Lord Mayor Urges Belfast Residents to Check on Neighbours Following Storm Éowyn

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, is urging residents to check in on their neighbours and vulnerable groups as the city continues to recover from the impact of Storm Éowyn.

Leisure centres across Belfast have reopened today as 'warm spaces', offering access to charging facilities, showers, and warm drinks for those affected by power outages.

NI Networks will also be present at Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre until 7pm today to provide assistance and advice to residents experiencing power disruptions.

"My thanks to all those who been working hard across the weekend, as part of the multi-agency response to Storm Éowyn, including our own council staff, to get essential services back up and running again, reopen venues, and support those who have been impacted, " said Councillor Murray.

"This a particularly difficult time for those who are vulnerable – so please check in on any elderly neighbours, or those living alone, to check they have what they need and to support them where you can.

"And, if you're without power at present, please do make use of the facilities available in our venues to support you."

Man Arrested Following Reports Of Armed Incident In Dungannon

A 46-year-old man has been arrested following reports of a man with a firearm in Dungannon early this morning, Monday 27th January.

At around 5.30am, a taxi driver reported that a man armed with what was described as a handgun pointed the weapon at his vehicle in the area of Market Square before driving off.

Police quickly located a suspect on Northland Row a short time later, however, a weapon has not yet been recovered.

Inspector Long said: "We are currently holding a scene in the town centre and we are carrying out searches in order to establish if a weapon has been dumped in the vicinity. If anyone should locate what they believe to be a firearm, please do not touch it and contact police immediately."

Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Anyone with any information that could assist police is asked to call 101, quoting reference 150 27/01/25. Information can also be submitted online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/.

Alliance Cllrs Welcomes Local Community And Environmental Initiatives

Alliance Belfast City councillors have welcomed the agreement of funding that will allow for an increase in street litter bins, a new and enhanced alleyways transformation scheme, and urban wildflower projects in the next financial year.

The decision was agreed at a meeting of the Strategic Policy & Resources Committee this morning (Monday, 27 Jan) and is subject to ratification at full council.

It comes as expanded glass recycling services are being rolled out, as secured by Alliance councillors during the previous year's rates setting process.

Castle Councillor Sam Nelson has said: "We are delighted to have secured provision for a number of priority initiatives for us, including more litter bins on our streets. This funding will help improve street cleanliness in our neighbourhoods and meet residents' demands for a cleaner city.

"The new enhanced alleyways and urban wildflower projects will also help bring more colour, vibrancy and life to our neighbourhoods, and I'm glad we're able to demonstrate out commitment to increasing biodiversity in the city and improving the environment.

"Alliance will continue working hard to deliver services and resources for our ratepayers, whilst ensuring value for money at every juncture."

Ormiston Councillor Jenna Maghie added: "It's so encouraging to see even more progress being made in the expansion of glass recycling in Belfast, following on from the previous expansion due to be rolled out shortly, secured thanks to Alliance work throughout the rates setting process.

"Parts of my Ormiston constituency are some of the furthest from bring back points in the whole city, making glass recycling difficult, if not impossible, for some residents. I will be pushing hard to ensure that these are included as soon as possible in future roll outs.

"This expansion will help right a long-standing inequity in provision, and ensure that even more Belfast residents will have access to kerbside glass recycling, the improved recycling rate standing to greatly benefit both our households and our environment."