24/06/2026
People With Disabilities Urged To Apply For All-Island Entrepreneurship Programme
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has encouraged people to apply for the Self Employment for Persons with Disabilities Programme, describing it as the only customised entrepreneurship programme for people with disabilities available in Ireland.
Hosted and delivered by TU Dublin, the programme aims to remove barriers by equipping disabled people with the skills and support needed to develop as entrepreneurs.
Introduced in Northern Ireland for the first time in 2025 through a collaboration between the Department for the Economy, Go Succeed and Disability Action, the initiative is now entering its second year here.
The Minister said: "I am delighted that, following a very successful first year of operating in the north, applications are now open for a second intake of this important programme.
"End of course feedback for this programme is incredibly positive, with 100% of students stating they would recommend it. It is the only customised entrepreneurship programme for people with disabilities available in Ireland, directly addressing the unique and often overlooked challenges that disabled entrepreneurs face on their journey to business ownership."
The programme is open to disabled people — including those with visible, invisible, sensory, learning, mental health or neurodivergent conditions — who want to start their own business. It is designed for those at an early stage of developing an idea. Weekly online lectures run for 12 weeks from September to December, and participants have the opportunity to gain an accredited award. Fully funded by AIB, it is free to take part.
Applications are open now until 17 July 2026, with selection based solely on the quality of the business idea.
Thomas Cooney, Course Director, said: "We have seen over five years what this programme does for people — it opens doors that many participants never believed were open to them. Launching here at Stormont in our second year of welcoming applicants from Northern Ireland sends a clear message: wherever you live on this island, and whatever barriers you face, your business idea deserves a chance."
Further information, including how to apply, is available via the TU Dublin website
.
Hosted and delivered by TU Dublin, the programme aims to remove barriers by equipping disabled people with the skills and support needed to develop as entrepreneurs.
Introduced in Northern Ireland for the first time in 2025 through a collaboration between the Department for the Economy, Go Succeed and Disability Action, the initiative is now entering its second year here.
The Minister said: "I am delighted that, following a very successful first year of operating in the north, applications are now open for a second intake of this important programme.
"End of course feedback for this programme is incredibly positive, with 100% of students stating they would recommend it. It is the only customised entrepreneurship programme for people with disabilities available in Ireland, directly addressing the unique and often overlooked challenges that disabled entrepreneurs face on their journey to business ownership."
Applications are open now until 17 July 2026, with selection based solely on the quality of the business idea.
Thomas Cooney, Course Director, said: "We have seen over five years what this programme does for people — it opens doors that many participants never believed were open to them. Launching here at Stormont in our second year of welcoming applicants from Northern Ireland sends a clear message: wherever you live on this island, and whatever barriers you face, your business idea deserves a chance."
Further information, including how to apply, is available via the TU Dublin website
.
Latest Northern Ireland News
24 June 2026
Belfast Rallies For Fleadh Cheoil As Six-Week Countdown Begins
Belfast is gearing up for a landmark cultural fortnight as the six-week countdown begins to Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
Belfast Rallies For Fleadh Cheoil As Six-Week Countdown Begins
Belfast is gearing up for a landmark cultural fortnight as the six-week countdown begins to Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
24 June 2026
Public Health Agency Shares Sun Safety And Heat Health Tips
Simple steps can limit sun damage when the UV index reaches 3 or above and help you stay cool during hotter spells. To reduce exposure to harmful UV rays: - Seek shade between 11.00am and 3.00pm, when the sun is strongest. - Cover skin with appropriate clothing. - Wear a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection.
Public Health Agency Shares Sun Safety And Heat Health Tips
Simple steps can limit sun damage when the UV index reaches 3 or above and help you stay cool during hotter spells. To reduce exposure to harmful UV rays: - Seek shade between 11.00am and 3.00pm, when the sun is strongest. - Cover skin with appropriate clothing. - Wear a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection.
24 June 2026
People With Disabilities Urged To Apply For All-Island Entrepreneurship Programme
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has encouraged people to apply for the Self Employment for Persons with Disabilities Programme, describing it as the only customised entrepreneurship programme for people with disabilities available in Ireland.
People With Disabilities Urged To Apply For All-Island Entrepreneurship Programme
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has encouraged people to apply for the Self Employment for Persons with Disabilities Programme, describing it as the only customised entrepreneurship programme for people with disabilities available in Ireland.
24 June 2026
Lyons Unveils £7.6 Million Boost For Stormont Sports Facilities
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has confirmed a £7.6 million package to upgrade cricket and multi-sport facilities at the Northern Ireland Civil Service Sports Association (NICSSA) complex in Stormont, formerly the Pavilion.
Lyons Unveils £7.6 Million Boost For Stormont Sports Facilities
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has confirmed a £7.6 million package to upgrade cricket and multi-sport facilities at the Northern Ireland Civil Service Sports Association (NICSSA) complex in Stormont, formerly the Pavilion.
24 June 2026
Assembly Approves Graduated Driver Licensing For October Rollout
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) in Northern Ireland has cleared a major milestone after the Assembly approved new Regulations on 23 June, paving the way for the scheme to commence on 1 October 2026.
Assembly Approves Graduated Driver Licensing For October Rollout
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) in Northern Ireland has cleared a major milestone after the Assembly approved new Regulations on 23 June, paving the way for the scheme to commence on 1 October 2026.
24 June 2026
Ministers Hail Shared Island Funding For Lough Neagh Water Quality Drive
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir MLA and Ireland's Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, have welcomed the Taoiseach's announcement of significant Shared Island Initiative investment to improve water quality in Lough Neagh, the island's largest freshwater lake. A total of £49.3m (€56.
Ministers Hail Shared Island Funding For Lough Neagh Water Quality Drive
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir MLA and Ireland's Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, have welcomed the Taoiseach's announcement of significant Shared Island Initiative investment to improve water quality in Lough Neagh, the island's largest freshwater lake. A total of £49.3m (€56.
24 June 2026
Fugitive Arrested in Scotland Extradited to Northern Ireland
A 45-year-old man wanted on suspicion of fraud and burglary offences has been arrested in Scotland and extradited to Northern Ireland. The individual is scheduled to appear before Laganside Magistrates' Court in relation to a number of outstanding arrest warrants.
Fugitive Arrested in Scotland Extradited to Northern Ireland
A 45-year-old man wanted on suspicion of fraud and burglary offences has been arrested in Scotland and extradited to Northern Ireland. The individual is scheduled to appear before Laganside Magistrates' Court in relation to a number of outstanding arrest warrants.
24 June 2026
Man Arrested After Safety Camera Van Damaged In Coagh
Police in Mid Ulster have arrested a 39-year-old man in connection with criminal damage caused to a safety camera van in Coagh on Monday afternoon, 22 June. The man was detained on 23 June on suspicion of offences including criminal damage and common assault, and remains in custody. The incident occurred on Ballinderry Bridge Road at 2.50pm.
Man Arrested After Safety Camera Van Damaged In Coagh
Police in Mid Ulster have arrested a 39-year-old man in connection with criminal damage caused to a safety camera van in Coagh on Monday afternoon, 22 June. The man was detained on 23 June on suspicion of offences including criminal damage and common assault, and remains in custody. The incident occurred on Ballinderry Bridge Road at 2.50pm.
24 June 2026
Pupils' Voices Shape Safer Journeys To School Programme
Children and young people have taken part in a series of focus groups to inform the Safer Journeys to School (SJS) programme. The initiative was set up by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins to enhance safety after tragic incidents involving children and buses highlighted risks when passengers are boarding and alighting.
Pupils' Voices Shape Safer Journeys To School Programme
Children and young people have taken part in a series of focus groups to inform the Safer Journeys to School (SJS) programme. The initiative was set up by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins to enhance safety after tragic incidents involving children and buses highlighted risks when passengers are boarding and alighting.
24 June 2026
NI Water Apprentice Highlights Engineering Intelligence
NI Water has marked International Women in Engineering Day (23 June) by profiling Higher Level Apprentice Katie Harper, whose work on live capital schemes is helping to deliver vital water and wastewater infrastructure for customers across Northern Ireland.
NI Water Apprentice Highlights Engineering Intelligence
NI Water has marked International Women in Engineering Day (23 June) by profiling Higher Level Apprentice Katie Harper, whose work on live capital schemes is helping to deliver vital water and wastewater infrastructure for customers across Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Dry with the morning cloud burning off to leave a warm or very warm day with sunny spells. Fresher around some coasts with sea breezes developing. Maximum temperature 24 °C.Tonight:A fine end to the day and staying mainly dry overnight. Thickening cloud could bring patchy rain. Winds mostly light. Minimum temperature 14 °C.