NEWS

Laura Harbard taking part from the comfort of indoors Eleanor Bentall (RSPB Images) Hundreds of thousands of people across the UK are being encouraged to take part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2026, as the world’s largest garden wildlife survey returns at a critical time for nature. Taking place from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 January 2026 , the annual Birdwatch invites people to spend just one hour observing and counting the birds they see in their garden, local green space,

The 2025 Agricultural Census for Northern Ireland, published on Thursday 11 December by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), paints a picture of a farming sector that remains resilient but is continuing to evolve in response to economic pressures, environmental demands and changing markets. Based on data captured as of 1 June 2025, the census provides a comprehensive snapshot of active farm businesses across Northern Ireland, drawing on an onl

Police in Magherafelt have issued a public appeal for assistance in identifying the body of a man found in the Diamond area of the town earlier today, Sunday 14th December. Officers were alerted to the discovery during the morning, prompting an immediate investigation. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has confirmed that the man is believed to have died within the past 24 hours and that his death is not being treated as suspicious at this time. Inspector Knipe has

Inset: Councillor Alan Barr Braid Ulster Unionist Councillor Alan Barr has urged the public to remain vigilant to the signs of domestic abuse during the winter months, warning that heightened financial, emotional and social pressures can place victims at greater risk across Mid and East Antrim. Councillor Barr said “domestic violence is a serious crime. It devastates lives and families. It can be carried out by both men and women on their partners. Sadly, children can also

A security alert in the Ballyclare area has ended following a major public safety operation involving police and Ammunition Technical Officers. Police confirmed they received a report of a suspicious object located outside a property in the Ballylagan Road area shortly after 9am on Sunday, 14 December. Officers attended the scene and established a number of temporary cordons while the object was examined. Detective Inspector Hanbidge said: “Our officers attended the scene tog

(L-R): Mark Haynes, Consultant Urologist; Dr Raymond McKee, Divisional Medical Director; Sr Pamela Fitzpatrick. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has highlighted the growing role of Daisy Hill Hospital in helping reduce waiting lists across Northern Ireland, describing the site as an important contributor to the wider transformation of elective care delivery. During a visit to the hospital’s theatres, Elective Overnight Stay Centre (EOSC) and paediatric elective ward, the Minister

(L-R) – Adam Keefe, Head Coach, Belfast Giants; and Steve Thornton, Sports Director, The Odyssey Trust with the 2026 3ICE World Cup logo outside The SSE Arena, Belfast. The SSE Arena, Belfast is set to take centre stage on the global ice hockey calendar after being confirmed as the host venue for the inaugural 3ICE World Cup, scheduled to take place on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July 2026. The announcement, made by The Odyssey Trust, marks a major sporting milestone for Northern

SuperValu and Centra Marketing Manager Jennifer Whyte with Santa Claws which will visit Fairhill Shopping Centre, Ballymena this week. Shoppers in Ballymena are set for a festive treat this Christmas as SuperValu and Centra bring their nostalgic ‘Santa Claws’ arcade experience to Fairhill Shopping Centre, offering the chance to win instant prizes — and even a dream family trip to New York. On Thursday 18th December , the popular retail brands will host a festive community eve

Former Ulsterbus parking site in Cushendall Plans for valet parking at a former Ulsterbus parking site in Cushendall have been submitted to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. The proposal seeks a change of use at the former parking site on Ballyemon Road in the village and has recently been lodged via the council’s planning portal. According to an accompanying Design and Access Statement, the proposal is linked to separate plans for alterations and an extension to th

Lord Craigavon’s tomb TUV MLA Timothy Gaston has welcomed confirmation that Stormont officials will begin work to address what he described as the “shocking deterioration” of Lord Craigavon’s tomb at Parliament Buildings, following questions he raised at the Assembly. The Grade A listed structure, which marks the final resting place of Northern Ireland’s first Prime Minister, has suffered years of visible neglect despite its architectural and historic significance and its pro

Pictured at the Northern Trust Recovery College 10-year-anniversary event are Jacqui Armstrong, Transformation Lead for Intermediate Care and Integrated Discharge, Petra Corr, Director of Mental Health, Learning Disability and Psychological Services, Janice Gray, Service Manager, Joy Hammond, Head of Service, Mental Health & Recovery Services and Jen Hood, Interim Assistant Director. The Northern Trust Recovery College is marking a decade of supporting mental health and wellb

The Health Minister has urged the public to support timely discharge from hospital as part of wider efforts to protect Health and Social Care (HSC) services during the winter months, when seasonal illness places increased strain on already stretched services. During a visit to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt saw first-hand the level of pressure facing hospital staff as admissions rise over winter. The visit included the Belfast Trust’s Dis

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has issued a renewed appeal for household fire safety after a woman died following a house fire in Dunmurry, marking the third fatal fire within a 24-hour period. Firefighters were called to reports of a house fire at Areema Drive, Dunmurry, at 3.51am on Saturday morning. Two appliances from Lisburn Fire Station and one from Cadogan Fire Station attended the incident. Smoke alarms alerted the occupants of the property, enabli

Trading Standards Service (TSS) has seized more than £22,000 worth of counterfeit toys from high street retailers and shopping centres, issuing a stark warning to families ahead of the Christmas shopping rush. The haul included fake Labubu dolls, K Pop Demon Hunters merchandise, Lego figures and Disney’s Lilo & Stitch products. Some of the counterfeit items were being sold for as much as £80, potentially misleading consumers into believing they were genuine branded goods. TSS

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has issued an urgent appeal for households to prioritise fire safety following two fatal house fires attended within a matter of hours. Firefighters were called to two separate incidents on Friday, 12 December 2025, both of which resulted in the tragic loss of life. The incidents, which occurred in Belfast and Bangor, are currently under investigation. The first incident was reported at 10.55am, when firefighters from Westlan

Northern Ireland consumers are leading the UK in festive confidence, early planning and online purchasing, according to PwC’s latest Festive Predictions Survey —which reveals the region is bucking national spending trends this Christmas. One in three Northern Irish consumers (31%) plans to spend more on gifts, food, and celebrations this year, more than double the UK average of 15%. Only 4% expect to reduce their festive spending, compared to 14% across the UK, signalling str

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has announced a series of festive service changes to ensure bin collections, recycling centres and key public facilities continue running smoothly over the Christmas and New Year period. A Council spokesperson said the temporary adjustments have been introduced “as we come together to celebrate the season,” adding: “These temporary adjustments to bin collections, recycling centres and public facilities will help ensure our services continu

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for Northern Ireland, with forecasters cautioning that “periods of heavy rain may lead to travel disruption and some flooding” between 00:00 on Sunday 14 December and 06:00 on Monday 15 December 2025. According to the warning, “outbreaks of rain will affect Northern Ireland Sunday and clear away on Monday morning.” The rain is expected to be “heavy and persistent at times with accumulations of 20–30 mm expected to develop

Missing man: 56-year-old Bryn Williams Police and the family of missing Groomsport man Bryn Williams have issued a renewed appeal for information as concern for the 56-year-old’s welfare continues to grow. Mr Williams was last seen in his home town on Saturday, 6th December, with his final contact with family occurring at around 6pm. He is described as approximately 5ft 10in tall, of slim build, with dark hair. Family’s plea: “We just want him home safe in time for Christmas”

Wrightbus CEO Axel J. Maschka meeting staff The newly appointed CEO of zero-emission public transport pioneer Wrightbus has brought together all 2,000 members of staff to share his strategic vision for the year ahead. Axel J. Maschka, who joined the Ballymena-based manufacturer from Hyundai Mobis at the beginning of December, addressed the workforce during a mass meeting on Wednesday (10 December). He opened by thanking employees for their contribution throughout 2025 but cau