27/02/2026
Infrastructure Minister Announces Belfast City Centre Resurfacing Scheme
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed the commencement of a £355,000 carriageway resurfacing scheme aimed at revitalising key arterial routes in Belfast City Centre. The project will cover Chichester Street from Upper Arthur Street to Victoria Street, and Victoria Street from May Street to the Victoria Square Shopping Centre.
The Minister highlighted the project as a "substantial investment" that demonstrates a commitment to improving the road network for both businesses and local communities. While the Department for Infrastructure has timed the works to reduce inconvenience, road users are advised to expect some delays and allow extra travel time during the construction period.
Closure Details and Schedule
To facilitate the resurfacing while keeping the city moving during peak hours, full overnight road closures will be implemented: • Dates: 23 February 2026 – 12 March 2026
• Times: Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 pm to 6:00 am
• Additional Restrictions: Periodic off-peak lane closures may be required outside of these hours.
• Associated Closures: Wellington Place, Donegall Square North, and Upper Arthur Street will also be closed during active work windows.
Diversion Routes
During the nightly closure periods, a signposted diversion will operate via:
May Street, Donegall Square South, Howard Street, College Square East, College Avenue, Millfield, Carrickhill, Frederick Street, Great Patrick Street, and Dunbar Link.
The Department has confirmed that while steps have been taken to accommodate local access, the public should comply with all temporary traffic restrictions to ensure safety. Subject to favourable weather conditions, the project is expected to be fully completed by 12 March 2026.
The Minister highlighted the project as a "substantial investment" that demonstrates a commitment to improving the road network for both businesses and local communities. While the Department for Infrastructure has timed the works to reduce inconvenience, road users are advised to expect some delays and allow extra travel time during the construction period.
Closure Details and Schedule
To facilitate the resurfacing while keeping the city moving during peak hours, full overnight road closures will be implemented: • Dates: 23 February 2026 – 12 March 2026
• Times: Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 pm to 6:00 am
• Additional Restrictions: Periodic off-peak lane closures may be required outside of these hours.
• Associated Closures: Wellington Place, Donegall Square North, and Upper Arthur Street will also be closed during active work windows.
Diversion Routes
During the nightly closure periods, a signposted diversion will operate via:
May Street, Donegall Square South, Howard Street, College Square East, College Avenue, Millfield, Carrickhill, Frederick Street, Great Patrick Street, and Dunbar Link.
The Department has confirmed that while steps have been taken to accommodate local access, the public should comply with all temporary traffic restrictions to ensure safety. Subject to favourable weather conditions, the project is expected to be fully completed by 12 March 2026.
Latest Northern Ireland News
27 February 2026
Belfast Reaches Major Volunteer Milestone for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann
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Belfast has hit a significant landmark in its preparations for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, with 1,000 volunteers now registered to support the event. The world-renowned celebration of Irish music and culture is coming to the city for the first time, running from Sunday 2 August to Sunday 9 August.
27 February 2026
Two Released on Bail in Lisa Dorrian Murder Investigation
A 40-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man, who were arrested by detectives investigating the disappearance and murder of Lisa Dorrian, have been released on bail pending further enquiries. The pair were taken into custody on Wednesday, 25 February.
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A 40-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man, who were arrested by detectives investigating the disappearance and murder of Lisa Dorrian, have been released on bail pending further enquiries. The pair were taken into custody on Wednesday, 25 February.
27 February 2026
Infrastructure Minister Announces Belfast City Centre Resurfacing Scheme
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed the commencement of a £355,000 carriageway resurfacing scheme aimed at revitalising key arterial routes in Belfast City Centre. The project will cover Chichester Street from Upper Arthur Street to Victoria Street, and Victoria Street from May Street to the Victoria Square Shopping Centre.
Infrastructure Minister Announces Belfast City Centre Resurfacing Scheme
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed the commencement of a £355,000 carriageway resurfacing scheme aimed at revitalising key arterial routes in Belfast City Centre. The project will cover Chichester Street from Upper Arthur Street to Victoria Street, and Victoria Street from May Street to the Victoria Square Shopping Centre.
27 February 2026
New Guidance Published for Schools Seeking Integrated Status
The Department of Education has released updated guidance aimed at schools across Northern Ireland considering a move to integrated status. The new document, titled Transforming Together, provides a clear framework for schools to meet the legal requirements of integrated education.
New Guidance Published for Schools Seeking Integrated Status
The Department of Education has released updated guidance aimed at schools across Northern Ireland considering a move to integrated status. The new document, titled Transforming Together, provides a clear framework for schools to meet the legal requirements of integrated education.
27 February 2026
PHA Urges Focus on HPV Vaccination and Screening to Combat Cancer
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is using International Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Awareness Day to remind the public that vaccination and regular cervical screening are vital tools in reducing rates of HPV-related cancers. The HPV vaccine is currently administered as a convenient one-dose programme for Year 9 pupils in school.
PHA Urges Focus on HPV Vaccination and Screening to Combat Cancer
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is using International Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Awareness Day to remind the public that vaccination and regular cervical screening are vital tools in reducing rates of HPV-related cancers. The HPV vaccine is currently administered as a convenient one-dose programme for Year 9 pupils in school.
27 February 2026
Alliance MLA Calls for Urgent Pause on 'Right to Buy' Scheme
Alliance Housing spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has stated that a lack of investment in prevention and the continuation of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive's (NIHE) Right to Buy Scheme are intensifying the region's homelessness issues.
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27 February 2026
Man Arrested and Weapons Seized Following Benburb Search
A man in his 50s was detained by police on Thursday, 26 February, following a targeted search in the Benburb area. The operation, conducted by detectives from Mid Ulster CID, took place at a residential property situated on the Ballyvaddy Road. During the search, officers discovered and seized a firearm along with a quantity of ammunition.
Man Arrested and Weapons Seized Following Benburb Search
A man in his 50s was detained by police on Thursday, 26 February, following a targeted search in the Benburb area. The operation, conducted by detectives from Mid Ulster CID, took place at a residential property situated on the Ballyvaddy Road. During the search, officers discovered and seized a firearm along with a quantity of ammunition.
27 February 2026
Executive Approves Legislation to Ban Petroleum Exploration Receives
The Executive has given its approval for the introduction of new legislation that will lead to a permanent end to petroleum exploration and licensing. The Petroleum Exploration and Licensing (Repeal) Bill will effectively strip the Department for the Economy of its statutory powers to grant licences for the exploration or extraction of petroleum.
Executive Approves Legislation to Ban Petroleum Exploration Receives
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27 February 2026
Farmers Across NI are Still Giving Lucky Pennies when Making Sales
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27 February 2026
Minister Welcomes French Delegation to Carrickfergus Castle
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has officially received a delegation from Normandy, France, at Carrickfergus Castle. The visit served as a precursor to the European Year of the Normans, which is set to take place in 2027.
Minister Welcomes French Delegation to Carrickfergus Castle
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has officially received a delegation from Normandy, France, at Carrickfergus Castle. The visit served as a precursor to the European Year of the Normans, which is set to take place in 2027.
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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.

