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02/09/2024
Other News In Brief
Minister Announces Extended PRONI Opening Hours
Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has reintroduced extended opening hour for the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) on Thursday evenings from 5-8pm.
This change to service will commence on Thursday 12 September and will continue until the end of November 2024 when the effectiveness of late-night opening will be reviewed.
Minister Lyons said: "My Department recognises that not all our citizens can visit PRONI during the standard working week. This extended opening will greatly facilitate and widen access to our public records for everyone. Widening access to records is a core element underpinning PRONI’s 2024/25 campaign to celebrate inclusivity and diversity within the archives."
Alliance Condemns Paramilitary Intimidation In Bangor
Alliance Party North Down MLA Andrew Muir and Bangor Councillor Alex Harbinson have condemned those responsible for paramilitary intimidation against a young mother of two in the town.
The incident occurred in the Rathgill estate area of the city, wherein masked UDA men made threats against the young woman, telling her that she had 24 hours to leave her home or "the house is getting it."
Mr Muir has said: "There is absolutely no place for such sinister attempts at intimidation against anyone in our community for any reason.
"It is the bare minimum that everyone deserves to feel safe in their homes. Those involved must be isolated, all they offer is fear and distress.
"We must do everything in our power to stand up to this kind of senseless intimidation, and I am engaging with the police on this serious matter."
Cllr Harbinson added: "The behaviour displayed in the footage backing up these reports, targeting a mother with two young children, is nothing short of repugnant.
"This is not who we are in Bangor, and does not in any way represent the views of the vast majority of local people in the community.
"This is never acceptable. The perpetrators must be challenged robustly, and unequivocally, by all across society, and we will work together with police to ensure they are held to account."
Fuel Cuts 'Deeply Concerning' – SF
The UK Government's decision to cut fuel payments for pensioners has been described as "deeply concerning", by Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew.
The party's communities spokesperson said: "All Executive parties have collectively highlighted deep concerns that one of the first acts of the new British government is to cut fuel payments for pensioners in a letter to the British Prime Minister.
"People are already struggling with the cost of living including increased fuel and energy bills.
"The new British government needs to leave behind the failed Tory austerity policies of the past 14 years and work to protect workers and families and public services.
"Our collective focus must now be to ensure those pensioners who are most in need of the winter fuel payment get it in a timely manner.
"It is vital that the Executive continues to do all in its power to protect those most in need and I urge the communities minister to bring forward the 'Anti-Poverty' and 'Fuel Poverty' strategies as soon as possible."
Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has reintroduced extended opening hour for the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) on Thursday evenings from 5-8pm.
This change to service will commence on Thursday 12 September and will continue until the end of November 2024 when the effectiveness of late-night opening will be reviewed.
Minister Lyons said: "My Department recognises that not all our citizens can visit PRONI during the standard working week. This extended opening will greatly facilitate and widen access to our public records for everyone. Widening access to records is a core element underpinning PRONI’s 2024/25 campaign to celebrate inclusivity and diversity within the archives."
Alliance Condemns Paramilitary Intimidation In Bangor
Alliance Party North Down MLA Andrew Muir and Bangor Councillor Alex Harbinson have condemned those responsible for paramilitary intimidation against a young mother of two in the town.
The incident occurred in the Rathgill estate area of the city, wherein masked UDA men made threats against the young woman, telling her that she had 24 hours to leave her home or "the house is getting it."
Mr Muir has said: "There is absolutely no place for such sinister attempts at intimidation against anyone in our community for any reason.
"It is the bare minimum that everyone deserves to feel safe in their homes. Those involved must be isolated, all they offer is fear and distress.
Cllr Harbinson added: "The behaviour displayed in the footage backing up these reports, targeting a mother with two young children, is nothing short of repugnant.
"This is not who we are in Bangor, and does not in any way represent the views of the vast majority of local people in the community.
"This is never acceptable. The perpetrators must be challenged robustly, and unequivocally, by all across society, and we will work together with police to ensure they are held to account."
Fuel Cuts 'Deeply Concerning' – SF
The UK Government's decision to cut fuel payments for pensioners has been described as "deeply concerning", by Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew.
The party's communities spokesperson said: "All Executive parties have collectively highlighted deep concerns that one of the first acts of the new British government is to cut fuel payments for pensioners in a letter to the British Prime Minister.
"People are already struggling with the cost of living including increased fuel and energy bills.
"The new British government needs to leave behind the failed Tory austerity policies of the past 14 years and work to protect workers and families and public services.
"Our collective focus must now be to ensure those pensioners who are most in need of the winter fuel payment get it in a timely manner.
"It is vital that the Executive continues to do all in its power to protect those most in need and I urge the communities minister to bring forward the 'Anti-Poverty' and 'Fuel Poverty' strategies as soon as possible."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 September 2011
Gas Price Hike 'Fuels Winter Woes'
The gas supplier, Firmus Energy has ended its previously announced summer price freeze and is set to increase tariffs by over 35% from 1 October - fuelling fears over 'fuel poverty' among the most needy. It has around 8,500 customers in the greater Belfast area - compared to competitor, Phoenix Gas - that has more than 130,000.
Gas Price Hike 'Fuels Winter Woes'
The gas supplier, Firmus Energy has ended its previously announced summer price freeze and is set to increase tariffs by over 35% from 1 October - fuelling fears over 'fuel poverty' among the most needy. It has around 8,500 customers in the greater Belfast area - compared to competitor, Phoenix Gas - that has more than 130,000.
13 June 2022
Govt Must Take 'Serious Action' To Reduce Fuel Prices
With 50% of the cost of a litre of petrol or diesel going to the Treasury, the Government must take serious action to reduce fuel prices across the United Kingdom, DUP Treasury Spokesman Sammy Wilson has said. Mr Wilson said: "Fuel duty and VAT make up 50% of the cost of our fuel with green taxes attributing another 7%.
Govt Must Take 'Serious Action' To Reduce Fuel Prices
With 50% of the cost of a litre of petrol or diesel going to the Treasury, the Government must take serious action to reduce fuel prices across the United Kingdom, DUP Treasury Spokesman Sammy Wilson has said. Mr Wilson said: "Fuel duty and VAT make up 50% of the cost of our fuel with green taxes attributing another 7%.
17 January 2022
SDLP Calls For Fuel Assistance To Be Extended To Working People
The SDLP has called for support for working people who are experiencing fuel poverty. The party's Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan called on Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey to also provide support for working people experiencing fuel poverty, after the Executive signed off on a £200 payment to help people in receipt of benefits.
SDLP Calls For Fuel Assistance To Be Extended To Working People
The SDLP has called for support for working people who are experiencing fuel poverty. The party's Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan called on Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey to also provide support for working people experiencing fuel poverty, after the Executive signed off on a £200 payment to help people in receipt of benefits.
17 November 2011
SF Tackles Fuel Poverty
The Sinn Fein Chair of the Social Development Committee, Alex Maskey, has convened a round table discussion aimed at tackling fuel poverty - an issue that particularly impacts on the elderly. The innovative initiative targeted all Assembly departments involved in addressing fuel poverty being joined by key stakeholders to examine the way ahead.
SF Tackles Fuel Poverty
The Sinn Fein Chair of the Social Development Committee, Alex Maskey, has convened a round table discussion aimed at tackling fuel poverty - an issue that particularly impacts on the elderly. The innovative initiative targeted all Assembly departments involved in addressing fuel poverty being joined by key stakeholders to examine the way ahead.
14 October 2013
Applicants Encouraged For Winter Fuel Payment
The Department for Social Development is urging people born on or before 5 January 1952, who have not received a Winter Fuel Payment before, to pick up the phone and check if they are eligible.
Applicants Encouraged For Winter Fuel Payment
The Department for Social Development is urging people born on or before 5 January 1952, who have not received a Winter Fuel Payment before, to pick up the phone and check if they are eligible.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
