Latest releases
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4,310 releases
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McGrath: Health service needs action, not another glossy plan
SDLP Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA says the Health Minister's Reset Plan lacks detail and needs direct action on waiting lists, staff pay and community services. He criticises proposed charges and budget cuts made without public consultation.
Health Issue: Health Minister's Reset Plan publication Original release: McGrath: Health service needs action, not another glossy plan (opens in a new tab)
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Gannon: Minister must hear public’s voice on SWAH surgery plans
SDLP councillor Adam Gannon, Group Leader on Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, calls for extra public meetings in the region during the consultation on removing emergency surgery from Enniskillen's hospital, noting the Enniskillen event filled within two days. He also asks Health Minister Mike…
Health Issue: Western Trust consultation on removing Emergency General Surgery at SWAH Original release: Gannon: Minister must hear public’s voice on SWAH surgery plans (opens in a new tab)
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Urgent action needed to protect life, property and health services near bonfire – Sheehan
Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan describes a bonfire in south Belfast's Village area as extremely concerning, citing nearby asbestos and risks to power supply at City and Royal Victoria Hospitals. He calls for urgent action and says Sinn Féin would support removing bonfire materials if safeguards cannot…
Community relations and legacy Health Issue: Asbestos at bonfire site near Meridi Street, south Belfast Original release: Urgent action needed to protect life, property and health services near bonfire – Sheehan (opens in a new tab)
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NOT ON OUR WATCH –THE GPO WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO BE DESTROYED
Aontú, speaking at a public protest against Government-backed plans to redevelop the GPO for mixed use, says the building must not be destroyed. Speakers including TD Brian Stanley and Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín call for a united effort to stop the proposals.
Infrastructure and transport Constitutional affairs Issue: Government backing for GPO redevelopment plans Original release: NOT ON OUR WATCH –THE GPO WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO BE DESTROYED (opens in a new tab)
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‘Vile’ racist effigies and posters must be removed – Gildernew
Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew condemns an effigy of refugees in a boat placed atop a bonfire in Moygashel, alongside 'Stop the Boats' posters, and calls for it to be removed immediately and for local political leaders to call for removal.
Immigration Disability and equality Issue: Moygashel bonfire refugee effigy and 'Stop the Boats' posters Original release: ‘Vile’ racist effigies and posters must be removed – Gildernew (opens in a new tab)
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Roofe calls for the immediate removal of racist display on County Tyrone bonfire, describing it as despicable
Alliance Councillor Eddie Roofe calls for the immediate removal of a model refugee boat placed on top of a bonfire in Moygashel, County Tyrone, which he says is racist and must not be excused as cultural celebration.
Community relations and legacy Disability and equality Issue: Moygashel bonfire refugee effigy and 'Stop the Boats' posters Original release: Roofe calls for the immediate removal of racist display on County Tyrone bonfire, describing it as despicable (opens in a new tab)
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We cannot risk bonfire damaging substation powering nearby hospitals, says Maghie, following new NIE information
Alliance Belfast councillor Jenna Maghie says new Northern Ireland Electricity information shows a bonfire near a South Belfast substation, close to hospitals, must not be allowed to cause damage. She welcomes the passing of an Alliance motion asking the council to explore hiring firms to remove…
Community relations and legacy Local government Issue: South Belfast substation bonfire risk near hospitals Original release: We cannot risk bonfire damaging substation powering nearby hospitals, says Maghie, following new NIE information (opens in a new tab)
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Needless road deaths a tragedy, say Armstrong and Egan, following deadly collisions in Ards and North Down
Alliance MLAs Kellie Armstrong and Connie Egan describe the overnight deaths of two young pedestrians, aged 12 and 16, in Portaferry and Bangor as senseless tragedies. Armstrong says she will keep engaging with police and urges witnesses to come forward.
Infrastructure and transport Justice and policing Issue: Overnight fatal pedestrian collisions in Portaferry and Bangor Original release: Needless road deaths a tragedy, say Armstrong and Egan, following deadly collisions in Ards and North Down (opens in a new tab)
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Durkan: We need to get serious about environmental crime
SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan says environmental crime is not being taken seriously enough after the PPS decided not to appeal sentences for two men convicted over illegal dumping at Mobuoy near Derry. He calls on the Environment Minister and Justice Minister to urgently review sentencing…
Environment and climate Justice and policing Issue: PPS decision not to appeal Mobuoy illegal dumping sentences Original release: Durkan: We need to get serious about environmental crime (opens in a new tab)
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Churlish efforts to discourage use of Irish will not succeed – Ní Chonghaile
Sinn Féin councillor Maighréad Ní Chonghaile welcomes the dismissal of a complaint against her for speaking Irish at an Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council meeting. She calls on the council to adopt a proactive policy protecting Irish speakers' rights.
Disability and equality Local government Issue: Complaint against Maighréad Ní Chonghaile for speaking Irish at Antrim and Newtownabbey council dismissed Original release: Churlish efforts to discourage use of Irish will not succeed – Ní Chonghaile (opens in a new tab)
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Cllr Anthony Flynn defends Belfast City Hall's LGBTQ window as a vital cultural and historical landmark
Green Party Cllr Anthony Flynn defends the LGBTQ+ window at Belfast City Hall as an iconic landmark, citing its imagery and references to rights campaigns. He accuses the TUV of hypocrisy over a slogan in the design and says the TUV backed the window unanimously.
Disability and equality Local government Issue: Belfast City Hall Pride window equality complaint and investigation Original release: Cllr Anthony Flynn defends Belfast City Hall's LGBTQ window as a vital cultural and historical landmark (opens in a new tab)
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Flexibility Isn’t Weakness, It’s Wisdom: Butler Backs Locally-Informed Climate Planning
UUP agriculture spokesperson Robbie Butler MLA welcomes the European Commission's more flexible 2040 climate target and calls for a co-designed Rural Climate and Energy Roadmap for Northern Ireland, with cross-departmental leadership and support for anaerobic digestion.
Environment and climate Agriculture and rural affairs Issue: European Commission 2040 climate target of 90% emissions reduction Original release: Flexibility Isn’t Weakness, It’s Wisdom: Butler Backs Locally-Informed Climate Planning (opens in a new tab)
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3,000 new wastewater connections unlocked in Derry positive news – Ferguson
Sinn Féin MLA Ciara Ferguson welcomes Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins's announcement that 3,000 new homes in Derry can connect to the wastewater system, funded by £11 million from the June monitoring round. She says upgrading ageing wastewater infrastructure remains a party priority.
Infrastructure and transport Housing Issue: Derry 3,000 homes wastewater connections announcement by Infrastructure Minister Original release: 3,000 new wastewater connections unlocked in Derry positive news – Ferguson (opens in a new tab)
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TUV Action Prompts Investigation into Offensive City Hall Pride Window
TUV secretary and equality spokesperson Ann McClure says a formal complaint over Belfast City Council's City Hall "Pride" window has prompted an internal equality investigation, and calls for the offensive portion to be covered or removed, retrospective equality screening, consultation with faith…
Disability and equality Local government Issue: Belfast City Hall Pride window equality complaint and investigation Original release: TUV Action Prompts Investigation into Offensive City Hall Pride Window (opens in a new tab)
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Stewart welcomes recognition of Portstewart Strand as UK Beach of the Year
Alliance Alderman Richard Stewart, Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Council, welcomes Portstewart Strand being ranked the top beach in the UK and Northern Ireland in a Times and Sunday Times guide, praising its scenery, water quality and community spirit.
Environment and climate Local government Issue: Portstewart Strand ranked UK top beach in Times and Sunday Times guide Original release: Stewart welcomes recognition of Portstewart Strand as UK Beach of the Year (opens in a new tab)
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Environment and Nature Restoration Bill Consultation Responses
SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan says his Private Member's Bill would set binding environmental targets for air, water, soil and biodiversity, and calls for DAERA to set long-term and interim targets that public authorities must meet. He cites high air pollution levels.
Environment and climate Issue: Environment and Nature Restoration Bill public consultation responses Original release: Environment and Nature Restoration Bill Consultation Responses (opens in a new tab)
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O’Toole urges Minister Muir to step up on asbestos bonfire
SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole questions why Environment Minister Andrew Muir has not intervened at a bonfire site near Meridi Street in south Belfast containing asbestos. He calls on Muir to direct the NIEA to remove the risk before the bonfire is lit this week.
Environment and climate Local government Issue: Asbestos at bonfire site near Meridi Street, south Belfast Original release: O’Toole urges Minister Muir to step up on asbestos bonfire (opens in a new tab)
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McAlpine condemns sinister graffiti in Millisle
Alliance Ards Peninsula representative Alderman Lorna McAlpine condemns racist graffiti daubed overnight on a residential property in Millisle, saying it does not reflect local people. She says the incident has been reported to police and urges anyone with information to contact them.
Disability and equality Issue: Millisle racist graffiti on residential property Original release: McAlpine condemns sinister graffiti in Millisle (opens in a new tab)
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O’Dowd calls for redevelopment or relocation of Lurgan police station
Sinn Féin MLA John O'Dowd says he has written to the PSNI Chief Constable asking for redevelopment or relocation of Lurgan town centre police station, which he describes as outdated and a barrier to regeneration. He urges exploring alternative modern sites elsewhere in the town.
Justice and policing Infrastructure and transport Original release: O’Dowd calls for redevelopment or relocation of Lurgan police station (opens in a new tab)
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GP dispute must be resolved to ensure patients get the care they need – McGuigan
Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan urges the Health Minister to meet GP representatives urgently and work towards a swift resolution to the dispute, after GP partners voted in favour of collective action over funding. He says pressure on GPs is affecting patients' access to appointments.
Health Issue: GP partners vote for collective action over funding dispute Original release: GP dispute must be resolved to ensure patients get the care they need – McGuigan (opens in a new tab)