Council Moves Forward On 42 EV Charging Stations Across Belfast

Alliance Belfast City Council Group Leader Councillor Michael Long has welcomed the council's decision to progress the development of 42 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on council land, following approval to begin the tender process for the operating model.

The decision had previously been deferred by Sinn Féin.

"After originally proposing the specific need for Belfast City Council to provide EV charging points at all our facilities back in 2022, I’m incredibly pleased that we are now finally at the stage of looking to tender for the first phase of rolling this out.

"This decision sends a strong message that our council is working effectively to help people make changes to protect our planet. Speaking as a Lisnasharragh councillor, in our area we have several sites that have great potential as locations for these charging stations, such as Henry Jones, Orangefield Park and Cherryvale, and I look forward to seeing which sites are ultimately chosen.

"Until we have significant and reliable numbers of charging points, people will not make the switch to electric, and this will continue to make it harder to achieve our climate goals. The lack of facilities and adequate infrastructure in Belfast is also bound to discourage tourists and those visiting from shopping and enjoying our hospitality."

Sinn Féin MLA Calls For Clarity On Southern Trust Cervical Screening Reports

Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon has urged the Health Minister to provide clear outcomes following the release of three reports into cervical smear failings in the Southern Trust. Speaking after the minister's statement, the Mid Ulster MLA and Health Committee member said: "The Health Minister's statement creates more questions than answers. Women deserve clear, honest communication and reassurance that lessons have truly been learned.

"The focus must be on speaking directly to women as well as the wider public to rebuild confidence in the screening system.

"These reports again highlight failings in oversight and accountability in a system that lost sight of the people it was meant to serve.

"I have requested a meeting with the Southern Trust and the Public Health Agency (PHA) to discuss these reports."

DUP MLA Demands Clarity On Proposed Environmental Protection Agency

DUP MLA and Deputy Leader Michelle McIlveen has called on the Agriculture and Environment Minister to explain how a proposed independent environmental protection agency will be funded and how it will operate alongside existing bodies.

"The Minister's statement raises more questions than answers. If the Department cannot adequately fund what is currently in place in terms of environmental protection, how can we expect a new, additional organisation to be properly funded to carry out its functions, and how is it justified?

"Northern Ireland already has NIEA and the OEP. The Minister must set out clearly how his proposed body will work alongside this existing structure, and what measures will be taken to avoid duplication and confusion.

"I have a real concern about the risks associated with so-called ‘mission creep’ in independent bodies established through statute. We only need to look at the Equality Commission’s conduct in the Asher’s case which stands as a clear warning of what can happen when such agencies extend their remit beyond what was originally intended. A consequence of this is a heavy burden on the public purse and a diversion of resources.

"Before the Minister rushes ahead with structural change, he must first demonstrate that his Department can deliver and resource the functions it already has. The focus should be on performance and accountability, not on creating another layer of bureaucracy."