09/04/2026
DAERA Opens Applications For 2026-27 Regional Food Programme
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has officially opened the 2026-27 Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme (NIRFP).
This year's programme has been expanded to encourage wider participation, supporting a more diverse range of applicants and projects that align with the Food Strategy Framework (FSF) and the Food Action Plan (FAP).
Applications are welcome from registered charities and not-for-profit organisations. For the 2026-27 period, the NIRFP will operate across two distinct tranches:
• Tranche 1 is currently open for applications from 8 April until 29 April 2026, covering projects scheduled between 1 May and 30 September 2026.
• Tranche 2 will accept applications from 20 July to 10 August 2026, for projects taking place between 1 October 2026 and 31 March 2027.
The updated objectives of the NIRFP focus on promoting nutritious, locally produced food to improve public health and wellbeing, while also enhancing the environmental sustainability and resilience of agri-food supply chains. Additionally, the programme aims to foster a local agri-food sector driven by innovation and prosperity, helping to build a more food-conscious society.
Historically, the initiative has provided vital financial assistance for regional exhibitions, seminars, and information programmes. The current funding round is specifically for projects occurring between May and September 2026. Interested parties must submit their applications by 4:00pm on Wednesday 29 April 2026, with all awards remaining subject to budget availability.
This year's programme has been expanded to encourage wider participation, supporting a more diverse range of applicants and projects that align with the Food Strategy Framework (FSF) and the Food Action Plan (FAP).
Applications are welcome from registered charities and not-for-profit organisations. For the 2026-27 period, the NIRFP will operate across two distinct tranches:
• Tranche 1 is currently open for applications from 8 April until 29 April 2026, covering projects scheduled between 1 May and 30 September 2026.
The updated objectives of the NIRFP focus on promoting nutritious, locally produced food to improve public health and wellbeing, while also enhancing the environmental sustainability and resilience of agri-food supply chains. Additionally, the programme aims to foster a local agri-food sector driven by innovation and prosperity, helping to build a more food-conscious society.
Historically, the initiative has provided vital financial assistance for regional exhibitions, seminars, and information programmes. The current funding round is specifically for projects occurring between May and September 2026. Interested parties must submit their applications by 4:00pm on Wednesday 29 April 2026, with all awards remaining subject to budget availability.
Latest Northern Ireland News
09 April 2026
No Evidence Against Officer In Katie Simpson Case – Ombudsman
Investigators from the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland have found no evidence to substantiate a criminal allegation against a police officer involved in the PSNI investigation into the murder of Katie Simpson.
No Evidence Against Officer In Katie Simpson Case – Ombudsman
Investigators from the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland have found no evidence to substantiate a criminal allegation against a police officer involved in the PSNI investigation into the murder of Katie Simpson.
09 April 2026
Foyle MLA Gary Middleton To Resign from Northern Ireland Assembly
Gary Middleton MLA has announced his resignation from the Northern Ireland Assembly, effective Friday 10 April. In a personal statement, the Foyle representative revealed that he is stepping down due to significant ongoing mental health challenges, noting that he needs to prioritise his full recovery.
Foyle MLA Gary Middleton To Resign from Northern Ireland Assembly
Gary Middleton MLA has announced his resignation from the Northern Ireland Assembly, effective Friday 10 April. In a personal statement, the Foyle representative revealed that he is stepping down due to significant ongoing mental health challenges, noting that he needs to prioritise his full recovery.
09 April 2026
Two Arrested And Drugs Seized Following Police Searches
Police searches conducted across Newtownstewart, Killen, and Castlederg on Wednesday, 8 April, have resulted in the seizure of suspected Class A and Class B controlled drugs. The operation, led by the Derg Neighbourhood Policing Team, also uncovered a quantity of cash, a suspected imitation firearm, and several electronic devices.
Two Arrested And Drugs Seized Following Police Searches
Police searches conducted across Newtownstewart, Killen, and Castlederg on Wednesday, 8 April, have resulted in the seizure of suspected Class A and Class B controlled drugs. The operation, led by the Derg Neighbourhood Policing Team, also uncovered a quantity of cash, a suspected imitation firearm, and several electronic devices.
09 April 2026
O'Toole Slams Executive Silence Amid Energy And Fuel Price Squeeze
Matthew O'Toole MLA has accused the Executive of failing to show leadership during an international crisis that has driven up household energy and fuel bills across Northern Ireland. He said the administration had, for weeks, provided little beyond appeals to London and had not set out concrete proposals to deliver available support to families.
O'Toole Slams Executive Silence Amid Energy And Fuel Price Squeeze
Matthew O'Toole MLA has accused the Executive of failing to show leadership during an international crisis that has driven up household energy and fuel bills across Northern Ireland. He said the administration had, for weeks, provided little beyond appeals to London and had not set out concrete proposals to deliver available support to families.
09 April 2026
Hospitality Ulster Backs PHA's 'Talking Really Helps' Mental Health Drive
Hospitality Ulster has announced its backing for the Public Health Agency's (PHA) 'Talking Really Helps' campaign, which seeks to normalise conversations about mental health and promote Lifeline, Northern Ireland's free, confidential, round-the-clock crisis response service.
Hospitality Ulster Backs PHA's 'Talking Really Helps' Mental Health Drive
Hospitality Ulster has announced its backing for the Public Health Agency's (PHA) 'Talking Really Helps' campaign, which seeks to normalise conversations about mental health and promote Lifeline, Northern Ireland's free, confidential, round-the-clock crisis response service.
09 April 2026
Larne Police Appeal For Witnesses After Hit-And-Run Collision
The incident, which occurred at around 1.40pm near the junction of Ballyboley Road and Donaghys Lane, involved a teenage cyclist and a white jeep-style car. The boy was knocked onto the car’s bonnet and then onto the road, sustaining cuts and bruises that required hospital treatment.
Larne Police Appeal For Witnesses After Hit-And-Run Collision
The incident, which occurred at around 1.40pm near the junction of Ballyboley Road and Donaghys Lane, involved a teenage cyclist and a white jeep-style car. The boy was knocked onto the car’s bonnet and then onto the road, sustaining cuts and bruises that required hospital treatment.
09 April 2026
The Bedford Hotel Opens Early After Landmark Restoration
The Bedford Hotel, set within the 1904 Scottish Baronial‑style Scottish Mutual Building, has officially opened to the public today. A ribbon‑cutting ceremony at the entrance marked the launch, led by General Manager Mike Gatt alongside Martina Connolly, CEO of Belfast One BID.
The Bedford Hotel Opens Early After Landmark Restoration
The Bedford Hotel, set within the 1904 Scottish Baronial‑style Scottish Mutual Building, has officially opened to the public today. A ribbon‑cutting ceremony at the entrance marked the launch, led by General Manager Mike Gatt alongside Martina Connolly, CEO of Belfast One BID.
09 April 2026
DAERA Opens Applications For 2026-27 Regional Food Programme
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has officially opened the 2026-27 Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme (NIRFP).
DAERA Opens Applications For 2026-27 Regional Food Programme
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has officially opened the 2026-27 Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme (NIRFP).
09 April 2026
New Partnership Launched To Combat Business Crime in Belfast City Centre
Belfast's three Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)—Belfast One, Cathedral Quarter, and Linen Quarter—have officially launched a new Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP).
New Partnership Launched To Combat Business Crime in Belfast City Centre
Belfast's three Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)—Belfast One, Cathedral Quarter, and Linen Quarter—have officially launched a new Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP).
09 April 2026
Lidl Begins Construction On First Public House At Dundonald Store
Lidl Northern Ireland has officially started construction on a new public house and associated off-sales facility at its existing Dundonald store. This development marks a significant milestone for the retailer, as it prepares to showcase its award-winning range of wines, beers, and spirits in a dedicated hospitality environment.
Lidl Begins Construction On First Public House At Dundonald Store
Lidl Northern Ireland has officially started construction on a new public house and associated off-sales facility at its existing Dundonald store. This development marks a significant milestone for the retailer, as it prepares to showcase its award-winning range of wines, beers, and spirits in a dedicated hospitality environment.
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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.