SDLP Representative for Cusher Emmajayne McKernan has called for an urgent strategy to improve rural estates. Mrs McKernan has visited a number of rural estates, including Bunkerhill in Markethill, Caramoyle on the outskirts of Keady and Mourneview Park in Clady and has seen a common problem of lack of investment and maintenance in […]
Northern Ireland’s lowest-earning households have seen their discretionary income fall by almost half (47.2%) over the last year (from £35.25 to £18.63), meaning they now have less than £19 per week to spend after their bills and living expenses. These figures come from the Consumer Council’s latest Northern Ireland Household Expenditure Tracker, which […]
The Department of Health has praised the sustained and ongoing work across the health and social care system to mitigate winter pressures. Health services remain under serious stress in Northern Ireland and neighbouring jurisdictions. Measures in response to the pressures include a focus on reducing ambulance turnaround times outside hospital Emergency Departments. Management […]
The Departments of Health and Justice have announced a public consultation on a new draft Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy. The launch of the consultation coincides with Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week, which is the UK’s national week to raise awareness of sexual abuse and violence and to provide an opportunity […]
SDLP representatives have met with Tourism Ireland and the NI Tourist Board to advance the campaign to bring Armagh and Down into the Ireland’s Ancient East destination marketing brand. An SDLP motion calling for the move was brought forward by Councillor Pete Byrne at Newry Mourne and Down District Council, receiving unanimous support […]
Sinn Féin MLA Sinead Ennis has slammed the invasive use of victim’s counselling records in sexual assault trials. The South Down MLA explains, “It is unacceptable that victims of sexual assault cannot access mental health support from counsellors without the worry that their words will end up being read out in a courtroom. […]
Sinn Féin Councillor Geraldine Kearns has said that the community support for an Urban Sports Track in Newry has been shown by the recent consultation. The Newry City Councillor explains, “The recent consultation of the community in the Meadow has shown the overwhelming local support for the development of an ‘Urban Sports Track’ […]
Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has said that plans by the EA to cut budgets of local youth services are a real concern. The Newry and Armagh MLA says, “Here in Newry, I have already met some local service providers to listen to their concerns around cuts to local EA youth services. “We […]
The Department for Communities has launched a call for evidence to explore the establishment of a debt respite scheme in Northern Ireland. The primary aim of the pre-consultation is to build on evidence already gathered and source further insight from the debt advice sector, creditors and individuals on the scale of problem debt […]
Sinn Féin’s Sinéad Ennis has welcomed plans to increase coverage of Gaelic Games and help end the block on live coverage for northern viewers. Sinéad Ennis explains, “Plans to launch a new GAAGO streaming service for live coverage of GAA games across the island is welcome news for Gaels. “This new service follows […]
