NEWS

Motorists across the Ballymena and Ballymoney areas faced disruption this morning after a series of road traffic collisions were reported on key routes, prompting police to urge drivers to seek alternative journeys. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed that several incidents occurred on Wednesday 25 March, affecting both commuter and local traffic in the area. Series of collisions on Frosses Road Two separate collisions were reported on the Frosses Road in

Kintra ferry crossing the Rathlin Sound. (Image: Shauna Fannin) A new summer ferry timetable for Rathlin Island has been confirmed — with extra early weekend sailings designed to support workers and boost the island’s busy tourism season. Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins announced the updated schedule will run from Friday 3 April to Wednesday 30 September 2026, introducing an additional return crossing every Saturday and Sunday morning. The new sailings will depart Rathlin

easyJet’s new ultra-lightweight “Kestrel” seats on incoming Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft easyJet has announced a major cabin upgrade that promises more legroom for passengers while cutting tens of thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions each year — a move the airline says will reshape both comfort and efficiency across its future fleet. From 2028, the airline will begin installing new ultra-lightweight “Kestrel” seats on incoming Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft, of

Motorists across the UK are facing a sharp rise in fuel costs, with diesel prices climbing to their highest level in more than three years and further increases expected in the days ahead. The latest data and analysis from the RAC paints a stark picture for drivers, particularly as households prepare for the busy Easter travel period. Diesel drivers hit hardest According to RAC head of policy Simon Williams , diesel users are bearing the brunt of the surge. “Given how many re

The new Northern Quarter officially opens after a £1 million investment at Belfast International Airport A major transformation of the passenger experience at Belfast International Airport has been unveiled, with the official opening of the new Northern Quarter following a £1 million investment that has also created 40 new jobs. The new Northern Quarter Bar & Kitchen replaces the airport’s former food court with a modern, single 180-seat restaurant and bar, alongside a dedica

Anyone planning a holiday or needing to renew their passport is being urged to act quickly, as new UK passport fees are set to come into force from 8 April 2026. The increases, subject to parliamentary approval, will affect almost every type of application — meaning waiting even a few weeks could cost applicants more. What’s changing? The new fee structure will see notable rises across online, postal, premium, and overseas applications: Standard online (UK): Adults: £94.50 →

Entrance to Ballymena Park & Ride off Princes Street A major new park and ride development at Ballymena Train and Rail Station has been given a boost of confidence after local MLA Paul Frew secured key reassurances from Translink over access and parking concerns. The project — which will deliver 387 additional spaces — had sparked questions among residents about whether existing facilities would be affected. However, Frew has confirmed that both current parking and pedestria

Belfast city (Pic: K. Mitch Hodge) Visitors heading to Belfast for St Patrick’s Day celebrations are being urged to plan ahead, with police warning that several major events will bring traffic disruption across the city centre. A packed schedule of festivities on Monday will see thousands gather for the popular SPAR Craic 10K and the annual carnival parade, prompting road management measures and diversions throughout the day. Police say motorists should expect delays and foll

Motorists and commuters across Northern Ireland are being urged to prepare for difficult travel conditions on Thursday morning as strong winds and heavy rain sweep across the region. A yellow weather warning has been issued covering the period from 6:00am to 12:00pm on Thursday, 12 March 2026 , with forecasters warning that gusty winds combined with heavy rain could disrupt morning journeys. Gusts of up to 60mph possible Southwesterly winds are expected to strengthen during t

Passengers across Northern Ireland are being urged to plan ahead for travel this St Patrick’s Day, as public transport services switch to holiday timetables. Translink has confirmed that buses and trains will operate altered schedules for the St Patrick’s Day Bank Holiday on Tuesday, 17 March, affecting services across the network. The changes mean many routes will run reduced or alternative timetables typically used during weekends or school holidays. For bus passengers, Uls

Travellers from Northern Ireland are being urged to carefully check their rights before cancelling holidays as escalating conflict in the Middle East continues to trigger widespread disruption to global air travel. Thousands of flights have already been cancelled as airspace across parts of the region remains heavily restricted, creating uncertainty for passengers and leaving tens of thousands of UK citizens stranded in Gulf countries while they await evacuation. Holidaymaker

Drivers dropping passengers at Belfast International Airport will soon pay significantly more, with the airport confirming a sharp rise in its drop-off tariff from Monday 9 March. The charge in the airport’s drop-off zone will increase from £3 to £5 — a jump of more than 65 per cent — in a move the airport says reflects wider financial strain on businesses across Northern Ireland. A spokesperson for Belfast International Airport said: “From Monday 9th March the tariff in our

Minister Kimmins is pictured with Sarah Schaefer, ESG Director and John McLeister, Managing Director of Sales for the UK and Ireland The push to decarbonise Northern Ireland’s transport network took centre stage in Ballymena this week as Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins visited Wrightbus to see first-hand how the sector is shaping the journey to net zero. Touring the factory floor, the Minister met staff and viewed progress on zero-emission bus technology that is already

Belfast International Airport, County Antrim A major international accolade has placed Northern Ireland’s busiest airport firmly on the European stage — with Belfast International Airport crowned Best Airport at Departures (5 to 15 million passengers) in Europe. The award, presented as part of the 2025 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Customer Experience Awards by Airports Council International (ACI), recognises excellence in the departing passenger experience — and is based ent

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced an additional £2.5million investment in essential roads maintenance this financial year, reinforcing her commitment to tackling the toll recent severe weather has taken on Northern Ireland’s road network. Since December, Minister Kimmins has overseen more than £40million in roads funding, including a £30million December Monitoring Allocation supporting 40 resurfacing schemes and a £7.85million Winter Recovery Road Fund targeti

Alderman Stewart McDonald welcomes the confirmation of resurfacing works on Sand Road, Galgorm Resurfacing works on Sand Road, Galgorm are expected to commence soon after confirmation from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), with short-term disruption anticipated while the improvement scheme is carried out. TUV Alderman Stewart McDonald welcomed the update, describing the long-awaited road maintenance as necessary and beneficial for the area. “I welcome confirmation fro

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for Northern Ireland for rain and snow, in force from 04:00 to 20:00 on Wednesday 18 February 2026, with disruption to travel possible across the province. The warning, which impacts all parts of Northern Ireland, highlights the risk of outbreaks of rain, hill snow and strong southeasterly winds throughout the day. Rain, snow and strong winds forecast across the province According to the Met Office, an area of rain — falling

Kilrea Bridge on the B64 Bann Road in Kilrea will fully reopen to all vehicles at 5pm on Wednesday 18 February, following the successful completion of permanent structural repair works, the Department for Infrastructure has confirmed. The bridge, which has been restricted to cars and light vehicles since early December, will once again be accessible to all traffic as width and weight restrictions are lifted. The reopening marks the completion of the main stabilisation works,

Ballymoney Train Station Plans to expand parking at Ballymoney Train Station have moved a step closer after the Minister for Infrastructure confirmed that funding has been allocated to support the project, with North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows welcoming the development. In a written response to a question from Mr Burrows, the Minister confirmed that the Department for Infrastructure has allocated funding enabling Translink to purchase a site on Meeting House Street, directly adja

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for ice across Northern Ireland from 8pm on Monday 16 February 2026 until 10am on Tuesday 17 February 2026 , with motorists and pedestrians urged to take extra care as temperatures fall to or below freezing. According to the national forecaster, wintry showers throughout Monday will leave many surfaces wet into the evening. As skies clear overnight and temperatures drop, untreated roads and pavements are at risk of becoming i