23/03/2026
Meningitis Ruled Out at Belfast School
Health authorities have confirmed that meningococcal disease has been ruled out following the notification of a probable case involving a pupil at a Belfast school on 17 March 2026.
As a result of this finding, no further actions are necessary for pupils, friends, or any individuals who may have been in contact with the person in question. All relevant public health protocols have now been completed.
While this specific case has been cleared, it is important to remain aware that symptoms of meningitis typically develop suddenly. These can include:
• A high temperature (fever) over 37.5C (99.5F)
• Being sick
• A headache
• A blotchy rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it (this won't always develop)
• A stiff neck
• A dislike of bright lights
• Drowsiness or unresponsiveness
• Seizures (fits)
For additional information regarding meningitis, members of the public can visit www.pha.site/meningitis-nidirect.
As a result of this finding, no further actions are necessary for pupils, friends, or any individuals who may have been in contact with the person in question. All relevant public health protocols have now been completed.
• A high temperature (fever) over 37.5C (99.5F)
• Being sick
• A headache
• A blotchy rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it (this won't always develop)
• A stiff neck
• A dislike of bright lights
• Drowsiness or unresponsiveness
• Seizures (fits)
For additional information regarding meningitis, members of the public can visit www.pha.site/meningitis-nidirect.
Latest Northern Ireland News
23 March 2026
Cross-Border Travel Surge Boosts NI Tourism
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has welcomed new data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) indicating strong growth in cross‑border tourism to Northern Ireland during 2025. According to the CSO, there were 1.3 million trips from the south to the north in 2025, up from 1.1 million in 2024.
Cross-Border Travel Surge Boosts NI Tourism
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has welcomed new data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) indicating strong growth in cross‑border tourism to Northern Ireland during 2025. According to the CSO, there were 1.3 million trips from the south to the north in 2025, up from 1.1 million in 2024.
23 March 2026
Lyons Backs All Ireland Heritage Skills Programme
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the opening of applications for the 2026–27 All Ireland Heritage Skills Programme, describing it as a timely boost for traditional craft skills and the wider heritage sector.
Lyons Backs All Ireland Heritage Skills Programme
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the opening of applications for the 2026–27 All Ireland Heritage Skills Programme, describing it as a timely boost for traditional craft skills and the wider heritage sector.
23 March 2026
Global Energy Supply Risks Under Watch – Economy Minister
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has sought to reassure households and businesses that her Department is closely tracking global supply chain risks following the recent escalation of attacks in the region.
Global Energy Supply Risks Under Watch – Economy Minister
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has sought to reassure households and businesses that her Department is closely tracking global supply chain risks following the recent escalation of attacks in the region.
23 March 2026
Motorcyclist in Critical Condition After Lisburn Road Collision
Detectives in South Belfast are investigating a serious road traffic collision that occurred on the Lisburn Road on Sunday, 22 March. The incident, which took place shortly before 7.30pm near the junction with Elmwood Avenue, involved a motorcycle and a silver Volvo V40 car.
Motorcyclist in Critical Condition After Lisburn Road Collision
Detectives in South Belfast are investigating a serious road traffic collision that occurred on the Lisburn Road on Sunday, 22 March. The incident, which took place shortly before 7.30pm near the junction with Elmwood Avenue, involved a motorcycle and a silver Volvo V40 car.
23 March 2026
SDLP Leader Criticises Executive Over Lack Of Economic Strategy
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has stated that the Northern Ireland Executive is currently operating without a clear plan to advance the local economy. Her comments followed the release of a report by the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, which investigated the region's economic growth.
SDLP Leader Criticises Executive Over Lack Of Economic Strategy
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has stated that the Northern Ireland Executive is currently operating without a clear plan to advance the local economy. Her comments followed the release of a report by the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, which investigated the region's economic growth.
23 March 2026
Consumer Council Shares Top Tips To Smooth Your Easter Getaway
With Easter break approaching and demand rising across air, sea, road and public transport, the Consumer Council is advising passengers to plan ahead to reduce queues, disruption and unexpected expenses.
Consumer Council Shares Top Tips To Smooth Your Easter Getaway
With Easter break approaching and demand rising across air, sea, road and public transport, the Consumer Council is advising passengers to plan ahead to reduce queues, disruption and unexpected expenses.
23 March 2026
Meningitis Ruled Out at Belfast School
Health authorities have confirmed that meningococcal disease has been ruled out following the notification of a probable case involving a pupil at a Belfast school on 17 March 2026. As a result of this finding, no further actions are necessary for pupils, friends, or any individuals who may have been in contact with the person in question.
Meningitis Ruled Out at Belfast School
Health authorities have confirmed that meningococcal disease has been ruled out following the notification of a probable case involving a pupil at a Belfast school on 17 March 2026. As a result of this finding, no further actions are necessary for pupils, friends, or any individuals who may have been in contact with the person in question.
23 March 2026
Health Minister's US Trip Bolsters Transatlantic Healthcare Partnerships
Northern Ireland's Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, has completed a six-day visit to the United States (16–21 March) aimed at deepening transatlantic cooperation and exchanging innovative practice to strengthen health and social care at home.
Health Minister's US Trip Bolsters Transatlantic Healthcare Partnerships
Northern Ireland's Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, has completed a six-day visit to the United States (16–21 March) aimed at deepening transatlantic cooperation and exchanging innovative practice to strengthen health and social care at home.
23 March 2026
Police Appeal Following North Belfast Imitation Firearm Incident
Police are appealing for information and witnesses following the arrest of a man in North Belfast on Friday evening, 20 March. Detective Sergeant Stevenson stated: "Shortly before 6.
Police Appeal Following North Belfast Imitation Firearm Incident
Police are appealing for information and witnesses following the arrest of a man in North Belfast on Friday evening, 20 March. Detective Sergeant Stevenson stated: "Shortly before 6.
23 March 2026
Business In The Community NI Backs Road Safety Campaign
Business in the Community Northern Ireland has joined the Department for Infrastructure's 'Share the Road to Zero' campaign, urging employers to champion safer driving and help cut deaths and serious injuries on local roads.
Business In The Community NI Backs Road Safety Campaign
Business in the Community Northern Ireland has joined the Department for Infrastructure's 'Share the Road to Zero' campaign, urging employers to champion safer driving and help cut deaths and serious injuries on local roads.
-
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.