£225,000 Portballintrae Resurfacing Scheme Announced

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced a £225,000 carriageway resurfacing scheme for the Ballaghmore Road in Portballintrae, with work scheduled to commence on Monday 28th April 2025.

The resurfacing project will cover a significant stretch of the Ballaghmore Road, extending from near its junction with Bayhead Road towards Ballaghmore Cottages.

Minister Kimmins emphasised the importance of the investment, stating: "This is a substantial investment for the Portballintrae area which will deliver significant benefits for residents and road users. The investment demonstrates my commitment to improving our rural road network, which is vital for connecting our businesses and communities. I would like to thank residents, local businesses, and commuters for their patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out."

To ensure the safe execution of the resurfacing works, a lane closure will be in effect on the Ballaghmore Road from its junction with Bayhead Road to Dunluce Road. This traffic management measure will be operational daily between 8 am and 6 pm, from Monday 28th April 2025 until Friday 16th May 2025.

While the Department for Infrastructure has planned the works and traffic management arrangements to minimise disruption, road users are advised to anticipate some delays. Local access will be maintained, but motorists travelling in the vicinity of the works are encouraged to allow additional travel time and to adhere to all temporary traffic restrictions.

Subject to favourable weather conditions, the resurfacing scheme is expected to be substantially completed by Friday 16th May 2025. The Department has committed to keeping the public informed of any potential changes to the schedule.

Alliance Call For Gondola Project Reconsideration After National Trust Halt

Alliance South Down representatives Andrew McMurray MLA and Cllr Jill Truesdale have stated that the National Trust's decision to halt negotiations with Newry, Mourne and Down Council regarding land use at Thomas's Quarry for the proposed Gondola project necessitates a full reconsideration of its viability.

Mr McMurray MLA welcomed the National Trust's stance: "Given the significant economic and environmental issues associated with the project, this action being taken by the National Trust is welcome to see."

He highlighted the widespread local opposition: "It comes off the back of deep concern and frustration expressed by a great number of local residents consistently over the course of the project's development, no less than 6500 of them signing the petition we presented to the Economy Minister late last year, in response to some problematic elements of the plans."

Mr McMurray called for a comprehensive reassessment: "We hope this can be used as an opportunity by all involved for a full reconsideration of how viable the project actually is, and I will be submitting a question to the Economy Minister asking for her assessment of the situation given this development." Cllr Jill Truesdale echoed these concerns, focusing on transparency and value for money: "Having spoken at length before about the glaring lack of transparency and seeming disregard for how best to utilise ratepayers' money in the case of the Gondola project, this is incredibly welcome."

She emphasised the need for a rethink: "Openness, transparency, and ensuring value for money should be at the heart of decision making at every level of government. From what we've observed so far in the progression of the Gondola aspect of the Gateway Project it's clear this isn't being met, and this pause is a chance for a much-needed rethink."

Cllr Truesdale outlined the various reasons for local opposition: "Whether it's the lack of public consultation, the disregard for other, more sustainable, uses for the funding being put into it, the financial risk involved and lack of economic viability, or the threat to the local environment, there are many valid reasons people here oppose different aspects of the Gondola project, and we will continue speaking up for them at every point going forward."

ESRI Report Underscores Need for Irish Unity – Kearney

Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney has asserted that a newly published report from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) underscores the necessity for Irish unity.

The ESRI report, commissioned by the Irish government's Shared Island Unit, revealed significant economic disparities between the north and south of Ireland, with the south exhibiting higher wages, stronger economic growth, and better overall living standards.

Declan Kearney, Sinn Féin's National Chairperson, stated: "This report illustrates how partition has failed workers, families, businesses and communities on our island, and underlines the need to build a new Ireland."

He argued that the report adds to a growing body of evidence demonstrating the negative consequences of partition: "Time and again, statistics and analysis are laid bare about how the partition of our island adversely impacts on ordinary people, quality of life standards, trade, and economic productivity and growth."

Mr Kearney outlined his party's vision for the future: "Our shared future on this island lies in Irish unity and a fully integrated economic model, with full membership of the European Union. That is why it's imperative for political leaders to begin preparations for a unity referendum."

He called on the Irish government to actively facilitate discussions and planning for constitutional change: "The conversation on a new Ireland is thriving across society. The Irish government must support these conversations by putting in place forums to facilitate engagement on all key policy areas, and commence the phase of planning and preparing for Irish unity. To that end, An Taoiseach should establish a Citizens' Assembly on Irish unity and appoint a Minister for Reunification. These are sensible and practical measures. Everyone must have the chance to have their say about the future of our shared island."

Mr Kearney concluded by highlighting the potential economic benefits of reunification: "It is widely recognised that economic productivity and overall GDP will be maximised through national reunification. Harmonised public services will inevitably operate more effectively and with greater capacity in an all-Ireland context. It is now time to start harnessing the massive opportunities presented by Irish unity and to begin planning systematically for constitutional change."