24/11/2023
Other News In Brief
City Hall Event Marks Ulster-Scots Language Week
Belfast City Hall has hosted a special event to mark Ulster-Scots Language Week/Ulster-Scotch Leid Week, featuring Ulster-Scots music, dance, poetry and storytelling.
The event was organised by community development organisation, Small Steps, with support from the Ulster-Scots Agency and in partnership with Council.
Among those taking part in the celebration were the Alastair Scott Ceilidh Band, Ulster-Scots storytelling and poetry recital from Steve Lalley as well as Scottish Country dancing.
Speaking at the event, Lord Mayor Councillor Ryan Murphy, said: "It's a privilege to celebrate Ulster-Scotch Leid Week at City Hall today in partnership with Small Steps.
"Belfast has a strong historical connection to the Scots heritage and it is important that as a council we celebrate the language, culture and heritage of Ulster-Scots.
"We are committed to promoting and celebrating diversity and our language strategy recognises in a real and meaningful way the cultural significance of language to communities and the importance of ensuring languages are used and nurtured for present and future generations. We look forward to supporting many more Ulster-Scots initiatives."
Karen Stewart, Director of Corporate Services at the Ulster-Scots Agency, said: "The Ulster-Scots Agency is proud to partner once again with Belfast City Council for Ulster-Scots Language Week. Working together to showcase the rich tradition of Ulster-Scots throughout the Council area and now in its fifth year, Ulster-Scots Language Week is going from strength to strength."
Drug Searches Conducted In Newtownards
Detectives from the PSNI's Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) have today, Friday 24th November carried out two searches in Newtownard, as part of an ongoing investigation into criminality linked to West Belfast UDA.
Detective Inspector Corrigan said: "Following the seizure of suspected Class B controlled drugs with an estimated street value of £22,500, officers searched two properties in the Glen Estate area of Newtownards. A quantity of suspected Class C controlled drugs, a sum of cash and a mobile phone were also seized during the proactive policing operation.
"Our enquiries remain ongoing and this morning's searches are a demonstration of the PCTF's commitment to tackle all types of criminality linked to paramilitaries, in an ongoing effort to rid our communities of the harm these groups cause.
"I would encourage anyone with information about the supply or use of illegal drugs to contact police on 101. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/."
Alliance Condemns Those Behind Night Of Violence In Dublin
The Alliance Party's Migration, International Relations and Human Rights spokesperson Kate Nicholl has condemned scenes of violence seen on the streets of Dublin last night (23 November), and has reiterated the importance of continuing to challenge prejudice and combat intolerance.
Over thirty arrests have been made over the course of the rioting, which followed an earlier knife attack in the city centre which left four people injured. Police have since identified the mob as being driven by far-right ideology.
The South Belfast MLA has said: "The chaos and violence that played out on the streets of Dublin yesterday is both tragic and devastating.
"Today, my thoughts are with the victims of the horrific knife attack in the city centre, those who were placed in harm’s way by the rioting, and all of the brave An Garda Síochána officers who put their own personal safety on the line to protect citizens and restore peace.
"I believe that people are inherently good and decent, and that every person has value. There are however unfortunately also those that seek to create fear and divide us by any means available, and we cannot let them succeed.
"In my office much of our time is spent working with marginalised groups – people who are treated as less than because of their skin colour, their language, their disability. We also advocate for people who came to Northern Ireland to seek sanctuary. Community is our strength, and we see examples of that everywhere.
"Right now, we must be united in robust and unquestionable condemnation of all the senseless destruction seen yesterday, in support of seeing all those who perpetrated violence held accountable in the eyes of the law, and in our common humanity also.
"It is our duty going forward as political representatives to provide leadership in our communities and do all that is necessary to continue fighting intolerance and prejudice in our society, as well as the circumstances that can often lead people down those roads in the first place."
Belfast City Hall has hosted a special event to mark Ulster-Scots Language Week/Ulster-Scotch Leid Week, featuring Ulster-Scots music, dance, poetry and storytelling.
The event was organised by community development organisation, Small Steps, with support from the Ulster-Scots Agency and in partnership with Council.
Among those taking part in the celebration were the Alastair Scott Ceilidh Band, Ulster-Scots storytelling and poetry recital from Steve Lalley as well as Scottish Country dancing.
Speaking at the event, Lord Mayor Councillor Ryan Murphy, said: "It's a privilege to celebrate Ulster-Scotch Leid Week at City Hall today in partnership with Small Steps.
"Belfast has a strong historical connection to the Scots heritage and it is important that as a council we celebrate the language, culture and heritage of Ulster-Scots.
"We are committed to promoting and celebrating diversity and our language strategy recognises in a real and meaningful way the cultural significance of language to communities and the importance of ensuring languages are used and nurtured for present and future generations. We look forward to supporting many more Ulster-Scots initiatives."
Karen Stewart, Director of Corporate Services at the Ulster-Scots Agency, said: "The Ulster-Scots Agency is proud to partner once again with Belfast City Council for Ulster-Scots Language Week. Working together to showcase the rich tradition of Ulster-Scots throughout the Council area and now in its fifth year, Ulster-Scots Language Week is going from strength to strength."
Drug Searches Conducted In Newtownards
Detectives from the PSNI's Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) have today, Friday 24th November carried out two searches in Newtownard, as part of an ongoing investigation into criminality linked to West Belfast UDA.
Detective Inspector Corrigan said: "Following the seizure of suspected Class B controlled drugs with an estimated street value of £22,500, officers searched two properties in the Glen Estate area of Newtownards. A quantity of suspected Class C controlled drugs, a sum of cash and a mobile phone were also seized during the proactive policing operation.
"Our enquiries remain ongoing and this morning's searches are a demonstration of the PCTF's commitment to tackle all types of criminality linked to paramilitaries, in an ongoing effort to rid our communities of the harm these groups cause.
"I would encourage anyone with information about the supply or use of illegal drugs to contact police on 101. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/."
Alliance Condemns Those Behind Night Of Violence In Dublin
The Alliance Party's Migration, International Relations and Human Rights spokesperson Kate Nicholl has condemned scenes of violence seen on the streets of Dublin last night (23 November), and has reiterated the importance of continuing to challenge prejudice and combat intolerance.
Over thirty arrests have been made over the course of the rioting, which followed an earlier knife attack in the city centre which left four people injured. Police have since identified the mob as being driven by far-right ideology.
The South Belfast MLA has said: "The chaos and violence that played out on the streets of Dublin yesterday is both tragic and devastating.
"Today, my thoughts are with the victims of the horrific knife attack in the city centre, those who were placed in harm’s way by the rioting, and all of the brave An Garda Síochána officers who put their own personal safety on the line to protect citizens and restore peace.
"I believe that people are inherently good and decent, and that every person has value. There are however unfortunately also those that seek to create fear and divide us by any means available, and we cannot let them succeed.
"In my office much of our time is spent working with marginalised groups – people who are treated as less than because of their skin colour, their language, their disability. We also advocate for people who came to Northern Ireland to seek sanctuary. Community is our strength, and we see examples of that everywhere.
"Right now, we must be united in robust and unquestionable condemnation of all the senseless destruction seen yesterday, in support of seeing all those who perpetrated violence held accountable in the eyes of the law, and in our common humanity also.
"It is our duty going forward as political representatives to provide leadership in our communities and do all that is necessary to continue fighting intolerance and prejudice in our society, as well as the circumstances that can often lead people down those roads in the first place."
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29 November 2022
Ulster-Scots Language Week Celebrated At City Hall
Belfast City Council have hosted a special event at City Hall to mark Ulster-Scots Language Week featuring Ulster-Scots music, poetry and storytelling. The event was organised by community development organisation, Small Steps, with support from the Ulster-Scots Agency and in partnership with Belfast City Council.
Ulster-Scots Language Week Celebrated At City Hall
Belfast City Council have hosted a special event at City Hall to mark Ulster-Scots Language Week featuring Ulster-Scots music, poetry and storytelling. The event was organised by community development organisation, Small Steps, with support from the Ulster-Scots Agency and in partnership with Belfast City Council.
23 August 2024
BCC Consultation On Draft Irish Language Policy
Belfast City Council has announced a new public consultation on their new draft Irish language policy. The draft policy sets out how the council plans to promote Irish and use Irish across its services, including interpreting and translation, key documents and publications, signage at facilities, on the council website belfastcity.gov.
BCC Consultation On Draft Irish Language Policy
Belfast City Council has announced a new public consultation on their new draft Irish language policy. The draft policy sets out how the council plans to promote Irish and use Irish across its services, including interpreting and translation, key documents and publications, signage at facilities, on the council website belfastcity.gov.
07 March 2022
New Strategy's For Irish And Ulster-Scots Languages
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced the publication of the recommendations of the Expert Advisory Panels for an Irish Language Strategy and an Ulster-Scots Language, Heritage & Culture Strategy.
New Strategy's For Irish And Ulster-Scots Languages
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced the publication of the recommendations of the Expert Advisory Panels for an Irish Language Strategy and an Ulster-Scots Language, Heritage & Culture Strategy.
28 April 2017
DUP Accused Of 'Genuflecting To Irish Language Brigade'
Jim Allister has accused the DUP of "genuflecting to the Irish language brigade". The TUV leader made the comments in response to DUP leader Arlene Foster meeting with Irish language groups, which he said should "serve as a warning to all those who oppose the De-Britishisation of Northern Ireland".
DUP Accused Of 'Genuflecting To Irish Language Brigade'
Jim Allister has accused the DUP of "genuflecting to the Irish language brigade". The TUV leader made the comments in response to DUP leader Arlene Foster meeting with Irish language groups, which he said should "serve as a warning to all those who oppose the De-Britishisation of Northern Ireland".
09 March 2017
Call For Irish Language Act To Be Brought Forward Immediately
Sinn Féin is calling for legislation for an Irish Language Act to be brought forward immediately. The party made the call after a new Council of Europe (CoE) report urged the government to encourage the Executive to introduce language legislation.
Call For Irish Language Act To Be Brought Forward Immediately
Sinn Féin is calling for legislation for an Irish Language Act to be brought forward immediately. The party made the call after a new Council of Europe (CoE) report urged the government to encourage the Executive to introduce language legislation.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.