NEWS

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has issued a stark warning to communities as it marks CE Awareness Day — revealing new figures on child exploitation and announcing an expanded crackdown on the growing threat of criminal grooming. While child sexual exploitation remains a major concern, police say vulnerable young people are increasingly being targeted by organised crime networks and coerced into illegal activity, including drug supply. New data highlights scale of conc

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir pictured with PSNI Superintendent Chris Hamill and NIFRS Area Commander Ryan Thompson as the department and agencies issue a reminder about wildfire season. A stark warning has been issued to the public as authorities move to a default ‘Yellow’ wildfire risk across Northern Ireland, with officials urging vigilance to prevent a repeat of last year’s devastating blazes. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Northern Ire

Ross Lorimer of Lakeland Dairies presents a scholarship award to Ballymena student Megan Ross at the CAFRE Industry Support event. Students from Ballymena, Portglenone and Toomebridge have been recognised among the next generation of agri-food talent, securing bursaries and scholarships at a major industry-backed awards event in Cookstown. The presentation, hosted at CAFRE’s Loughry Campus, saw significant financial backing from leading agri-food businesses awarded to student

Recent flooding in the Antrim area. (Pic: Councillor Paul Dunlop BEM) A stark admission from Stormont has laid bare failings in the initial response to January’s flooding in Antrim, with South Antrim MP Robin Swann warning that residents were left vulnerable as unsuitable equipment struggled to keep pace with rising waters. In a letter responding to his concerns, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins confirmed that early efforts to tackle flooding in the Riverside area were i

Health officials have reassured the public in Northern Ireland there is no increased risk from a meningitis outbreak in South East England — but are urging people to stay alert to the warning signs of the potentially life-threatening illness. The Public Health Agency (PHA) said it is closely monitoring the situation, with the UK Health Security Agency leading the response in England. While the outbreak has not impacted Northern Ireland, experts stress that rapid recognition

North Antrim MLA Sian Mulholland with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham during his recent visit to Northern Ireland. North Antrim MLA Sian Mulholland has welcomed confirmation that 55 new electric buses will be built in Ballymena for Greater Manchester’s Bee Network, describing the investment as a major vote of confidence in Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector and workforce. The buses will be produced by Ballymena manufacturer Wrightbus, with the order forming part of

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir speaking to more than 200 international guests at a St Patrick’s Day networking event in Brussels Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector has a “huge advantage” thanks to its dual access to both European Union and Great Britain markets, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has said during a high-profile visit to Brussels. Speaking to more than 200 international guests at a St Patrick’s Day networking event, the Minister positioned Northern Ireland as uniquely p

North Antrim MP Jim Allister, speaking in Parliament A new European court ruling on gender recognition has sparked fresh constitutional concerns in Northern Ireland, with TUV leader Jim Allister warning it could override a landmark UK Supreme Court decision. The North Antrim MP has raised urgent questions with the UK Government after the European Court of Justice ruled in favour of a transgender woman in the so-called Shipova case—potentially setting up a legal clash with do

Steam engines, vintage tractors, classic lorries and historic vehicles will gather at Raceview Mill this St Patrick’s Day as enthusiasts recreate a working display of “yesterday’s machines” in one of County Antrim’s most historic settings. Organised by the Traction Engine Club of Ulster, the special vintage showcase will take place on Tuesday 17 March 2026 from 11.00am until around 3.00pm , bringing together collectors and the public for a celebration of engineering heritage

A new recruitment campaign offering careers maintaining Northern Ireland’s road network has been launched, with opportunities ranging from industrial roadworker roles to trainee civil engineering posts. Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins announced the two competitions, which aim to strengthen the workforce responsible for keeping the region’s roads safe, maintained and operating efficiently. The campaign is seeking applicants for Industrial Road Worker positions across North

Northern Ireland’s rapidly expanding sports-leisure scene has gained another boost with the opening of a new padel facility in Ballymoney, as the world’s fastest-growing racket sport continues to surge in popularity. Let’s Go Padel officially opened its latest venue to the public on Saturday, 7 March, marking the company’s seventh location across Northern Ireland and a further step in its strategy to bring the rapidly growing sport to more communities. The Ballymoney site joi

Oil tanker Finance Minister John O’Dowd has criticised a new funding package aimed at helping households with rising heating oil costs, warning the support could amount to just £35 per home in Northern Ireland. The Minister said the £17.2 million allocated for heating oil support in 2026/27 is “disappointing and falls far short of what is needed” , given the region’s heavy reliance on oil for home heating. His comments follow confirmation from the UK Government that funding

CGI of proposed new Home Bargains store in Antrim Residents are being invited to have their say on plans for a new Home Bargains store in Antrim, as a formal community consultation process gets underway ahead of a planning application. Developers behind the proposal have launched a Pre-Application Community Consultation (PACC) on plans to redevelop the former Townparks car showroom site on Ballymena Road, just southeast of the Springfarm Roundabout. The consultation allows me

Families across Northern Ireland are set to receive a share of a new £50 million support package aimed at helping households struggling with soaring heating oil prices. The UK Government has confirmed that £17 million will be allocated to Northern Ireland, where reliance on heating oil is significantly higher than in other parts of the UK, leaving many families exposed to sudden price spikes. The announcement comes as kerosene — the fuel used in most home heating oil systems

Galgorm Collection has announced a new sponsorship partnership with the Antrim Camogie Minor squad. Sean Kelly, Antrim Camogie Public Relations Officer is pictured with Tiarnán O’Neill, Chief Financial Officer at Galgorm Collection and some members of the Antrim Camogie Minor squad. A new partnership between Galgorm Collection and the Antrim Camogie Minor squad is set to provide a significant boost for the county’s rising players as they prepare for the season ahead. The h

A man has been charged with multiple offences following a disturbing incident in Portglenone in which a woman was reportedly assaulted and forced into a vehicle on a busy village street. Detectives investigating the incident in the Main Street area of Portglenone on Saturday evening, 14 March, confirmed that a 42-year-old man has now been charged to court. The development follows an earlier report from a member of the public that a male assaulted a female at around 10pm, alle

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly in Washington DC last year. Northern Ireland will be firmly in the international spotlight this week as Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly travels to Washington, D.C. for a packed programme of events marking St Patrick’s Day. The deputy First Minister said the visit is a key opportunity to promote Northern Ireland internationally, strengthen economic ties with the United States, and champion local businesses on a global stage

Sinn Féin political banner opposite Ballycastle Presbyterian Church, and the banner subsequently removed. A political banner placed opposite a church in Ballycastle ahead of St Patrick’s Day has been swiftly removed after concerns were raised by North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows , who said the move helped protect the town’s tradition of positive cross-community relations. The Ulster Unionist Party leader said the large Sinn Féin banner had appeared opposite Ballycastle Presbyteria

Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a woman was reportedly assaulted and forced into a vehicle in a disturbing incident in Portglenone on Saturday night. Police say the incident happened on Main Street at around 10pm on Saturday, 14 March, when a member of the public reported seeing a male assault a female. According to officers, the woman was punched to the head and face before being forced into a black Nissan Qashqai. A 42-year-old man has since been arrested on su

A small farm in Rostrevor has been the scene of a disturbing animal attack after thirteen lambs were discovered dead, with police describing the killings as “shocking”. The lambs, found on Drumsesk Road, had apparently been deliberately killed with their necks broken, prompting an urgent appeal for information from the public. Night of terror on the farm The incident is believed to have occurred overnight between 7pm on Friday, 13 March, and 7.45am on Saturday, 14 March. Insp