Alliance MLA Calls For Immediate Action On Downpatrick Flood Prevention

Alliance Infrastructure spokesperson Andrew McMurray MLA has called for the immediate implementation of practical flood prevention solutions in Downpatrick, following the publication of a feasibility report on the Downpatrick Flood Alleviation Scheme. The South Down MLA emphasised the urgency of protecting the town, its residents, and businesses from future devastating flooding events.

"Not only since the severe flooding we witnessed here back in 2023, my colleagues and I have long been calling on the Infrastructure Minister to develop practical proposals to address the risk of flooding in Downpatrick, and so in that respect, this is welcome news," McMurray stated.

While welcoming any solutions, including those involving hard engineering, McMurray stressed the importance of designing them "as much as possible in such a way that is sympathetic to the natural local environment and historic architecture."

He also highlighted the need for transparency throughout the process. "Openness and transparency is crucial, and I have asked DfI to ensure appropriate arrangements are put in place to adequately inform elected representatives and the general public about the detail of the proposals and their implications as things progress," he said.

McMurray urged the Infrastructure Minister to make a decision and implement a solution without further delay. "It's key however that the minister makes a decision and implements a solution without any further delay to ensure that the town, its residents, and businesses are protected from future flooding events," he added.

Given the town's past experiences with severe flooding, McMurray concluded by emphasising the critical need for prioritising funding: "Considering the devastating impact the town has already suffered as a result of flooding in the past, it is important that allocating the necessary funding is now prioritised."

SDLP Councillor Calls For Rainbow Crossing In Newry City Centre

SDLP Newry councillor Doire Finn has put forward a proposal to Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins for the installation of a rainbow crossing in Newry city centre, intended as a powerful symbol of support for the local LGBT+ community.

Councillor Finn has specifically suggested that a rainbow crossing be incorporated into the planned repair works at the existing zebra crossing on Sugar Island.

"Installing a rainbow crossing in Newry would be a powerful and visible gesture of solidarity with our LGBT+ community," Councillor Finn stated. She believes it would also "brighten up our city centre and build on the momentum of last year's Pride event, which returned to our city after an absence thanks to the brilliant work of the Newry LGBT+ Women's Group."

The councillor pointed to the success of similar initiatives elsewhere in Northern Ireland. "We've seen rainbow crossings embraced in other parts of the North, where they've become not just sources of pride for local residents, but tourist attractions in their own right, with many people stopping to take photos and admire the crossings," she noted.

Considering the existing need for repair work at the Sugar Island crossing, Councillor Finn described this as "the perfect opportunity to deliver a meaningful and inclusive addition to the city." Should that location prove unfeasible, she has asked the Minister to consider an alternative site in Newry "where a rainbow crossing could stand as a permanent symbol of the diversity and openness that makes our city great."

Sinn Féin Urges British Government To End Casement Park Funding Delays

Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has called on the British Government to end further delays and deliver on its long-standing funding commitment for the redevelopment of Casement Park.

Speaking from London, where he, alongside fellow Sinn Féin MP Dáire Hughes and Councillor Declan Lynch, met with Ulster GAA officials, Mr. Hazzard stated that "the time for action is now."

"We are in London with Ulster GAA to continue pressing the British Government to finally honour its commitment to help fund the redevelopment of Casement Park,” the South Down MP said. "There can be no more delays. Antrim and Ulster Gaels deserve a world-class home – a modern stadium where future generations can play, grow, and thrive with pride and excitement."

The redevelopment of Casement Park, a project that has faced significant delays and spiralling costs, has been a contentious issue. The stadium, once the principal Gaelic games venue in Belfast, has been derelict since 2013. Its estimated cost has risen dramatically, with recent figures putting it around £270 million, up from an original estimate of £77.5m.

While the Stormont Executive committed £62.5m to the project in 2011, and the Irish Government has offered approximately £42m (with a willingness to increase this), and the GAA has pledged at least £15m, there remains a significant funding gap, estimated to be around £150m. The UK Government had previously indicated it would not fund the stadium in time for Euro 2028 due to time and cost concerns, but there has been renewed lobbying for a contribution, with the current Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, acknowledging the project's importance. First Minister Michelle O'Neill has expressed hope for a positive announcement from the UK Government next week, coinciding with a comprehensive spending review.

Hazzard emphasised that funding has already been allocated by the Executive, the Irish Government, and the GAA. "Now it’s time for the British Government to do the same and deliver on the promise it made," he asserted.

He further argued for the broader benefits of the project: "Casement Park will be a driver for economic growth, job creation, and investment across Belfast, Ulster, and the island of Ireland. It will be a game changer for our communities – a beacon for sporting excellence and opportunity."

"The message is clear: it's time to build Casement Park," Hazzard concluded.