23/10/2026
Lyons Announces £900,000 For North Down Public Realm Refresh
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced £900,000 for a Public Realm Refresh Enhancement Scheme covering Bangor, Newtownards, Holywood, Comber and Donaghadee.
The initiative, to be delivered by Ards and North Down Borough Council, is part of ongoing efforts to support thriving town and city centres and builds on previous regeneration investment across the borough's five principal urban centres.
Announcing the funding, Minister Lyons said: "This underlines my department's ongoing commitment to supporting the regeneration and revitalisation of our towns and city centres. This funding will help protect previous public investment while improving the appearance, accessibility, and attractiveness of town centres for residents, visitors and businesses alike.
"These enhancements will contribute to cleaner, more welcoming places where people want to live, work, shop and visit. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this investment will have across the Ards and North Down Borough Council area."
The Public Realm Refresh Enhancement Scheme will provide improvements including paving repairs, new and upgraded street furniture, feature lighting, planting, CCTV enhancements, parklets and placemaking initiatives aimed at improving the appearance and functionality of the five town centres.
Work on the scheme is expected to be completed in 2028, with the council contributing £90,000 towards the project.
Mayor of Ards and North Down Borough Council, Councillor Craig Blaney, said: "This funding award represents a significant investment in the future of our city and towns and will play an important role in enhancing the quality, appearance, and accessibility of our public realm. These improvements will help protect existing investment, support local businesses, and create more attractive, welcoming, and vibrant spaces for residents, visitors, and investors alike.
"We very much welcome the Department's continued significant contribution to this programme and look forward to working in partnership with the Department and our Local Action Groups to deliver visible, lasting improvements that will benefit our communities, businesses, and the wider local economy."
The initiative, to be delivered by Ards and North Down Borough Council, is part of ongoing efforts to support thriving town and city centres and builds on previous regeneration investment across the borough's five principal urban centres.
Announcing the funding, Minister Lyons said: "This underlines my department's ongoing commitment to supporting the regeneration and revitalisation of our towns and city centres. This funding will help protect previous public investment while improving the appearance, accessibility, and attractiveness of town centres for residents, visitors and businesses alike.
"These enhancements will contribute to cleaner, more welcoming places where people want to live, work, shop and visit. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this investment will have across the Ards and North Down Borough Council area."
Work on the scheme is expected to be completed in 2028, with the council contributing £90,000 towards the project.
Mayor of Ards and North Down Borough Council, Councillor Craig Blaney, said: "This funding award represents a significant investment in the future of our city and towns and will play an important role in enhancing the quality, appearance, and accessibility of our public realm. These improvements will help protect existing investment, support local businesses, and create more attractive, welcoming, and vibrant spaces for residents, visitors, and investors alike.
"We very much welcome the Department's continued significant contribution to this programme and look forward to working in partnership with the Department and our Local Action Groups to deliver visible, lasting improvements that will benefit our communities, businesses, and the wider local economy."
Latest Northern Ireland News
23 October 2026
Yellow Weather Warning Issued As Storm Boelo Approaches
A yellow weather warning for strong winds has been issued for Northern Ireland as Storm Boelo is forecast to bring unsettled conditions on Saturday and Sunday. The warning covers all six counties and will come into effect at 6pm on Saturday, 24 October, remaining in place until 3pm on Sunday, 25 October.
Yellow Weather Warning Issued As Storm Boelo Approaches
A yellow weather warning for strong winds has been issued for Northern Ireland as Storm Boelo is forecast to bring unsettled conditions on Saturday and Sunday. The warning covers all six counties and will come into effect at 6pm on Saturday, 24 October, remaining in place until 3pm on Sunday, 25 October.
23 October 2026
Minister Urges Considerate Halloween Fireworks To Protect People And Pets
Halloween celebrations can be great fun, but they can also cause significant distress to vulnerable people and animals, the Department of Justice has warned. The Minister said: "I would like everyone who is planning to use fireworks this Halloween season to have a safe, enjoyable event.
Minister Urges Considerate Halloween Fireworks To Protect People And Pets
Halloween celebrations can be great fun, but they can also cause significant distress to vulnerable people and animals, the Department of Justice has warned. The Minister said: "I would like everyone who is planning to use fireworks this Halloween season to have a safe, enjoyable event.
23 October 2026
Kimmins Extends Part-Time 20mph Zones To 34 More Schools
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced that 34 additional schools across Northern Ireland will receive part-time 20mph speed limit schemes, marking the fourth phase of the initiative and bringing the total number of participating schools to 307 since 2020/21.
Kimmins Extends Part-Time 20mph Zones To 34 More Schools
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced that 34 additional schools across Northern Ireland will receive part-time 20mph speed limit schemes, marking the fourth phase of the initiative and bringing the total number of participating schools to 307 since 2020/21.
23 October 2026
NI Water Urges Households To Mark Water Night And Save Water
NI Water is calling on people to take part in Water Night on Thursday 22 October, setting aside one evening to reflect on the value of water and the simple, everyday actions that help protect this vital resource.
NI Water Urges Households To Mark Water Night And Save Water
NI Water is calling on people to take part in Water Night on Thursday 22 October, setting aside one evening to reflect on the value of water and the simple, everyday actions that help protect this vital resource.
23 October 2026
Campbell Urges Govt To End Barriers For Northern Ireland Car Dealers
DUP MP for East Londonderry Gregory Campbell has called on the Government to act quickly so car dealerships in Northern Ireland can compete fairly with counterparts in Great Britain. He raised concerns about obstacles preventing the sale of certain new vehicles in the region.
Campbell Urges Govt To End Barriers For Northern Ireland Car Dealers
DUP MP for East Londonderry Gregory Campbell has called on the Government to act quickly so car dealerships in Northern Ireland can compete fairly with counterparts in Great Britain. He raised concerns about obstacles preventing the sale of certain new vehicles in the region.
23 October 2026
HMRC Urges Early Self Assessment Filings With 100 Days Until Deadline
With 100 days remaining until the Self Assessment deadline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is encouraging millions of taxpayers to file early rather than wait for the January rush. The filing deadline for online Self Assessment tax returns for the 2025 to 2026 tax year is 31 January 2027, with around 12 million people expected to submit a return.
HMRC Urges Early Self Assessment Filings With 100 Days Until Deadline
With 100 days remaining until the Self Assessment deadline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is encouraging millions of taxpayers to file early rather than wait for the January rush. The filing deadline for online Self Assessment tax returns for the 2025 to 2026 tax year is 31 January 2027, with around 12 million people expected to submit a return.
23 October 2026
Lyons Announces £900,000 For North Down Public Realm Refresh
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced £900,000 for a Public Realm Refresh Enhancement Scheme covering Bangor, Newtownards, Holywood, Comber and Donaghadee.
Lyons Announces £900,000 For North Down Public Realm Refresh
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced £900,000 for a Public Realm Refresh Enhancement Scheme covering Bangor, Newtownards, Holywood, Comber and Donaghadee.
23 October 2026
Police Appeal For Witnesses After Assault On Woman In Newtownabbey
Police in Newtownabbey are seeking witnesses and information after a woman was assaulted on Thursday 22 October. Shortly before 10.30pm, several masked men reportedly entered a home in the Carnreagh Bend area. One of the men is said to have damaged a television and a window before attacking the female occupant with a bat.
Police Appeal For Witnesses After Assault On Woman In Newtownabbey
Police in Newtownabbey are seeking witnesses and information after a woman was assaulted on Thursday 22 October. Shortly before 10.30pm, several masked men reportedly entered a home in the Carnreagh Bend area. One of the men is said to have damaged a television and a window before attacking the female occupant with a bat.
23 October 2026
Police Arrest Three After Reported Stabbing In Templepatrick Area
Police have arrested three men following a reported stabbing in the Doagh area on Thursday evening, 22 October. At around 11.10pm, it was reported that a man sustained multiple stab wounds during an assault in the Templepatrick Road area. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service attended and the man was taken to hospital for treatment.
Police Arrest Three After Reported Stabbing In Templepatrick Area
Police have arrested three men following a reported stabbing in the Doagh area on Thursday evening, 22 October. At around 11.10pm, it was reported that a man sustained multiple stab wounds during an assault in the Templepatrick Road area. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service attended and the man was taken to hospital for treatment.
23 October 2026
Construction Bootcamp Gives Local Pupils First-Hand Insight Into Careers
More than 80 pupils from four schools in Antrim and Newtownabbey took part in a one-day Construction Bootcamp at CITB NI's Nutts Corner Training Centre on Tuesday 20 October.
Construction Bootcamp Gives Local Pupils First-Hand Insight Into Careers
More than 80 pupils from four schools in Antrim and Newtownabbey took part in a one-day Construction Bootcamp at CITB NI's Nutts Corner Training Centre on Tuesday 20 October.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Outbreaks of rain, heavy in the southeast, at first. The rain will clear east from the late morning to leave the afternoon dry with increasing bright or sunny spells. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Mostly dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east from midnight with outbreaks of rain following towards the morning. The wind will freshen towards morning. Minimum temperature 4 °C.