Portstewart Strand Named UK And Ni Beach Of The Year

Portstewart Strand has been recognised as both the UK and Northern Ireland Beach of the Year in The Times and The Sunday Times' Best UK Beaches guide. Alliance Causeway Alderman and Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Council, Richard Stewart, welcomed the accolade, describing the beach as "one of the crown jewels of our coastline." He highlighted its natural beauty, exceptional water quality, and strong community spirit, crediting the hard work of the National Trust, local businesses, lifeguards, council teams, and volunteers for maintaining its high standards. Alderman Stewart emphasised the beach's wide appeal, from surfers and swimmers to families and visitors enjoying Harry's Shack, noting its unique accessibility due to the option of driving onto the sand.

SDLP Questions Minister Over Asbestos At Belfast Bonfire Site SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole has criticised AERA Minister Andrew Muir for his failure to intervene regarding a bonfire site on Meridi Street in south Belfast, which reportedly contains a significant quantity of asbestos. Mr O’Toole stated it was "absolutely crazy" that a bonfire was days away from being lit near such harmful material, posing a real risk to public health. He asserted that Minister Muir, as the Minister responsible for the Northern Ireland Environmental Agency (NIEA), has a duty to address the issue. O’Toole urged the Minister to direct the NIEA to remove the asbestos before the bonfire is lit later this week, stressing that such a situation would not be permitted elsewhere.

Calls for Redevelopment of Lurgan Police Station

Sinn Féin MLA for Upper Bann, John O’Dowd, has written to the PSNI Chief Constable, urging serious consideration for redeveloping or relocating the police station in Lurgan town centre. Mr O’Dowd described the current station as a "large, outdated and militarised structure" that is out of step with modern policing and acts as a barrier to the wider regeneration of Lurgan. He noted strong local ambition to revitalise the town, stating that the prominent police station contradicts this vision. Mr O’Dowd has asked the PSNI to explore relocating to a modern, purpose-built facility elsewhere in the town, believing suitable alternative sites exist that would meet operational needs while positively contributing to the local environment. He affirmed his willingness to work with the PSNI and other partners to achieve a town centre that "inspires confidence and ambition."