Other News In Brief

SDLP Calls For Review Of Cross-Border Rail Fares

The SDLP has called on the Executive to implement a review of cross-border rail fares to bring them in line with pricing in the South.

SDLP Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty has been highlighting the differences in the price of fares from Newry and Dundalk to Belfast.

The SDLP Opposition will bring a motion before the Assembly on Tuesday calling on the Infrastructure Minister to work with the Economy and Finance Ministers to undertake a feasibility assessment of a unified fare structure on cross-border rail services.

Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty said: "It's ridiculous that we currently have a situation where people in Newry are expected to pay more than double the fare for a journey to Belfast than those living just a few miles over the border in Dundalk. The fact that people in Newry are paying higher fares for shorter journeys is both unfair and inconsistent with the Executive's commitment to boost the number of people using public transport. We have seen similar price discrepancies for passengers travelling between Dublin and Belfast, and people who regularly use these services are right to feel aggrieved at this inequitable inconsistency in cost.

"This is a small island and wherever possible we should be working together on areas such as cross-border public transport to make it a more attractive and affordable option for people. In government, the SDLP recognised the importance of addressing rail travel on an all-island basis and worked with counterparts in the Irish Government to introduce the All Island Rail Review.

"The Executive has paid much lip service to the need to get more people using public transport, they have celebrated the benefits it will bring for our economy, connectivity, and dealing with the climate crisis, but we need the Executive to take the necessary steps to actually make rail services a viable option for people in their everyday lives. We are urging Ministers to recognise the potential of the All Island Rail Review to change how people travel right across this island, but first we must make sure that fares are affordable and people in the North aren't expected to pay significantly more than those in the South for similar journeys."

Alliance Present Petition Opposing Proposed Mourne Gateway Gondola Development

The Alliance has presented a petition to the Economy Minister, calling on Newry Mourne and Down District Council to halt progress on the Visitor Centre at Thomas's Quarry and Gondola elements of the Mourne Gateway Project.

Alliance Mournes Councillor Jill Truesdale said: "The people of South Down are concerned, frustrated, and, frankly, fed up when it comes to the lack of regard shown for their concerns by other parties who remain intransigent and still champion this deeply unpopular part of the plans. "There is no shortage of reasons why we oppose the Gondola and have unfortunately ended up in this situation today. Whether it's the lack of public consultation on it, the disregard of other, more sustainable, alternative uses for the funding, the financial risk involved and lack of economic viability, or the threat to the local environment and disruption of our area's vast and unique natural beauty.

"In presenting this petition to the Economy Minister, we hope to draw his attention to the feelings of local people towards this project and urge that he would exert some influence to prompt a rethink of the problematic elements."

Cllr Truesdale added: "Openness, transparency, and ensuring value for money for our ratepayers should be at the heart of decision making at every level of government. From what we've observed so far in the development of the Gondola aspect of the Gateway Project, these principles haven't been met and I'm proud to stand alongside local campaigners making their voices heard on it.

"Going forward, we hope that the more sustainable options for enhancing the Mourne Mountains, while also stimulating economic growth, can be further explored, which would benefit both visitors to and residents of Newcastle and the wider South Down constituency."

Andy Carden, of the Mourne Gateway Info Group, added: "We're incredibly pleased that our petition against the Mourne Gateway Gondola has garnered more than 5,200 signatories, and will be presented tomorrow.

"These signatures represent the overwhelming public opposition to this aspect of the Council's plans for the project, and we urge them to abandon the Gondola plan and turn to sustainable alternatives."

Assisted Dying Bill 'Disappointing Step' – DUP

The DUP's Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has said the vote in Parliament on the Second Reading of the Assisted Dying Bill is "a disappointing step towards a monumental change in how we value life".

Speaking after the vote the DUP MP said: "It was heartening that the vast majority of Northern Ireland’s MPs who take their seats voted against this Bill. It was a significant and poignant debate with many people speaking from deep personal experiences.

"As a Party we value life, and the result of the vote is disappointing. It represents another step towards our nation changing how we view and value the lives of the our fellow citizens. I believe that we should respect the inherent value of every single person, simply because they are human. Everyone wants to lessen the suffering of those who are in pain, but that should be through treatment, research and palliative care, not through ending that life.

"There will now be a Committee Stage and we await to see the make-up of that Committee, although the ability for significant scrutiny is limited. Before the final vote is taken, we will use the time available to highlight the flaws of the Bill and the alternative way forward that exists. Whilst it appears the course we are destined to take may be set, there is the possibility for change, however small that might be."