Foyle Arena And Bishop's Field To Benefit From Funding

Plans for pitch upgrade works at the Foyle Arena and Bishop's Field to benefit from the latest round of funding from the UK Government and the Irish FA.

The Foyle Arena will receive £291,337 towards the total cost of £485,561 while the Bishop's Field in Creggan will benefit to the tune of £329,784 for the £549,640 works there. These pitches can now be upgraded to FIFA Quality standard 3G artificial grass.

The works are two of 17 projects across Northern Ireland that will receive a share of £5.66m in funding aimed at boosting grassroots sports facilities.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Patricia Logue said:

"This is brilliant news for the sports fraternity in the city and particularly the soccer clubs who use the pitches at Bishop’s Field and the Foyle Arena,” she said.

"The finished projects will allow clubs and players of all levels to come together and play on safe, state of the art pitches all year round.

"They will give our young people the best possible platform to fulfil their potential in the game and will also be ideal for hosting games at events such as the Foyle Cup.

"I would like to commend Council officers and their community partners for bringing the upgrade works to this key stage."

Irish FA Chief Executive Patrick Nelson added: "Good grassroots football facilities means a better experience for everyone participating in the game, at whatever level they're at.

"This funding will provide 11 new artificial grass pitches and upgrade six existing pitches across Northern Ireland.

"It aligns with our commitment to support new and improved facilities, with the hosting of UEFA Euro 2028 in the UK and Ireland, it is crucial that the grassroots game across the nation benefits from investment, too."

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris welcomed the funding boost.

He said: "Communities across Northern Ireland will have more spaces to come together, get fit and have fun thanks to this fantastic UK Government initiative.

"Access to high quality sports facilities boosts mental and physical health, and this funding is sure to have a significant positive impact."

A Childcare Strategy Should Be Prioritised By The New Executive

Alliance has stated that a Childcare Strategy should be a day one priority for the new Executive.

The party's Early Years and Childcare spokesperson Kate Nicholl MLA made the comments following the publication of Alliance’s childcare policy document, 'Children First', in October 2023 which sets out the party’s proposals for reforming childcare provision in Northern Ireland.

Kate Nicholl said that the last two years without a functioning government has been "devastating for households and families, and there can be no further time wasted in delivering on childcare reform".

In a statement Kate Nicholl MLA said:

"Childcare reform has been and continues to be a day one priority for myself and my colleagues in the Alliance Party. Alliance remains the only party to have published detailed proposals for childcare reform and we are absolutely committed to delivering child-centred, flexible, affordable, high-quality childcare through our devolved institutions.

"We have been working in a particularly focused manner on this issue for well over 18 months, meeting with parents, academics, businesses, childcare providers and other stakeholders, including the Department of Education, to develop policy proposals that will deliver a better system for our families.

"I know that the cost of childcare in Northern Ireland is astronomical, and that parents and families are really struggling to cope. That they’re being forced to make impossible choices between their career and caring for their children. It is an unacceptable and unsustainable situation, and remains a key priority for myself and the Alliance Party as we look towards the restoration of the Assembly and Executive.

"Now is the time to finally deliver on transforming our childcare system, as key social and economic infrastructure, for the benefit of our children, families, and the whole of society. We will not waver in our commitment to driving this issue forward at every possible opportunity."

The Housing Executive Encourages Tenants To Sign Up To Online Portal

The Housing Executive has announced that it will begin contacting tenants by text this week to encourage a greater sign up to the 'My Housing Executive' online service.

Over 20,000 tenants have signed up to the online portal which allows 24/7 access.

When you register and sign up for the new My Housing Executive portal, you will be able to:

• Check your rent balance and account statements

• Make a payment

• Order a new payment card

• Update your contact and personal details

• Request services like a transfer, an adaptation to your property, or a self-help repair

• Request and track a repair