NEWS

Inset: TUV Braid councillor Anne Henry A major resurfacing scheme is set to begin on Shellinghill Road, Cullybackey, with works scheduled to take place from 20 April to 24 April, in a move welcomed as a much-needed upgrade to one of the area’s long-standing road concerns. The improvement scheme will cover the section of road from the National Speed Limit sign to the railway crossing, addressing what local representatives say has become a road surface far beyond the stage of r

Easter weekend weather across Northern Ireland is set to take a sharp turn, with the Met Office naming Storm Dave as a rapidly deepening Atlantic low-pressure system expected to bring potentially disruptive winds across the region from Saturday afternoon into the early hours of Easter Sunday. After a largely fine and bright start to the week, forecasters say conditions will become significantly more unsettled as the holiday weekend begins, with Northern Ireland among the area

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has issued a strong public safety appeal ahead of what is expected to be a busy Easter weekend on the North Coast, with large visitor numbers set to descend on Portrush and Portstewart. Police say officers will be deployed across key locations including transport hubs, beaches, hospitality venues and residential areas as part of a major effort to keep residents and visitors safe during one of the busiest holiday weekends of the year. Cau

Motorists travelling through Ballyclare tonight are being urged to plan ahead, with a key road set to close for several hours as investigators carry out further testing linked to a fatal collision. Ballyeaston Road will be closed from 9.30pm tonight (Wednesday) until 1am on Thursday, 2 April, to facilitate scene testing as part of an ongoing investigation into a fatal collision which occurred in the area on Friday, 15 August, 2025. The closure will affect the stretch of road

Holiday plans across Northern Ireland face possible significant disruption this Easter weekend as the Met Office warns of a rapidly deepening low-pressure system bringing "very strong winds" to the region. The yellow weather warning, which covers all of Northern Ireland including Ballymena and surrounding areas, is set to take effect from 18:00 on Saturday, 4 April , lasting through until midday on Easter Sunday . Meteorologists are tracking an intense weather front moving no

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has today published the Northern Ireland’s first Aviation Policy for consultation. Pictured (L-R) are Katy Best, Chief Commercial Officer, Belfast City Airport, Dan Owens, CEO, Belfast International, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Steve Frazer, Managing Director, City of Derry Airport. A major new aviation policy designed to strengthen Northern Ireland’s global connections and drive economic growth has been launched — with ambi

Families planning Easter getaways are being urged to plan ahead as Translink confirms timetable changes — alongside special seaside trains and discounted travel offers across Northern Ireland. With thousands expected to take advantage of the holiday break, the public transport provider says it is gearing up to offer “comfortable, affordable and hassle-free” journeys for both local trips and longer days out. Holiday timetable changes confirmed Passengers should expect changes

Drivers in Northern Ireland could soon be banned from overtaking stopped buses — and may even be required to slow dramatically or stop — under new proposals aimed at protecting children during one of the most dangerous moments of their school journey. Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has launched a public consultation exploring sweeping changes to how motorists behave when passengers, particularly schoolchildren, are getting on or off buses. The proposals come in response

Millions of UK workers who rely on their cars for their jobs could soon see long-overdue financial relief, as HM Treasury confirms a review of approved mileage rates ahead of a future Budget. The announcement, issued by the UK Government, comes after more than a decade without change—despite rising fuel, insurance and maintenance costs leaving many workers covering the gap themselves. Rates unchanged since 2011 Approved mileage allowance payment rates have remained frozen sin

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