Other News In Brief

Alliance Secures Passage Of Motion To Develop Anti-Poverty Strategy

Alliance Glengormley Urban Councillor, Julian McGrath, has achieved a successful passage of a motion to create a steering group which will develop an anti-poverty strategy.

The motion which was brought by Alderman McGrath and seconded by party colleague Councillor Julie Gilmour has received unanimous cross-party support. This highlights an important commitment to tackling poverty in the borough.

Alderman McGrath said that it is "essential" that all actions are taken to "prevent people falling through the cracks and getting stuck in a cycle of poverty"

In a statement Mr McGrath said:

"Addressing poverty is about more than handouts. It's about working with strategic partners more effectively, and it is about providing agency and pathways to self-sufficiency. It's about providing opportunity, initiatives, and capacity building.

"I want to thank my fellow council members, community partners, and residents for their unwavering support and dedication to creating positive change and ensuring this motion was advanced. This has the potential to be such a significant step forward for our borough.

"By standing together and prioritising the well-being of all residents, we are hopefully laying the groundwork for a more equitable and prosperous future.

"The passage of this anti-poverty strategy motion underscores a commitment to social justice and inclusivity. As we move forward, the Alliance team on Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council remains steadfast in its resolve to the fight against poverty, through implementing tangible measures and adapting strategies to meet the evolving needs of our community."

Go Power Extends Partnership With Ulster Rugby

Electricity and gas supplier, Go Power, has extended its partnership with Ulster Rugby for a further three seasons.

The new partnership deal will run until June 2026 and Go Power will continue to feature prominently on the back of the Senior Men's jersey.

Go Power is set to prominently feature in all forthcoming matches across both professional and domestic leagues, alongside our partners, prominently showcased on big screens and within program content.

CEO at Go Power, Dermot Beattie, said:

"Since 2015, the Go Power and Ulster Rugby partnership has resonated with fans and businesses alike, and we’re thrilled to continue our journey with Ulster Rugby.

"Go Power has supported Ulster Rugby through thick and thin, celebrating their triumphs and standing shoulder-to-shoulder during challenges.

"Go Power continue to enjoy prominent branding as the back-of-jersey sponsor, throughout Kingspan Stadium and across digital platforms, ensuring the iconic logo continues to fuel the charge alongside Ulster’s passionate players on the pitch and loyal supporters in the stands.

"This enduring partnership between Go Power and Ulster Rugby is a testament to the shared values and mutual appreciation for excellence. As both organisations charge into the future, it’s clear that their collaborative energy will continue to electrify fans and power success in the years to come."

Head of Commercial at Ulster Rugby, Keith Shorten, stated:

"We are delighted that Go Power have chosen to continue their long-standing partnership with Ulster Rugby.

"In the years ahead, we have ambitious plans for what we want to achieve, both as a professional team and through the domestic game, with Go Power set to play an important supporting role.

"Go Power, as a local business based in Northern Ireland, will benefit from ongoing direct brand exposure across the UK, Europe and South Africa as the Senior Men’s squad take to the pitch, proudly displaying the Go Power logo."

NI Water Delivers £7.4m Project In Ards Peninsula

NI Water has announced the completion of a £7.4 million project which will be essential to the future resilience of the water supply infrastructure in the Ards Peninsula area.

Works involved laying a key water pipeline made up of 6.7 kilometres of large diameter trunk main. Phase one of this essential work got underway in May 2022 on the Bangor Carriageway and continued down the Ards Peninsula, through Loughries and out towards Greyabbey, with work recently completed ahead of schedule.

Tzvetelina Bogoina, NI Water’s Director of Infrastructure Delivery said:

"We are delighted to announce the completion of this major Whitespots/Ards Peninsula Water Improvement Scheme, which will bring many improvements to our customers, including improved security of the local water supply.

"This key improvement scheme will also protect and future-proof the local water infrastructure for customers, businesses and tourism in the area.

"This scheme is a good example of what can be done when the necessary funding is in place and highlights the importance of continued investment in this critical infrastructure to sustainably deliver key water and wastewater services."

Gary McFadden, NI Water Senior Project Manager added: "This scheme will greatly benefit the Ards Peninsula area, improving the robustness and resilience of the water supply infrastructure.

"This investment will be particularly important during the winter months and other unplanned events, to ensure maximum security of supply for our customers in the local area. This investment will provide people with an improved, more reliable service.

"This scheme involved a lot of pipelaying on busy roads such as the Bangor carriageway and through busy residential areas and NI Water and our project team, including contractor Farrans Glanua JV and WSP would like to thank the public for their continued patience and cooperation as we completed this essential water improvement scheme."