Other News In Brief

Fleadh Cheoil Expected To Come To Belfast In 2026

Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey has said Fleadh Cheoil would be an "historic celebration of arts and culture", as the festival is expected to come to Belfast in 2026.

Speaking ahead of an official announcement on March 8, the West Belfast MP said: "It's fantastic that there is set to be an announcement of Fleadh Cheoil coming to Belfast.

"The festival would be an historic celebration of arts and culture, attracting hundreds of thousands visitors and injecting tens of millions of pounds into our economy.

"This is hugely exciting news for our citizens and businesses, and is sure to have a positive impact on our communities for generations to come.

"Sinn Féin has supported Belfast playing host to this festival for many years, and I look forward to the week-long programme of events focusing on music, singing, dancing, storytelling and the Irish language."

Eastside Greenways Named One Of High Sheriff Charities

Alliance Titanic Councillor Fiona McAteer has named Eastside Greenways as one of the charities she will be supporting during her tenure as High Sheriff of Belfast.

Through their flagship project the Connswater Community Greenway (CCG), Eastside Greenways aim to promote regeneration and make east Belfast a greener, safer, cleaner, and more sustainable place to live and work.

Fiona was sworn in as High Sheriff at a City Hall ceremony last month.

Cllr McAteer has said: "The Connswater Community Greenway is a living landmark for East Belfast and an invaluable legacy to leave for our children. When I took up my role as High Sheriff and was picking my charities, Eastside Greenways was a natural fit. "Having access to green space is so incredibly important for our mental and physical well-being. The CCG has made it possible to safely walk, cycle or wheel through East Belfast in a way that’s environmentally sustainable. It's an amazing asset for our area and one that I myself use on a near-daily basis.

"In order for the Greenway to continue to flourish and serve the people of East Belfast and wider afield, it’s important to give back as well. I’m glad to have been able to volunteer with Eastside Greenways and see first-hand the great work they do. With help from volunteers they maintain the CCG, educate people on the Greenway and heritage of East Belfast, and enhance it with animation and community events that ensure we all get the most out of using it."

SDLP Welcomes Commitment To Explore Access To Muscular Dystrophy Drugs

SDLP Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA has welcomed a commitment from Minister Mike Nesbitt to work with the Belfast Trust to secure access to new muscular dystrophy drugs.

Mr McGrath used his topical question to raise the issue during questions to the Health Minister in the Assembly on Tuesday.

It comes after 12-year-old Alfie Pentony from Newry shared his story of being unable to access drug Givinostat to treat his Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

The drug has been approved for use in the UK, but the Belfast Trust has said they do not have the capacity to apply for the Early Access Programme.

South Down MLA Mr McGrath said: "Anyone who listened to the story of young Alfie Pentony this morning would have been moved, not just by the struggles he has experienced at such a young age, but at his strength and bravery at speaking up for himself and other young people living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. While Alfie and his family should be commended, we should not be in a position where patients are being forced to advocate for their own health-care at 12-years-old.

"I took the opportunity to raise these issues with the Health Minister in the Assembly today and welcome his commitment to working with the Belfast Trust to ensure that Alfie and other patients can get access to this medication which would enable them to enjoy the best possible quality of life while dealing with this condition."