Sinn Féin Calls For Progress On Long Kesh Development

Sinn Féin MLA Áine Murphy has emphasised her party's commitment to unlocking the full social, historic and economic potential of the Long Kesh site.

Murphy, who represents Fermanagh and South Tyrone, made the comments following a visit to the site as part of The Executive Office Committee.

She said: "Now is the time to move forward with the redevelopment of Long Kesh – just as we have seen with the successful regeneration of Ebrington in Derry and the Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast.

"Those projects have transformed their areas, delivering new facilities, attracting visitors, and supporting local businesses. A fully redeveloped Long Kesh can do the same providing new homes, sports facilities, and commercial opportunities while driving wider economic growth.

"It's time for all sectors to work together to make this vision a reality. There can be no more delays.

"I will be writing to the First Minister and deputy First Minister seeking an update on Executive Office plans to deliver the redevelopment of Long Kesh."

DUP Welcomes Progress On Sensory Room

East Antrim MLA Cheryl Brownlee has welcomed a positive update from the Minister of Health in relation to the installation of a sensory room at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.

The Minister was responding to an adjournment debate tabled by the DUP MLA in the Assembly on Tuesday evening.

Speaking after the debate, Ms Brownlee said: "The Minister of Health has acknowledged that sensory rooms are not a luxury, but a necessity, and has asked his officials to work closely with the Belfast Trust to make the proposed facility at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, a reality.

"I want to pay tribute to Erin McAllister and everyone at the NI Community for Parents/Carers of Children with Complex Needs for all of their work in setting up this campaign and for getting it to this stage. "Visiting A&E can be a difficult and stressful experience, but for most people, it is manageable. However, for a child with sensory processing difficulties such as autism or ADHD, it is not just stressful, it is impossible.

"A sensory room is something so simple, but so transformative. A small, calm space with soft lighting, comfortable seating and gentle sounds. Somewhere a child can breathe and they can regulate before they unravel.

"This is not a nice-to-have or a luxury, this is a reasonable adjustment and a necessary step to help make emergency care accessible to children who experience the world differently."

Alliance Welcomes Investment In Belfast Harbour's D1 Terminal

Alliance Energy Spokesperson David Honeyford MLA has welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement of a £100 million UK Government investment in Belfast Harbour's D1 Terminal, to support the construction of two offshore wind farms in the Irish Sea.

The Lagan Valley MLA stated: "This is to be warmly welcomed as one of the largest renewable energy commitments ever made in Northern Ireland. Together, these projects should deliver up to three gigawatts of clean power, supplying 3 million households and creating hundreds of jobs.

"Northern Ireland now has a huge opportunity to be a true leader in renewable energy, delivering high-skilled local jobs and long-term energy security. This shows what is possible when we work together to deliver real benefits for local households and communities.

"Energy security, affordability and climate responsibility go hand in hand. We can see here that, in recognising this, we can deliver landmark projects, boost the economy and cut costs for consumers right here in Northern Ireland.

"Creating our own home-grown renewable energy is not just vital for tackling climate change, but it’s about taking control of our own energy future and reducing costs for consumers in the long term. The current global geopolitical context only makes this more important."