NEWS

Buyers and suppliers (L-R) – The judges: Jonathan Mitchell (Our Brewery’s co-founder), Esther Paul, (Business Development Manager at Armagh Cider Company), Chelsea McCullagh (Marketing Manager at Heaney Brewery), Michael Crealey ( Lead Packaged Buying Manager at Tesco NI), Karen O’Neill (Sales Manager at Anzac Drinks/ Farmageddon Brewing Co), Bernard Sloan (Managing Director at Whitewater Brewery) and Peter McKeever (Production Manager at Longmeadow Cider). A Randalstown-base

South Antrim MP Robin Swann   South Antrim MP Robin Swann has called on the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to make urgent investment in the deteriorating road network surrounding Belfast International Airport and the M2 motorway, warning that the current condition poses safety risks and damages vehicles on one of Northern Ireland’s most important transport corridors. Highlighting the scale of the problem, Mr Swann said the state of the roads serving the airport and M2 w

Mossley Mill, County Antrim Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has agreed one of the lowest district rate increases in Northern Ireland, striking a 2.99% rise for the 2026/27 financial year at a Special Council Meeting held on Monday 9 February. The modest increase, which is lower than the current rate of inflation, will apply across the borough and equates to an additional £14.67 per year, or 28 pence per week, for an average household. One of the lowest rates increase

Millhouse Dale, Antrim The proposed change of use of a four-bedroom apartment to a house in multiple occupation (HMO) at 33 Millhouse Dale, Antrim, was approved by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Planning Committee at a recent meeting. Planning officer Ashleigh Wilson told the committee that 30 objections had been received, raising issues including insufficient parking and traffic concerns, potential noise and disturbance, negative impacts on the character of the ar

William Sayers A powerful first-hand account of the dangers faced on Northern Ireland’s farms will be shared in Ballyeaston tomorrow night, as William Sayers addresses a Farm Health and Safety talk hosted by the Ballyeaston Vintage Tractor Club. The free event takes place on Friday 6 February at 7.30pm, at 19 Trenchill Road, Ballyeaston, BT39 9SJ , with tea and refreshments served and everyone welcome. Organisers say the evening is aimed at farmers, families and the wider r

Monira Zahan (Delta Air Lines), Natalie, Fiona Oseibaffour (Delta Air Lines) A young woman from Ballyclare has been recognised for her resilience and determination after winning a prestigious award at the Northern Ireland final of The King’s Trust and TK Maxx Awards, held at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Natalie, 22, scooped the Delta Air Lines Breakthrough Award at the ceremony on Friday 30 January, an accolade which recognises a young person who has overcome personal bar

Emergency departments across Northern Ireland are under sustained pressure, with rising demand, sicker patients and long waits continuing to challenge the health service, new figures release today (Thursday 5 February 2026) from the Department of Health (DoH) show. The latest bulletin covers all new and unplanned attendances at emergency care departments (EDs) during October, November and December 2025. It provides a detailed picture of how long patients are waiting, how many

A talented local student is celebrating national recognition after her artwork claimed top honours at one of Ireland’s most prestigious youth art competitions. Ballymena Causeway Credit Union has marked a proud moment for the local community after Eimear McGuckien was crowned first place winner in the 11–13 Additional Needs category at the Credit Union Art Competition National Final, held at Croke Park in Dublin on Sunday. Eimear’s artwork progressed through the local and reg

Sixmile Leisure Centre, Ballyclare Energy cost-cutting measures have reduced Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s bills by £220,000, according to a report to councillors. The report, due to be presented to a meeting of the borough council’s Operations Committee at Antrim Civic Centre on Monday evening, January 26, also indicates a nine per cent decrease in energy consumption during the first three quarters of the 2025/26 financial year compared with the same period in 20

Colm "The Posh Boy" Murphy battled it out against Tanzanian boxer, Saleh Kassim to secure the Commonwealth Featherweight Title Theatre at The Mill has etched its name into British boxing history after hosting its first-ever championship contest, with Colm “The Posh Boy” Murphy claiming the Commonwealth Featherweight Title on a landmark night in Newtownabbey. The sell-out event, staged on Saturday 31 January 2026, marked another major milestone for the venue, which has rapidl

Rebecca Mackey, Level 3 Agriculture Apprentice pictured on her home farm in Ballynure. For Co Antrim farmer Rebecca Mackey , agriculture has always been more than a career choice—it has been a way of life. Now an Apprentice on the Level 3 Agriculture programme at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), Rebecca is combining hands-on farm work with structured academic learning to build a future in the industry she has grown up in. Raised on her family’s d

Missing Antrim man Mervyn Fletcher Police in Antrim have issued an appeal for information as concern grows for a 69-year-old man who has been reported missing. Mervyn Fletcher was last seen on the Springfarm Road area of Antrim between midday and 2pm on Wednesday 28 January. Officers say efforts to locate him have so far been unsuccessful and they are urging the public to assist. Inspector Boyd said: “Mervyn was last seen on the Springfarm Road in Antrim between midday and 2p

TJ Morris Ltd, owner of Home Bargains, has acquired the former car showroom site in Antrim and plans to expands its retail footprint Discount retailer Home Bargains is planning a significant expansion in Antrim, with proposals lodged to convert a former car showroom into what would be its 33rd store in Northern Ireland. TJ Morris Ltd, the Liverpool-based company behind the popular discount chain, has submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to Antrim and Newtownabbey

A new free Digital Skills training programme aimed at people who are deaf or have hearing loss is being rolled out across Northern Ireland, with accessible sessions taking place in local libraries throughout February and March. The initiative, delivered by AdaptNI and supported by the Department of Finance, is designed to tackle digital exclusion by providing deaf-aware, visual and practical training tailored to the everyday needs of people who often face barriers when acces

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has backed a motion supporting the use of silent fireworks at council events and on council-owned property. The motion was proposed by Antrim DUP Councillor Paul Dunlop BEM at a meeting of the council in Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey, on Monday evening. Cllr Dunlop asked the council to note the “negative impact” the noise of fireworks can have on children, pets and livestock, and called for a council-led campaign to raise awareness of

(L-R) Stacey McAlister Operations Director Mount Charles; Gavin Annon Chief Strategy Officer Mount Charles; Kate Sherry Chief Commercial Officer Belfast International Airport Mount Charles Group has announced a £1 million investment to transform the food and beverage offering at Belfast International Airport, marking a significant upgrade as part of the airport’s wider £100 million transformation programme. The investment will see a major revamp of the airport’s Northern Quar

Nurse Bernie Rogers A nurse with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust has said she would “absolutely do it all over again” as she marks an extraordinary 50 years of service to the nursing profession. Bernie Rogers, from Maghera , began her career in January 1976 at the School of Nursing in Mid Ulster Hospital. Five decades on, and despite officially retiring, she continues to play a valued role within Team North, supporting colleagues and patients alike. A special event

Joanne Deighan, Senior Commercial Manager, Belfast International Airport and Jaclyn Coulter, HR Director, Belfast International Airport. Belfast International Airport is set to host its first major recruitment event of 2026, offering more than 100 job opportunities as it prepares for a busy summer season and continues a £100 million transformation programme. The New Year Jobs Fair will take place on Saturday 31 January 2026, from 11am to 3pm, at the Voco Hotel in the Gasworks

Bryson Charitable Group has issued a formal apology to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and local residents following recent disruptions to recycling collection services. Addressing the Mayor and elected members at an open council meeting on Monday 26 January, Bryson Charitable Group Chief Executive Shane Logan acknowledged the impact of reduced service levels and outlined the steps taken to restore normal operations. Mr Logan confirmed that the backlog of missed coll

Residents across Mid and East Antrim, and Antrim and Newtownabbey, are being urged to take precautions as Storm Chandra is set to bring disruptive winds and heavy rain from the early hours of Tuesday, January 27. The Met Office has issued an AMBER Weather Warning for Wind, in force from 5am until 9pm on Tuesday 27 January 2026 , alongside a YELLOW Weather Warning for Rain covering the entire borough from midnight tonight until midnight on Tuesday. Council services under revi