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Agriculture Community Government Politics Stormont

UUP Calls For Agriculture Minister to Resign

Ulster Unionist Party Agriculture spokesperson Robbie Butler MLA has called on Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir to stand down, following the Ulster Farmers’ Union’s vote of no confidence and its rejection of the independence of the Fivemiletown review. Robbie Butler said: “On Monday of this week, some people in the agri sector were hoping the Minister […]

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Agriculture Community Constituency Government Lurgan Politics Stormont Upper Bann Westminster

MP Tells Stormont Protest That Farmers Have Had Enough of DAERA Hypocrisy

Following this week’s AERA meeting in Stormont, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said many serious questions remain unanswered in the aftermath of the Fivemiletown cattle cull conducted by DAERA. She said: “Farmers and members of the public want answers, but unfortunately the extraordinary committee meeting, which saw MLA’s recalled from their summer recess, failed […]

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Community Constituency Council Government Newry Newry and Armagh NMD Council Politics

Council Reviews Progress and Performance In 2025-26

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has approved its Assessment of Performance 2025-26, outlining progress made against key priorities over the past year and highlighting areas where further improvement is needed. Considered and approved by the Strategy, Policy and Resources Committee on Thursday 13 August 2026, the Assessment reflects the Council’s ongoing commitment to delivering […]

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Climate Community Constituency Government Health Politics South Down Stormont Warrenpoint

DFI Says No Cllrs Needed at Warrenpoint Harbour Authority

By Donal McMahon A Stormont department key to appointing “commissioners” to a Co Down port says it has no need for councillors amid a stink protest.The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Minister Liz Kimmins has invited councillors to apply to the board of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority (WHA), following resignations last July over concerns of foul odours in […]

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Community Government Politics Stormont

Sign Language Act Receives Royal Assent

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the granting of Royal Assent to the Sign Language Act, marking a historic and transformative moment for sign language users across Northern Ireland. The Act provides formal recognition and support for sign language, helping to ensure that Deaf people can participate more fully in society and access public services […]

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Business Community Constituency Government Lurgan Politics Stormont Uncategorized Upper Bann

O’Dowd Calls on Businesses to Have Their Say on Changes to Business Rating System

Finance Minister John O’Dowd has met with Belfast Chamber to discuss proposed reforms to the business rating system and encourage businesses to respond to the consultation on the Business Growth Accelerator and Non-Domestic Vacant Rating measures. Speaking following the meeting, John O’Dowd said: “I welcomed the opportunity to meet with the Belfast Chamber and discuss my […]

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Community Constituency Election 2027 Elections Government Lurgan Politics Stormont Upper Bann

Sinn Féin Targets Two Assembly Seats In Upper Bann as O’Dowd and Nelson Selected

Speaking at the launch of Sinn Féin’s Upper Bann Assembly election candidates launch in Lurgan on Tuesday evening, Sinn Féin Leas-Uachtarán Michelle O’Neill said: “Next May, people across Upper Bann will have the opportunity to elect two Sinn Féin MLAs. “John O’Dowd and Catherine Nelson are strong local representatives who champion Upper Bann every day, […]

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

Grant: Money For Civic Centre Could Be Used on Climate Projects

Ms Grant speaking this morning after reading an article in a national newspaper about the heat wave afflicting Western Europe fuelled by the climate crisis and how low-income families are often the most disproportionately affected and women are always at the sharp end of the hardships.Ms Grant said this was not surprising because the working […]

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Armagh Campaigns Community Constituency Daisy Hill Government Health Newry Newry and Armagh Politics South Armagh Westminster

Hughes Raises Daisy Hill Maternity Services With Southern Trust

Sinn Féin MP for Newry and Armagh, Dáire Hughes, has raised the issues surrounding maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital. Speaking at Thursday’s Southern Trust Board meeting, Dáire Hughes said: “Last week’s suspension of services demonstrated the fragility of maternity at Daisy Hill Hospital. Whilst we understand the causes of this suspension and understand the […]

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Community Constituency Housing Newry Newry and Armagh Politics

Locals First Initiative Demands Urgent Action on Housing Crisis

Northern Ireland is facing an unprecedented housing crisis, with almost 50,000 households currently waiting for a social home and thousands more trapped in temporary accommodation. The latest figures paint a stark picture of growing housing demand, rising homelessness, and increasing pressure on already stretched public services. At the end of 2025, there were 49,755 households […]

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Community Crime Government Politics Stormont

Announcement of New Police Ombudsman For Northern Ireland

First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have today announced the appointment of Jacqui Durkin as the new Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland. The First Minister and deputy First Minister said Ms Durkin, who has served as Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland since November 2019, brings extensive senior leadership […]

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Community Constituency Downpatrick Election 2027 Elections Government Kilkeel Newcastle Politics South Down Stormont Warrenpoint

Sinn Féin Targets Three Seats In South Down For The First Time

For the first time ever Sinn Féin have selected three candidates in South Down to contest the 2027 Assembly Election. Current MLAs Sinéad Ennis and Cathy Mason will be seeking re-election and will be joined by the former Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down Council, Councillor Michael Rice. Speaking at the launch on Wednesday evening […]