top of page

NEWS


Mar 25, 2024
Business Forum outlines concerns over MEA Council ‘failings’ as it calls on Minister to intervene
(Inset): Brian McRandal Chair of the Business Forum Larne Business Forum has confirmed key details of its letter to Gordon Lyons MLA...


Mar 24, 2024
Business Forum writes to Minister on ‘strategic weaknesses’ of MEA Council’s rate setting process
Larne Business Forum has confirmed it has asked Gordon Lyons MLA Minister for Communities to consider reforms of the rate setting process...


Mar 9, 2024
Councillors ordered to return to town hall meetings as DfC announces end to hybrid working
Councillors have been ordered to return to town halls in person after emergency legislation put in place during the Covid pandemic...


Mar 7, 2024
Minister announces additional £1M funding for new books in libraries across NI
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons talks books with pupils from Largymore Primary School as they celebrate World Book Day at Lisburn...


Feb 14, 2024
My priority is to deliver positive change for people - Lyons
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA has said his key priority is to deliver positive change for people in Northern Ireland. He said: “I...


Feb 12, 2024
Advice NI encourages Tax Credit claimants to seek independent advice before claiming Universal Credit
With the Department for Communities currently issuing thousands of Migration Notice letters each month to people on Tax Credits as part...


Jan 26, 2024
Housing Executive rent levels set to rise for 2024/25
In response to the Housing Executive’s annual request for a rent increase, the Department for Communities has confirmed that from 1 April...


Jan 24, 2024
Councillors updated on MEA village projects including new greenway between Cullybackey and Galgorm
A Mid and East Antrim councillor has called for the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to “take responsibility” for greenway maintenance...


Jan 16, 2024
People urged to keep themselves safe as public workers set to strike
Departments have reiterated the call for people to keep themselves safe on Thursday (18th January) with snow and ice forecast and...


Jan 2, 2024
Bereaved parents urged to check eligibility for financial support
Bereaved parents whose partner died between 9 April 2001 and 8 February 2023 are being urged to check if they are eligible for backdated...


Dec 4, 2023
Questions asked over impact on vulnerable people applying for Universal Credit
Questions have been asked on the impact of the process on those applying for government benefits, particularly on those who are...


Nov 7, 2023
New modern £210K public convenience facility now in Glenarm
Karen O’Neill (Department for Communities Regional Development Office), Francis Wilson (Vice Chair, Glenarm Village Committee), (Eamon...


Oct 30, 2023
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council launches Shop Front Revitalisation Scheme
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council - supported by the Department for Communities – is delighted to launch a Shop Front Revitalisation...


Oct 29, 2023
Shared Lives launches providing support for older people in Northern Ireland
Members of the Shared Lives NI for Older People reference group. A service providing support for people aged 65 and over who may be...


Oct 25, 2023
£300 Cost of Living Payment coming soon
Millions of UK households will receive the second Cost of Living payment of £300 soon - set to land in bank accounts over the coming...

Oct 16, 2023
Residents’ views sought on plans for former St Patrick’s Regeneration site in Ballymena
Plans for the interpretative area include the construction of a replica Clock Tower that once stood on the site. Residents are being...


Oct 3, 2023
£485K investment announced for town centres across Mid & East Antrim
The Department for Communities has announced an investment of £485,000 in a range of revitalisation projects for Carrickfergus, Ballymena...


Sep 30, 2023
Final phase of ‘Move to Universal Credit’ for NI benefit claimants to begin in October
The final phase of Universal Credit (UC) implementation across Northern Ireland will begin next month for those in receipt of tax credits...


Sep 27, 2023
Ballymena couple recommend ‘Rent to Own’ scheme as smart start move to home ownership
Pictured is Pamela and Mark Surgenor with their daughters Bella aged 5 and Bonnie aged 3. A Ballymena couple have found a helping hand...


Sep 21, 2023
Celebration for success of Special Olympics Ulster athletes at World Summer Games
Department for Communities Permanent Secretary Colum Boyle, CEO Special Olympics Ireland Matt English with broadcaster Denise Watson and...
bottom of page