Other News In Brief

£3.1m Investment to Enhance Public Realm in Downpatrick Town Centre

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced £3.1 million in funding for a public realm scheme in Church Street and DeCourcy Place in Downpatrick.

The funding will be used to deliver high-quality public realm improvements, including paving and landscaping, which will enhance the quality of the area and improve connectivity within the town centre.

"I am pleased to announce this £3.1m investment in Downpatrick, with £2.7m coming from my department," said Minister Lyons. "This funding will complement previous public realm works in Downpatrick and is part of my ongoing commitment to the regeneration of our town and city centres."

This investment aims to support the long-term viability and prosperity of Downpatrick town centre, particularly following recent flooding incidents that impacted many local businesses.

"This next phase of Downpatrick Public Realm works represents a great opportunity to further boost the overall regeneration and recovery of the town," said Councillor Pete Byrne, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

Mal McGrady, Chairperson of the Downpatrick Regeneration Group, also welcomed the funding, stating that it will support the implementation of the Downpatrick Living High Streets Framework.

The £3.1 million funding package includes £2.7 million from the Department for Communities and £400,000 from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

£4 Million Investment to Enhance Outdoor Learning in Northern Ireland Schools

Education Minister Paul Givan has officially launched the Outdoor Learning Project, a £4 million initiative aimed at enhancing outdoor learning experiences for pupils across Northern Ireland. 

The project will provide funding to pre-schools, nursery schools, primary schools, and special schools to purchase outdoor furniture and equipment, such as play structures, sensory equipment, and outdoor learning resources.  "As adults, when we think back to our own memories of childhood, we can all recall the joy of playing outdoors," said Minister Givan. "The Outdoor Learning Project will enable schools to increase outdoor learning opportunities for children across Northern Ireland." 

The Minister emphasised the importance of outdoor play for children's development, highlighting its benefits for physical and mental health, as well as cognitive and social-emotional skills.

"Extending learning beyond a traditional classroom brings many benefits and this funding will allow schools to improve their outdoor learning spaces and provide stimulating new play equipment," said Minister Givan.

The Outdoor Learning Project forms part of the Minister's Curriculum-led Capital Programme.

Last week, the Department of Education wrote to schools to inform them of their funding allocations and provide guidance on placing orders.

SF Commends Frontline Workers For Storm Response

Sinn Féin MLA and spokesperson on workers' rights, Declan Kearney, has commended frontline workers for their tireless efforts throughout the recent storm emergency to restore power and water supplies across the north.

The South Antrim MLA said: "I want to welcome confirmation from NIE that all remaining premises have now been reconnected in the north and that engineers are now moving into the south to connect properties that are still without power.

"Storm Éowyn was an unprecedented weather event that caused havoc across the island of Ireland and beyond, resulting in severe damage to the power and water infrastructure throughout the country.

"I commend all the frontline workers including NIE engineers, the Department for Infrastructure, NI Water staff and the PSNI who worked tirelessly round the clock in extremely difficult and dangerous circumstances to clear roads, ensure public safety, and restore power and water supplies.

"I also want to pay tribute to those health workers who, despite the obvious risk to their personal safety, ventured out into our communities to ensure uninterrupted delivery of home care for the most vulnerable.

"Without the efforts of all our workers, communities, businesses and households would still be without power."