Menu
16/05/2023
Economy Budget Cuts 'Draconian'
The Ulster Unionist Party has condemned cuts in the Department for the Economy's budget as "draconian" that will leave NI "fighting to create prosperity with one hand tied behind our back".
Following the news that the Department will need to find £130 million in cuts, the party's economy spokesperson, Mike Nesbitt, said: "This is the year we should be tooling up Invest NI to embrace the many companies looking to invest in our unique dual access to the GB and EU markets. Instead, we are telling INI to take a 15% cut in budget for the second year running.
"These Foreign Direct Investors are particularly attracted by our skilled workforce, yet it is clear Further Education will take a major hit in funding this year, choking the flow of newly qualified talent to the workplace.
"Then there is tourism. Traditionally Tourism Ireland is funded two-thirds by Dublin, one-third by Belfast but recently Dublin has upped its contributions, meaning a disproportionate focus on the Republic in Tourism Ireland's marketing campaigns, to the detriment of our sector. It would need the endorsement of the North South Ministerial Council to fix that, but that body is not meeting because the DUP will not allow functioning devolution. It's yet another reason why we need Stormont back today."
Following the news that the Department will need to find £130 million in cuts, the party's economy spokesperson, Mike Nesbitt, said: "This is the year we should be tooling up Invest NI to embrace the many companies looking to invest in our unique dual access to the GB and EU markets. Instead, we are telling INI to take a 15% cut in budget for the second year running.
"These Foreign Direct Investors are particularly attracted by our skilled workforce, yet it is clear Further Education will take a major hit in funding this year, choking the flow of newly qualified talent to the workplace.
"Then there is tourism. Traditionally Tourism Ireland is funded two-thirds by Dublin, one-third by Belfast but recently Dublin has upped its contributions, meaning a disproportionate focus on the Republic in Tourism Ireland's marketing campaigns, to the detriment of our sector. It would need the endorsement of the North South Ministerial Council to fix that, but that body is not meeting because the DUP will not allow functioning devolution. It's yet another reason why we need Stormont back today."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 October 2011
Irish Republic's Economy 'To Grow 1%'
A forecast from Dublin's Central Bank has predicted that the Irish economy will grow at 1% this year. The State's economic advisors have revised and increased their figures to levels first suggested at the start of the year following fears of double-dip recession earlier in the summer.
Irish Republic's Economy 'To Grow 1%'
A forecast from Dublin's Central Bank has predicted that the Irish economy will grow at 1% this year. The State's economic advisors have revised and increased their figures to levels first suggested at the start of the year following fears of double-dip recession earlier in the summer.
10 February 2015
Budget Energy Becomes First NI Firm To Cut Prices
Budget Energy has announced a 5% price cut for customers, making it the first in Northern Ireland to do so. The Consumer Council said the L'Derry-based electricity company's price cuts would amount to a £32 saving per year for its 60,000 customers.
Budget Energy Becomes First NI Firm To Cut Prices
Budget Energy has announced a 5% price cut for customers, making it the first in Northern Ireland to do so. The Consumer Council said the L'Derry-based electricity company's price cuts would amount to a £32 saving per year for its 60,000 customers.
04 July 2023
Potholes Must Be Repaired To A Satisfactory Standard - Alliance
Belfast City Council is to write to the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) after complaints from residents in relation to pothole repairs. Alliance Lisnasharragh Councillor Michael Long has questioned the standard of repairs to potholes following multiple attempts being made to the same pothole.
Potholes Must Be Repaired To A Satisfactory Standard - Alliance
Belfast City Council is to write to the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) after complaints from residents in relation to pothole repairs. Alliance Lisnasharragh Councillor Michael Long has questioned the standard of repairs to potholes following multiple attempts being made to the same pothole.
05 June 2023
Sinn Fein Hits Out Over Proposed Budget Cuts For Special Educational Needs
Sinn Féin has hot out over the proposed budget cuts for Special Educational Needs support. MLA Pat Sheehan said it is "deeply concerning" that funding for schools in NI is to be slashed in half. He said: "Children with special educational needs require the highest level of support in our schools to ensure they have the best start in life.
Sinn Fein Hits Out Over Proposed Budget Cuts For Special Educational Needs
Sinn Féin has hot out over the proposed budget cuts for Special Educational Needs support. MLA Pat Sheehan said it is "deeply concerning" that funding for schools in NI is to be slashed in half. He said: "Children with special educational needs require the highest level of support in our schools to ensure they have the best start in life.
27 October 2022
New £4m NI Tourism Campaign Launches
Tourism Ireland has announced a new £4 million multi-media promotional campaign across Great Britain to promote short breaks and holidays in Northern Ireland. The campaign is a result of funding recently announced by Economy Minister Gordon Lyons to help Northern Ireland's tourism industry rebuild and expand post pandemic.
New £4m NI Tourism Campaign Launches
Tourism Ireland has announced a new £4 million multi-media promotional campaign across Great Britain to promote short breaks and holidays in Northern Ireland. The campaign is a result of funding recently announced by Economy Minister Gordon Lyons to help Northern Ireland's tourism industry rebuild and expand post pandemic.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
