19/08/2025
Other News In Brief
ONS Analysis Suggests NI Rents Becoming Less Affordable
New analysis from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that rents in Northern Ireland have become less affordable since 2020. The proportion of a typical household's income spent on rent rose from just under 22% in 2020 to 25.3% in 2024, as rents increased at a faster rate than wages.
UUP Councillor Kate Evans from Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council stated that while the Republic of Ireland has legislation capping rent increases at 2% in some areas, Northern Ireland has seen an average rental increase of 8.3%. She called for new legislation to cap rents and for the creation of an online rent calculator to help ease the issue for those who do not own their homes.
Sinn Féin MLA Praises Cricket Ireland Sports Camp
Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has praised a sports camp organised by Cricket Ireland for its role in bringing children from different backgrounds together. Following the cancellation of a previous camp that was to be attended by East Belfast GAA, Cricket Ireland specifically invited the club to the new camp, highlighting sport’s power to unite communities. Gildernew said it was powerful to see so many children from a range of clubs "mixing with each other, learning new skills and having great fun."
Man Arrested After Serious Assault In Portadown
Police are investigating a serious assault that took place in Portadown Town Centre on Tuesday, 12 August 2025.
At around 5.40pm, a man in his 20s was assaulted by another male with a broken bottle in the Market Street area, sustaining chest injuries that required hospital treatment.
A 22-year-old man was arrested a short time later on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent and wounding with intent, but has since been released on bail. The police have asked anyone with information or footage to contact them.
New analysis from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that rents in Northern Ireland have become less affordable since 2020. The proportion of a typical household's income spent on rent rose from just under 22% in 2020 to 25.3% in 2024, as rents increased at a faster rate than wages.
UUP Councillor Kate Evans from Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council stated that while the Republic of Ireland has legislation capping rent increases at 2% in some areas, Northern Ireland has seen an average rental increase of 8.3%. She called for new legislation to cap rents and for the creation of an online rent calculator to help ease the issue for those who do not own their homes.
Sinn Féin MLA Praises Cricket Ireland Sports Camp
Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has praised a sports camp organised by Cricket Ireland for its role in bringing children from different backgrounds together. Following the cancellation of a previous camp that was to be attended by East Belfast GAA, Cricket Ireland specifically invited the club to the new camp, highlighting sport’s power to unite communities. Gildernew said it was powerful to see so many children from a range of clubs "mixing with each other, learning new skills and having great fun."
Man Arrested After Serious Assault In Portadown
Police are investigating a serious assault that took place in Portadown Town Centre on Tuesday, 12 August 2025.
At around 5.40pm, a man in his 20s was assaulted by another male with a broken bottle in the Market Street area, sustaining chest injuries that required hospital treatment.
A 22-year-old man was arrested a short time later on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent and wounding with intent, but has since been released on bail. The police have asked anyone with information or footage to contact them.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
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09 March 2004
Belfast office rents are lowest in UK and Ireland
Northern Ireland is cheaper for business with the lowest rental costs in the UK and Ireland, according to the latest Office Market Report.
Belfast office rents are lowest in UK and Ireland
Northern Ireland is cheaper for business with the lowest rental costs in the UK and Ireland, according to the latest Office Market Report.
19 August 2002
Retail rents increase in half the region’s centres
Recent research by property advisers Colliers CRE reports that prime retail rents in Northern Ireland grew by 3.4% in the year to 31st May 2002. According to Colliers CRE the increase is one of the fastest rates of growth in the UK outside southern England.
Retail rents increase in half the region’s centres
Recent research by property advisers Colliers CRE reports that prime retail rents in Northern Ireland grew by 3.4% in the year to 31st May 2002. According to Colliers CRE the increase is one of the fastest rates of growth in the UK outside southern England.
15 May 2024
New Funding Initiative Announced To Provide More Affordable Homes
Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has announced a funding offer to build more affordable homes for lower income tenants as part of the forthcoming Housing Supply Strategy. The Intermediate Rent scheme will provide funding through a long-term, low-interest government loan to an operator.
New Funding Initiative Announced To Provide More Affordable Homes
Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has announced a funding offer to build more affordable homes for lower income tenants as part of the forthcoming Housing Supply Strategy. The Intermediate Rent scheme will provide funding through a long-term, low-interest government loan to an operator.
23 April 2018
Serious Concerns Raised Over Rise In Private Rents
Sinn Fein has raised serious concerns after figures revealed the rise in private rents in Northern Ireland. The party's housing spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín made the comments according to figures in the Homelet Rental Index. She said: "Average rent in the private sector has risen by 2.4% here compared to an increase of 0.9% in Britain.
Serious Concerns Raised Over Rise In Private Rents
Sinn Fein has raised serious concerns after figures revealed the rise in private rents in Northern Ireland. The party's housing spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín made the comments according to figures in the Homelet Rental Index. She said: "Average rent in the private sector has risen by 2.4% here compared to an increase of 0.9% in Britain.
12 March 2009
German Airline Deal Takes Off For Bombardier
A local aircraft manufacturer is flying high today with news of a major international contract - which is also boosting jobs.
German Airline Deal Takes Off For Bombardier
A local aircraft manufacturer is flying high today with news of a major international contract - which is also boosting jobs.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.