14/03/2025
Other News In Brief
Kimmins Calls For A5 Scheme To Proceed Without Further Delays
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has urged for the A5 road scheme to progress without further delays, emphasising its importance in saving lives and boosting the regional economy. Speaking during a site visit to ongoing advance works, the Minister highlighted the tragic loss of life on the A5 and the need to deliver the long-awaited project.
"I am keen to see progress on this long-awaited scheme because ultimately it will save lives. There have been too many road tragedies in this area causing widespread heartbreak. We owe it to all those people who sadly and tragically lost their lives on the A5 to see this scheme progress," Minister Kimmins stated.
She also underscored the broader benefits of the project, which has the backing of the Executive and the Irish Government.
"As well as improving road safety, this flagship project which has the backing of the Executive and the Irish Government will provide important infrastructure improvements to enhance the experience for anyone travelling on this strategic route. Jobs will be created during the construction phase and beyond, there will be significant wider benefits to the economy and it will address regional imbalance. It is important that we all get behind this project so that it can proceed without any further delay," she said.
Artemis Technologies Secures US Deals For Zero-Emission Vessels Belfast-based Artemis Technologies has secured a multimillion-dollar deal with Delta Marine to advance clean maritime solutions in the US, following a prior agreement to supply vessels to Miami. Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald welcomed the company's international success during her US visit, highlighting Artemis's role as a leader in zero-emission maritime technology. The deals, facilitated by Invest NI, are expected to drive economic growth and strengthen Northern Ireland's reputation in green maritime technology.
Gildernew Criticises DUP Minister's Refusal To Meet Irish Language Organisation
Sinn Féin Communities Committee Chair Colm Gildernew has criticised DUP Communities Minister Gordon Lyons for refusing to meet with Conradh na Gaeilge, an Irish language organisation.
Gildernew condemned the Minister's lack of engagement, particularly during Seachtain na Gaeilge, a week celebrating the Irish language. "The refusal by DUP Communities Minister Gordon Lyons to meet with Conradh na Gaeilge shows a blatant disregard for the Irish language community," he said.
He highlighted the valuable work carried out by Irish language organisations, stating, "At a time when people are celebrating and promoting the language throughout Seachtain na Gaeilge, this Minister refuses to engage with Irish language organisations who provide invaluable work. These organisations create jobs, promote culture and serve communities across our island. They deserve to be supported, not obstructed."
Gildernew emphasised the Minister's responsibility to represent all communities.
"There is an onus on the Communities Minister to represent all communities and meet with organisations to co-design and deliver the language strategies," he concluded
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has urged for the A5 road scheme to progress without further delays, emphasising its importance in saving lives and boosting the regional economy. Speaking during a site visit to ongoing advance works, the Minister highlighted the tragic loss of life on the A5 and the need to deliver the long-awaited project.
"I am keen to see progress on this long-awaited scheme because ultimately it will save lives. There have been too many road tragedies in this area causing widespread heartbreak. We owe it to all those people who sadly and tragically lost their lives on the A5 to see this scheme progress," Minister Kimmins stated.
She also underscored the broader benefits of the project, which has the backing of the Executive and the Irish Government.
"As well as improving road safety, this flagship project which has the backing of the Executive and the Irish Government will provide important infrastructure improvements to enhance the experience for anyone travelling on this strategic route. Jobs will be created during the construction phase and beyond, there will be significant wider benefits to the economy and it will address regional imbalance. It is important that we all get behind this project so that it can proceed without any further delay," she said.
Artemis Technologies Secures US Deals For Zero-Emission Vessels Belfast-based Artemis Technologies has secured a multimillion-dollar deal with Delta Marine to advance clean maritime solutions in the US, following a prior agreement to supply vessels to Miami. Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald welcomed the company's international success during her US visit, highlighting Artemis's role as a leader in zero-emission maritime technology. The deals, facilitated by Invest NI, are expected to drive economic growth and strengthen Northern Ireland's reputation in green maritime technology.
Gildernew Criticises DUP Minister's Refusal To Meet Irish Language Organisation
Sinn Féin Communities Committee Chair Colm Gildernew has criticised DUP Communities Minister Gordon Lyons for refusing to meet with Conradh na Gaeilge, an Irish language organisation.
Gildernew condemned the Minister's lack of engagement, particularly during Seachtain na Gaeilge, a week celebrating the Irish language. "The refusal by DUP Communities Minister Gordon Lyons to meet with Conradh na Gaeilge shows a blatant disregard for the Irish language community," he said.
He highlighted the valuable work carried out by Irish language organisations, stating, "At a time when people are celebrating and promoting the language throughout Seachtain na Gaeilge, this Minister refuses to engage with Irish language organisations who provide invaluable work. These organisations create jobs, promote culture and serve communities across our island. They deserve to be supported, not obstructed."
Gildernew emphasised the Minister's responsibility to represent all communities.
"There is an onus on the Communities Minister to represent all communities and meet with organisations to co-design and deliver the language strategies," he concluded
Latest Northern Ireland News
14 March 2025
Man Arrested For Attempted Murder After Downpatrick Stabbing
A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a stabbing incident in Downpatrick this morning, Friday 14 March, in which two women were injured. Police responded to reports of a man armed with two knives attacking two women at a property on Stream Street shortly after 8:30 am.
Man Arrested For Attempted Murder After Downpatrick Stabbing
A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a stabbing incident in Downpatrick this morning, Friday 14 March, in which two women were injured. Police responded to reports of a man armed with two knives attacking two women at a property on Stream Street shortly after 8:30 am.
14 March 2025
Father Jailed For Life For Murder Of Baby Son
A 30-year-old Portadown man has been sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in prison for the murder of his infant son. Craig Rowland appeared at Laganside Court on Thursday, 13 March 2025, having been found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment last October for the murder of three-month-old Lewis Oliver Rowland.
Father Jailed For Life For Murder Of Baby Son
A 30-year-old Portadown man has been sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in prison for the murder of his infant son. Craig Rowland appeared at Laganside Court on Thursday, 13 March 2025, having been found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment last October for the murder of three-month-old Lewis Oliver Rowland.
14 March 2025
Traffic Disruption Expected In Belfast For St Patrick's Day Events
Police are advising the public to plan ahead for potential traffic disruption in Belfast on St Patrick's Day, Monday, 17 March, due to several events taking place in the city. The SPAR Craic 10K event will commence at 9:00 am from Belfast City Hall, with participants running through the city centre before finishing in Ormeau Park.
Traffic Disruption Expected In Belfast For St Patrick's Day Events
Police are advising the public to plan ahead for potential traffic disruption in Belfast on St Patrick's Day, Monday, 17 March, due to several events taking place in the city. The SPAR Craic 10K event will commence at 9:00 am from Belfast City Hall, with participants running through the city centre before finishing in Ormeau Park.
14 March 2025
16-Year-Olds Report High Rates Of Gender-Based Violence
A new report published by The Executive Office has revealed concerning statistics regarding gender-based violence experienced by 16-year-olds in Northern Ireland.
16-Year-Olds Report High Rates Of Gender-Based Violence
A new report published by The Executive Office has revealed concerning statistics regarding gender-based violence experienced by 16-year-olds in Northern Ireland.
14 March 2025
Alliance Criticises UK Aid Funding Cuts
Kate Nicholl MLA, Chair of the All-Party Group on International Development at the Assembly, has strongly criticised the UK Prime Minister's intention to further reduce overseas aid funding. The proposed cut, from 0.5% to 0.3% of gross national income, has been met with anger and disappointment.
Alliance Criticises UK Aid Funding Cuts
Kate Nicholl MLA, Chair of the All-Party Group on International Development at the Assembly, has strongly criticised the UK Prime Minister's intention to further reduce overseas aid funding. The proposed cut, from 0.5% to 0.3% of gross national income, has been met with anger and disappointment.
14 March 2025
NI Secures Special Status In US
Northern Ireland will have a special role in the 250th anniversary celebrations of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced. This unique status was secured through discussions with America250 officials in Washington DC, underpinned by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
NI Secures Special Status In US
Northern Ireland will have a special role in the 250th anniversary celebrations of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced. This unique status was secured through discussions with America250 officials in Washington DC, underpinned by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
14 March 2025
Ballymena Man Jailed For Historical Child Sexual Abuse
A 61-year-old man from the Ballymena area has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for historical child sexual abuse offences. Herbert (Herbie) Balmer will serve six and a half years in custody, followed by 12 months on probation.
Ballymena Man Jailed For Historical Child Sexual Abuse
A 61-year-old man from the Ballymena area has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for historical child sexual abuse offences. Herbert (Herbie) Balmer will serve six and a half years in custody, followed by 12 months on probation.
14 March 2025
Other News In Brief
Kimmins Calls For A5 Scheme To Proceed Without Further Delays Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has urged for the A5 road scheme to progress without further delays, emphasising its importance in saving lives and boosting the regional economy.
Other News In Brief
Kimmins Calls For A5 Scheme To Proceed Without Further Delays Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has urged for the A5 road scheme to progress without further delays, emphasising its importance in saving lives and boosting the regional economy.
13 March 2025
PSNI Donate High-Vis Vests To South West Acute Hospital Staff
Police officers in Enniskillen have donated high-visibility vests to staff at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) to enhance their safety when walking to and from work.
PSNI Donate High-Vis Vests To South West Acute Hospital Staff
Police officers in Enniskillen have donated high-visibility vests to staff at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) to enhance their safety when walking to and from work.
13 March 2025
Long Calls For Collaborative Approach To Tackle Homelessness
Justice Minister Naomi Long has emphasised the need for a collaborative, society-wide approach to address homelessness, following a visit to the People's Kitchen homeless charity in North Belfast.
Long Calls For Collaborative Approach To Tackle Homelessness
Justice Minister Naomi Long has emphasised the need for a collaborative, society-wide approach to address homelessness, following a visit to the People's Kitchen homeless charity in North Belfast.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.