Vote Securing Medicine Supply Welcomed

The Green Party NI has welcomed a European Parliament vote to ensure the continuous supply of medicines to Northern Ireland.

Clare Bailey, Leader of the Green Party NI, said: "I welcome the result of this vote, which demonstrates that improvements to the Protocol can be reached by negotiation, rather than by staging reckless political stunts. It’s clear that the DUP First Minister’s resignation has had no effect on the Protocol, but it has been destructive and destabilising for Northern Ireland.

"Politicians in Northern Ireland should support the negotiations to iron out technicalities with the Protocol. It’s time for politicians here to focus on the issues that matter, and make sure Stormont delivers."

Assured Skills Academy With EOS IT Solutions

Twenty new training places have been announced in the second Assured Skills Academy with EOS IT Solutions, the Department for the Economy has announced.

Funded by the Department, participants will receive six weeks of pre-employment training at South Eastern Regional College's Lisburn Campus in areas such as Advanced Microsoft Excel and Prince2 certified Project Management.

Academy participants who complete the training will be guaranteed an interview and those who are successful will join EOS IT Solutions and have the opportunity to work in areas such as Inside Sales, Procurement, Order Management, Customs, Logistics, Project Management and Trade Compliance.

Applicants should have a Level 5 qualification (HND or Foundation Degree) or have work experience in customs and logistics/procurement/sales/project management or administration.

The deadline for applications for the EOS Global Tech Skills Academy is Monday 2 May 2022. Interviews will be held on Wednesday 11 May and Thursday 12 May.

More information and details of how to apply are available on nidirect.

£1.1m Revitalisation Fund Launched

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and the Department for Communities have launched a new £1.1 million Empty to Occupied Programme, with twelve revitalisation projects receiving funding to support commercial property regeneration across the borough.

The scheme will support the replacement of derelict or vacant sites with attractive, high-spec and fit-for-purpose buildings.

The innovative regeneration scheme will support local revitalisation projects across Armagh, Tandragee, Markethill, Banbridge, Lurgan and Portadown; helping deliver a total investment of more than £4million to the borough over the next two years.

With plans to redevelop commercial buildings into new retail, office and living accommodation, the programme is aimed at helping attract new tenants and reduce long-term vacancy in the borough's urban centres.

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Glenn Barr said: "As a council, we are delighted to announce funding for twelve exciting and high quality projects under our Empty to Occupied Programme. Revitalising our high streets and reducing long-term vacancy continues to be a key priority for council and by leading on this regeneration initiative, we are committed to stimulating economic growth and boosting our local economy.

"These newly refurbished premises will also offer a positive impression of a place and create a welcoming environment for visitors, while instilling civic pride amongst local businesses and residents. I look forward to seeing these projects progress and the transformation they will bring to our urban centres!"