Sheerin Welcomes All-Island Census Findings

Sinn Féin MLA Emma Sheerin has welcomed the cross-party endorsement of the 2021-22 all-island joint census report.

The report found that the island's population has reached 7.1 million—the highest since 1851—and also highlighted an increase in cross-border travel for work.

The Mid Ulster MLA stressed that the findings, which reflect the growth of a "thriving all-island economy," must now be used by Executive departments to inform the delivery of improved public services and policies for workers and families in all parts of Ireland.

Robin Swann Warns Of "Deeply Damaging" Family Farm Tax

Ahead of Wednesday’s Autumn Budget, Ulster Unionist MP Robin Swann has warned that the proposed Family Farm Tax poses an "utterly unacceptable threat" to family-run farms in Northern Ireland. Mr. Swann stated that the tax would punish families who want to pass land between generations, undermining succession planning and potentially forcing many out of farming for good.

He also called on the Chancellor to scrap the two-child limit on Universal Credit, reduce Corporation Tax, and pilot a reduction in Hospitality VAT in Northern Ireland to support key sectors.

Alliance MLAs Call For Action On Belfast Lough Sewage Discharges

Alliance MLAs Stewart Dickson (East Antrim) and Connie Egan (North Down) have called for urgent action from the Infrastructure Minister following an investigation by the Office for Environmental Protection into Northern Ireland Water's (NI Water) sewage discharges into Belfast Lough. Mr. Dickson warned that failure to act could lead to Belfast Lough becoming the "next Lough Neagh," criticising Executive colleagues for "shirking their responsibilities." Ms. Egan highlighted that the failure to greenlight upgrades to Kinnegar Wastewater Treatment Works—due to the deferral of the Living with Water Programme—is directly contributing to the deterioration of the natural habitat and hampering much-needed housing development.