SDLP Welcomes Taoiseach's Commitment To A5 Project

The SDLP has welcomed a commitment from Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to increase funding for the A5 improvement project.

The Taoiseach has said that he will be bringing an increased funding proposal to the cabinet next week.

Welcoming the news, West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan said: "Delivering the A5 has been one my main priorities and I have been engaging with the Irish Government on this for many years. During recent discussions the Taoiseach and Tánaiste have indicated to me that they would be willing to make a substantial contribution to building the A5. Through the many twists this project has taken the Irish Government has remained committed to offering whatever support possible. This upgraded road will not only be a boost for people in Tyrone, but for Derry and Donegal, the whole north-west of our island, and it's only right that the Irish Government play their part.

"Far too many lives have been lost on this road, I have campaigned alongside those who have been bereaved and their dedication to getting this delivered has been astounding. Without them we wouldn't have gotten this far. The new road will also bring significant economic opportunities by improving our transport links, making it easier to attract much needed jobs and investment.

"I welcome this announcement from the Taoiseach and am incredibly hopeful that the long, long awaited announcement on the A5 will soon be made and would urge the Infrastructure Minister to waste no time in breaking ground."

DUP Calls On QUB To Take Action Over Projection Of Antisemitic Statement

The DUP has called on Queen's University to fully investigate those responsible for projecting an antisemitic statement onto the Lanyon Building.

Condemning the projection of the statement, 'From the river to the sea', as an "appalling and grotesquely offensive comment", North Belfast DUP MLA Phillip Brett, said: "I represent a constituency with a significant Jewish population and Belfast’s only Synagogue, Queen’s University need to fully investigate this incident and if any staff members were involved in spreading this racist statement.

"They need to take firm action.

"This cannot go unchallenged. There needs to be a clear statement from the University condemning this action.

"I want to see the hostages freed and peace talks advanced so there can be an end of the killing.”

2024 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards Open For Entries

The Belfast Telegraph has announced the launch of their 2024 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards, in partnership with Ulster Bank.

The awards are now open for entries across 17 categories until the closing date on April 3.

Mark Crimmins, head of Ulster Bank in Northern Ireland, said: "Once again Ulster Bank is proud to partner with the Belfast Telegraph to deliver these awards, and as we launch the call for entries, we are excited about showcasing the very best of business in Northern Ireland.

"Many firms and individuals here continue to flourish and have demonstrated enormous capabilities in adapting to new challenges, changing working environments, a fast-paced digital landscape, and ever-evolving regulation. Recognising this success is more important than ever, and we look forward to another great event for our local business community and to celebrating with the next cohort of winners on the night.

"In addition to recognising the great work of businesses, a key thing for me is to engage with companies about how Ulster Bank can best help them meet their objectives.

"We have access to a wealth of knowledge and insight through our parent bank NatWest and through our range of products and tools, we can help local businesses with all aspects of their everyday banking, funding, making and receiving payments, trading overseas, and business insurance.

"By taking care of these, we can allow firms the time and space to focus on growth and achieving their goals and to be the best they can be."

An awards ceremony takes place at Belfast’s Crowne Plaza Hotel on May 2.