DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has used the high-profile stage of the Oxford Farming Conference to set out a roadmap for what he calls a “thriving, resilient and environmentally sustainable” agriculture sector in Northern Ireland. Addressing more than 600 farmers and industry leaders under the conference theme of “Growing Resilience”, the […]
Financial support is being introduced for farmers who need to test “high-risk” cattle and sheep before moving them out of Northern Ireland’s Bluetongue Temporary Control Zone (TCZ). Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir confirmed that, for a limited period, the Department (DAERA) will cover laboratory fees associated with
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has unveiled a careers guide aimed specifically at ethnic minority residents in Northern Ireland. Produced by the Department for the Economy’s Careers Service, the booklet – “A Guide to Careers Support for Ethnic Minorities Living in Northern Ireland” – brings together advice on qualifications recognition,
Fares on the two publicly-funded ferry routes that link Strangford–Portaferry and Ballycastle–Rathlin Island will rise from 1 February 2026, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has confirmed. The uplift is pegged to the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), meaning ticket prices will broadly track the rate of general inflation. The change matters because the
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has opened the 2026/27 round of the Water Quality Improvement Strand within the Environmental Challenge Fund, inviting community and council-led projects to bid for support worth up to £30,000. The scheme aims to back practical action that cleans up rivers, loughs and coastal waters while helping
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has confirmed that Bangor‐based McWhinney’s Sausages will spend £2.2 million on new production lines and a spiral freezer, allowing the sixth-generation firm to double its output and move into retail packs. The expansion, partly funded by Invest NI, is billed as a boost for exports,
Staff at Belfast City Hospital’s Day of Surgery Unit have received fresh praise from Health Minister Mike Nesbitt after winning the October 2025 Elective Care Recognition Award. The Minister toured the unit on Monday, thanking clinicians and observing how same-day admissions are helping to shorten hospital stays and chip away
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has released its latest schedule of fish stocking across Northern Ireland’s publicly managed waters. During December 2025, more than 17,000 rainbow trout were introduced to ten popular angling sites. For local anglers, the pre-Christmas top-up promises fresh sport over the winter
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has pledged £1.05 million of capital funding to help three local councils advance seven greenway and active-travel schemes across Northern Ireland. The money – offered as 50 per cent match funding – is intended to speed up lighting upgrades on existing routes in Derry and Belfast
Finance Minister John O’Dowd has opened a public consultation on a draft multi-year Budget covering 2026-29 for day-to-day spending and 2026-30 for capital projects. The plan would redirect nearly £60 billion over the period, including almost £26 billion for health and more than £4 billion for major infrastructure schemes such
