10/11/2026
Lyons Launches Consultation On Active Ageing Strategy Action Plan
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has opened a public consultation on a new Active Ageing Strategy Action Plan aimed at helping older people across Northern Ireland to live active, healthy and independent lives.
The plan supports delivery of the Active Ageing Strategy through to 2032 and sets out cross-government measures to promote independence, participation, wellbeing and inclusion, helping older people remain active and connected in their communities as Northern Ireland's population continues to age.
Launching the consultation, Minister Lyons said: "I know the importance of supporting people to live well as they grow older and creating communities where everyone can participate, contribute and live actively to their fullest potential.
He added: "Through this new action plan, we want to help ensure that Northern Ireland is a place where everyone can look forward to later life with confidence, dignity and opportunity."
The action plan complements the Department for Communities' wider work to support people as they age. Actions align with key departmental and Executive priorities, including tackling fuel poverty, improving housing conditions, enabling independent living, supporting employment and employability, and improving financial security.
The Minister continued: "This consultation provides an opportunity for everyone to help shape how the Northern Ireland Executive and my Department, working with partners across government, the voluntary and community sector, and local communities, will support active ageing in the years ahead.
"I want to hear views on how we can create more age-friendly communities and ensure older people continue to have opportunities to participate, contribute and thrive. Together, we can build a future where growing older means continuing to have choice, independence and a valued place in our communities."
The consultation is open now and runs until 4 January 2027. Information sessions will take place in Craigavon, Londonderry, Enniskillen, Ballymena and Belfast. Further details, including the consultation document, are available on the Department's website.
The plan supports delivery of the Active Ageing Strategy through to 2032 and sets out cross-government measures to promote independence, participation, wellbeing and inclusion, helping older people remain active and connected in their communities as Northern Ireland's population continues to age.
Launching the consultation, Minister Lyons said: "I know the importance of supporting people to live well as they grow older and creating communities where everyone can participate, contribute and live actively to their fullest potential.
He added: "Through this new action plan, we want to help ensure that Northern Ireland is a place where everyone can look forward to later life with confidence, dignity and opportunity."
The Minister continued: "This consultation provides an opportunity for everyone to help shape how the Northern Ireland Executive and my Department, working with partners across government, the voluntary and community sector, and local communities, will support active ageing in the years ahead.
"I want to hear views on how we can create more age-friendly communities and ensure older people continue to have opportunities to participate, contribute and thrive. Together, we can build a future where growing older means continuing to have choice, independence and a valued place in our communities."
The consultation is open now and runs until 4 January 2027. Information sessions will take place in Craigavon, Londonderry, Enniskillen, Ballymena and Belfast. Further details, including the consultation document, are available on the Department's website.
Latest Northern Ireland News
10 November 2026
Body Recovered From Lough Erne
Police have confirmed that a body was recovered from Lough Erne on Monday, 9 November. A specialist police search team recovered the body earlier in the afternoon.
Body Recovered From Lough Erne
Police have confirmed that a body was recovered from Lough Erne on Monday, 9 November. A specialist police search team recovered the body earlier in the afternoon.
10 November 2026
Refurbished Heritage Room At Belfast Harbour Reopens
Belfast Harbour has reopened its Heritage Room at the Harbour Office on Corporation Street after a major refurbishment and modernisation. The refreshed space explores the Port's history and its role in shaping the city and surrounding region.
Refurbished Heritage Room At Belfast Harbour Reopens
Belfast Harbour has reopened its Heritage Room at the Harbour Office on Corporation Street after a major refurbishment and modernisation. The refreshed space explores the Port's history and its role in shaping the city and surrounding region.
10 November 2026
Ferguson Urges Action After Northern Fans Blocked From FAI Cup Final
Sinn Féin MLA Ciara Ferguson has praised Derry City on their FAI Cup triumph and criticised RTÉ after supporters in the North were unable to watch the final due to geo-blocking.
Ferguson Urges Action After Northern Fans Blocked From FAI Cup Final
Sinn Féin MLA Ciara Ferguson has praised Derry City on their FAI Cup triumph and criticised RTÉ after supporters in the North were unable to watch the final due to geo-blocking.
10 November 2026
Police And Foyle Down Syndrome Trust Project Hailed As Valuable Learning Experience
A partnership between police in L'Derry and Foyle Down Syndrome Trust (FDST) has been credited with helping to build confidence, trust and understanding between officers and participants. Founded in 1995 by local parents, FDST set out with a clear aim: to nurture and empower children with Down syndrome through inclusive support.
Police And Foyle Down Syndrome Trust Project Hailed As Valuable Learning Experience
A partnership between police in L'Derry and Foyle Down Syndrome Trust (FDST) has been credited with helping to build confidence, trust and understanding between officers and participants. Founded in 1995 by local parents, FDST set out with a clear aim: to nurture and empower children with Down syndrome through inclusive support.
10 November 2026
New Belfast Grand Central Bus Lanes Go Live
New bus lanes on Boyne Bridge Place and Hope Street in Belfast came into operation on Monday 9 November 2026, to improve public transport movement around Grand Central Station as final works in the area near completion. The lanes operate Monday to Saturday, from 7am to 7pm.
New Belfast Grand Central Bus Lanes Go Live
New bus lanes on Boyne Bridge Place and Hope Street in Belfast came into operation on Monday 9 November 2026, to improve public transport movement around Grand Central Station as final works in the area near completion. The lanes operate Monday to Saturday, from 7am to 7pm.
10 November 2026
Lyons Launches Consultation On Active Ageing Strategy Action Plan
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has opened a public consultation on a new Active Ageing Strategy Action Plan aimed at helping older people across Northern Ireland to live active, healthy and independent lives.
Lyons Launches Consultation On Active Ageing Strategy Action Plan
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has opened a public consultation on a new Active Ageing Strategy Action Plan aimed at helping older people across Northern Ireland to live active, healthy and independent lives.
10 November 2026
Council Backs Major Schemes In Bessbrook, Kilkeel And Newry
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council's Planning Committee has approved three significant projects in Bessbrook, Kilkeel and Newry. At a committee meeting, councillors signed off plans to regenerate the former Bessbrook Mill, deliver a new state-of-the-art campus for St Louis Grammar School in Kilkeel, and expand Rathore Special School in Newry.
Council Backs Major Schemes In Bessbrook, Kilkeel And Newry
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council's Planning Committee has approved three significant projects in Bessbrook, Kilkeel and Newry. At a committee meeting, councillors signed off plans to regenerate the former Bessbrook Mill, deliver a new state-of-the-art campus for St Louis Grammar School in Kilkeel, and expand Rathore Special School in Newry.
10 November 2026
Tennyson Labels DUP Move To Invoke Stormont Brake A Stunt
Alliance Party Deputy Leader Eóin Tennyson MLA has criticised a move by unionist politicians to trigger the Stormont brake, after they submitted a request to do so this evening. Eóin Tennyson said: "This is yet another cynical and self-defeating stunt. "With a major UK-EU Summit just weeks away, this intervention is particularly counterproductive.
Tennyson Labels DUP Move To Invoke Stormont Brake A Stunt
Alliance Party Deputy Leader Eóin Tennyson MLA has criticised a move by unionist politicians to trigger the Stormont brake, after they submitted a request to do so this evening. Eóin Tennyson said: "This is yet another cynical and self-defeating stunt. "With a major UK-EU Summit just weeks away, this intervention is particularly counterproductive.
09 November 2026
Operation Drive Insured Targets Uninsured Drivers Across Northern Ireland
As part of a UK-wide effort to clamp down on uninsured motoring, the Police Service of Northern Ireland will run targeted operations across the region this week to ensure motorists and vehicles have valid cover. Operation Drive Insured runs from Monday 9 November until Sunday 15 November.
Operation Drive Insured Targets Uninsured Drivers Across Northern Ireland
As part of a UK-wide effort to clamp down on uninsured motoring, the Police Service of Northern Ireland will run targeted operations across the region this week to ensure motorists and vehicles have valid cover. Operation Drive Insured runs from Monday 9 November until Sunday 15 November.
09 November 2026
SDLP Unveils Three-Phase Plan To End Stormont Stalemate
The SDLP Opposition has unveiled a comprehensive reform blueprint to overhaul Stormont, improve democratic oversight and end the recurring crises that have hampered devolved government in recent decades.
SDLP Unveils Three-Phase Plan To End Stormont Stalemate
The SDLP Opposition has unveiled a comprehensive reform blueprint to overhaul Stormont, improve democratic oversight and end the recurring crises that have hampered devolved government in recent decades.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Most places will stay dry throughout the day. Much of the day will stay cloudy but some bright or sunny spells will begin to spread south from the late afternoon. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:The evening will be cloudy but dry with clear spells in the north. The night will continue dry with clear spells soon spreading south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.