DUP Accuse SF Of Having A 'Sit Back And Do Nothing' Policy

The DUP has claimed that thousands of homes across NI have benefitted from better broadband connection "thanks to DUP-secured funding".

Strangford DUP MLA Peter Weir accused Sinn Fein of having a "sit back and do nothing" policy after MLA John O'Dowd questioned whether "public money needed to be invested in this sector".

Mr Weir said: "John O'Dowd's position, at best would have seen thousands of people in predominantly rural areas of Northern Ireland wait years before securing broadband and at worst would have seen many people never able to access any kind of functioning connection. That was reinforced by independent officials who confirmed just how vital this gap funding has been.

"Perhaps a video call with John O'Dowd would be the most appropriate way for thousands of people to highlight how disgraceful the Sinn Fein attitude is on broadband access."

Alliance 'Shock' At Number Of People Who Missed Out On Voucher Scheme

Alliance Economy spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has expressed his shock that some 22,500 people missed out on the High Street Voucher scheme.

The Department for the Economy has issued the 22,500 emails to verified applicants of the scheme, who may be entitled to a remedy payment after their card was not received, could not be activated, the full balance could not be spent for reasons outside the cardholder's control or there was no verification due to the Department's fault.

Mr Dickson said: "The amount of people who have missed out thanks to issues beyond their control – 22,500 – is substantial and shocking.

"We are now relying on the Department for the Economy, whose issues led to so many people not receiving or being able to spend their vouchers in the first place, to administer these remedy payments, and its record has not been sterling throughout this episode.

"Now we need to hear how the Department will ensure people will get their money. The remedy payments are based on the Department emailing people but what about people unable to spend their vouchers who the Department don't contact or had problems receiving emails from the Department originally?

"There remains many questions relating to the High Street Voucher scheme to which we have not received satisfactory answers."

Green Party NI Raise Concerns Over Tree Removal In Holywood

The Department for Infrastructure and the Road Service have been urged to "be more considerate" following the removal of trees and greenery on the Seahill Road in Holywood.

The Green Party NI MLA for North Down, Rachel Woods, said: "After being contacted by residents, I have visited the Seahill Road, where trees have been removed. I agree with residents' concerns about the long-term damage as a result of the work, and it's clear that it should have been done differently.

"The Department for Infrastructure and the Road Service should be more considerate when conducting works like this, ensuring that local communities have a say and are given adequate notification.

"The Minister should ensure that there is adequate funding and resources to ensure that green spaces are regularly maintained, and that tree removal never happens without prior community consultation.

"We desperately need wider reform of Northern Ireland's planning system to ensure that decisions are made democratically, with community involvement. It's time for open and transparent government, where people have a real say in what happens to the natural and built environment in which they live."