monday calling for improved regulation for non-surgical cosmetic treatments. The party’s health spokesperson said: “Non-surgical cosmetic treatments, such as botox and dermal fillers, are becoming increasingly popular, and it is important we have the proper regulations in place […]

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Campaigns Community Cost of Living Government Health Politics Stormont

Minister Announces Additional Funding For Homelessness

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced an additional £3.7million for homelessness and £3million to support NIHE service delivery but added that collective effort is needed to deal with the growing challenge in our society. At the start of Homelessness Awareness week, the Minister outlined his support for a motion in the Northern Ireland Assembly which called […]

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Campaigns Community Constituency Council Daisy Hill Government Health Newry Newry and Armagh NMD Council Politics Stormont

Newry: Health Hub Delayed Until 2029

By Donal McMahon A “disappointing” new two year delay to developing the £88m Newry Community Treatment and Care Centre (CTCC) has been criticised as “bad business”. The updated 2029 timeframe has been revealed this week by the Southern Trust during a special meeting with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC). The ‘health hub’ project […]