14/11/2025
Other News In Brief
Sinn Féin Calls For Irish Passport Office In The North
Sinn Féin MP Dáire Hughes has urged the Irish government to establish an Irish passport office in the north immediately.
This call follows new Department of Foreign Affairs figures showing that over 120,000 applications for Irish passports were made from Northern Ireland in 2024.
The Newry and Armagh MP stated that citizens are "wrongfully denied such a service," despite existing offices in Dublin, Cork, and London, arguing that the growing demand demonstrates an urgent need.
Alliance MLA Calls For More Action On Plastic Waste On NI Beaches
Alliance Environment spokesperson John Blair MLA has expressed deep concern following the release of the Marine Litter Report by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, which found that plastic waste still accounts for 84% of the litter on NI beaches.
Mr. Blair commended DAERA Minister Andrew Muir for his proactive work, including advancing the Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme (phasing in from 2025) and committing to a Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers from October 2027, but stressed that tackling the crisis requires a collective effort from the public.
UUP Criticises Hypocrisy Over Dublin Air Route and Net-Zero Targets
UUP Economy Spokesperson Diana Armstrong MLA has criticised Sinn Féin and the SDLP, including the First Minister, for welcoming the resumption of the short-haul Londonderry to Dublin air route while publicly supporting the 2050 net-zero climate target. Armstrong highlighted that although Environment Minister Andrew Muir confirmed that international aviation emissions are not currently recorded in NI's carbon budget, the environmental impact is still real. She questioned the selective application of climate responsibility, stating that the route "serve[s] political optics rather than environmental responsibility".
Sinn Féin MP Dáire Hughes has urged the Irish government to establish an Irish passport office in the north immediately.
This call follows new Department of Foreign Affairs figures showing that over 120,000 applications for Irish passports were made from Northern Ireland in 2024.
The Newry and Armagh MP stated that citizens are "wrongfully denied such a service," despite existing offices in Dublin, Cork, and London, arguing that the growing demand demonstrates an urgent need.
Alliance MLA Calls For More Action On Plastic Waste On NI Beaches
Alliance Environment spokesperson John Blair MLA has expressed deep concern following the release of the Marine Litter Report by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, which found that plastic waste still accounts for 84% of the litter on NI beaches.
UUP Criticises Hypocrisy Over Dublin Air Route and Net-Zero Targets
UUP Economy Spokesperson Diana Armstrong MLA has criticised Sinn Féin and the SDLP, including the First Minister, for welcoming the resumption of the short-haul Londonderry to Dublin air route while publicly supporting the 2050 net-zero climate target. Armstrong highlighted that although Environment Minister Andrew Muir confirmed that international aviation emissions are not currently recorded in NI's carbon budget, the environmental impact is still real. She questioned the selective application of climate responsibility, stating that the route "serve[s] political optics rather than environmental responsibility".
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 August 2018
Unionists Accuse McDonald Of Political U-Turn Over Irish Border Poll
Unionists have accused Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald of performing a political U-turn after she suggested against holding a poll on Irish unity due to uncertainties surrounding Brexit.
Unionists Accuse McDonald Of Political U-Turn Over Irish Border Poll
Unionists have accused Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald of performing a political U-turn after she suggested against holding a poll on Irish unity due to uncertainties surrounding Brexit.
18 September 2018
Sinn Féin Calls On Irish Govt To Stand Firm On Backstop
Sinn Féin has called on the Irish government to stand firm on the backstop agreed between the British government and the EU last December. Deputy Leader Michelle O'Neill said: "The Chequers Plan put forward by Theresa May would not resolve the issues around the border and protecting the rights of people in the north of Ireland.
Sinn Féin Calls On Irish Govt To Stand Firm On Backstop
Sinn Féin has called on the Irish government to stand firm on the backstop agreed between the British government and the EU last December. Deputy Leader Michelle O'Neill said: "The Chequers Plan put forward by Theresa May would not resolve the issues around the border and protecting the rights of people in the north of Ireland.
04 May 2022
Irish Passport Applications Higher Than British For First Time
More people in the north have applied for an Irish passport than a British passport for the first time on record, according to figures released to the Irish Times under a Freedom of Information result.
Irish Passport Applications Higher Than British For First Time
More people in the north have applied for an Irish passport than a British passport for the first time on record, according to figures released to the Irish Times under a Freedom of Information result.
30 June 2010
Russian Spies 'Used Irish Passports'
It has emerged that at least one false Irish passport was used by a Russian espionage ring allegedly operating in the US. The passport is said to have been passed to a Richard Murphy, who is among 11 people currently under trail in Manhattan Federal court, charged with being a Russian spy.
Russian Spies 'Used Irish Passports'
It has emerged that at least one false Irish passport was used by a Russian espionage ring allegedly operating in the US. The passport is said to have been passed to a Richard Murphy, who is among 11 people currently under trail in Manhattan Federal court, charged with being a Russian spy.
22 August 2022
SF Welcomes New Poll Showing Growing Support For Irish Unity
Sinn Féin has welcomed the publication of a new LucidTalk poll demonstrating growing support for Irish unity. Commenting on findings North Belfast MP MP John Finucane said: "Yet another poll shows growing support for Irish unity across the island, particularly among young people.
SF Welcomes New Poll Showing Growing Support For Irish Unity
Sinn Féin has welcomed the publication of a new LucidTalk poll demonstrating growing support for Irish unity. Commenting on findings North Belfast MP MP John Finucane said: "Yet another poll shows growing support for Irish unity across the island, particularly among young people.
-
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.