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NEWS


North Antrim MP Jim Allister demands new bridge across River Bann as Kilrea link shut
Kilrea Bridge, and (inset) North Antrim MP Jim Allister North Antrim MP Jim Allister KC has challenged the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to commit to building a new bridge across the River Bann at Kilrea, following the closure of the 242-year-old structure due to serious structural defects. Kilrea Bridge, which provides a vital connection between Counties Antrim and Londonderry, was recently closed after inspectors found vertical and diagonal cracking on a retaining wal
Oct 30


Asda brings back £1 ‘Winter Warmer’ café initiative for over 60s
Asda has announced the return of its popular £1 ‘Winter Warmer’ café meal deal, designed to support people aged 60 and over through the colder months as many continue to face financial pressures. From 1st November until the end of February, anyone aged 60 or above can enjoy a bowl of soup, a bread roll, and unlimited tea or coffee for just £1 at any of Asda’s 212 cafés across the UK. Diners can choose between two soup flavours — Tomato or Chicken — offering a comforting and a
Oct 29


Yellow weather warning issued for Northern Ireland as strong winds and heavy rain forecast
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for Northern Ireland, warning that strong winds and heavy rain could bring disruption on Thursday afternoon and evening. The warning is in effect from 1pm until 11pm on Thursday, 30 October 2025 , covering all parts of Northern Ireland. According to the Met Office , “A period of strong winds, accompanied by some heavy rain, could bring some disruption on Thursday afternoon and evening.” Forecasters say south to southeasterly
Oct 29


Pilot recruitment drive launched for 200 Civil Service roles in the North West
Finance Minister John O’Dowd has announced a new pilot recruitment drive aimed at filling around 200 Administrative Officer (AO) vacancies across government departments in the North West. The initiative marks a shift towards a more streamlined and responsive approach to Civil Service hiring, with applicants invited to register their interest and complete a self-assessment of their skills and experience via www.nicsrecruitment.co.uk . Following registration, approximately 600
Oct 28


Health Minister praises Kilrea Dental Surgery for expanding NHS dental access
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt with staff at Kilrea Dental Surgery. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has paid tribute to the team at Kilrea Dental Surgery for their crucial role in improving access to Health Service dental care through the Dental Access Scheme (DAS). During a visit to the practice, which joined the scheme in 2024 and has since treated 3,817 patients, the Minister was joined by Chief Dental Officer Caroline Lappin to meet with practice owner Mr Charlie Kielt and his
Oct 28


Hospital at Home: New service aims to ease winter strain on Northern Trust hospitals
Antrim Area Hospital Emergency Department The Northern Health and Social Care Trust has warned that it may be “difficult to provide all services whilst managing the expected increase in demand for unscheduled or critical care” as it launches its 2025/26 Winter Plan. Outlining the plan to board members during a meeting at Antrim Hospital on Thursday, Gillian Traub, Director of Operations , acknowledged that staff are “very anxious” about the coming months. She said planning
Oct 26


DUP team visit community impacted by Kilrea Bridge closure as calls grow for action and support
DUP representatives (L-R) East Londonderry MLA Maurice Bradley, North Antrim MLA Paul Frew, and Councillor for Bann, Michelle Knight-McQuillan during a visit to Kilrea Bridge DUP MLAs Paul Frew and Maurice Bradley , joined by Cllr Michelle Knight-McQuillan , have visited the site of the Kilrea Bridge over the River Bann to meet residents and discuss the latest update from DfI Roads amid continuing disruption caused by the closure. The representatives met with local people fr
Oct 19


Three people taken to hospital after carbon monoxide incident in Kilrea
Three people were taken to hospital on Friday evening after carbon monoxide was detected at a property in Kilrea, County Londonderry. The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) said it received a call at 7.24pm on Friday, 17 October 2025, following reports of people feeling unwell at a house on Kurin Road. A NIFRS spokesperson said: “Following an initial call at 1924hrs on Friday 17th October 2025, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service attended reports of persons fe
Oct 18


Communities Minister joins Olympic Champion Hannah Scott at Bann Rowing Club for boat launch
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons pictured with Olympic Medallist, Hannah Scott, MBE unveiling a boat named in her honour. Communities...
Oct 12


Kilrea Bridge closure ‘decimating businesses’ as council pushes for support
Closed for repairs: Kilrea Bridge Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council will contact the Infrastructure Minister to discuss potential...
Oct 8


Police appeal for help to find missing man Stephen McCord
Missing man: 43-year-old Stephen McCord Police and family members are becoming increasingly concerned for the welfare of 43-year-old...
Oct 8


Woman sentenced for £63,000 fraud at GP practice
Antrim Crown Court A woman from the Greysteel area has been sentenced for defrauding a medical practice in Limavady out of more than...
Sep 30


A lifetime of care: Nurse Margaret Toye bids farewell after six decades in Coleraine
Margaret Toye pictured with district nursing colleagues. A much-loved nurse has been honoured in Coleraine after an extraordinary career...
Sep 27


PSNI: Vehicles used “as weapons” in Cookstown and Jonesborough ramming incidents
Damage caused to the police vehicle during the incident in Jonesborough. Two police vehicles were rammed in separate incidents in...
Sep 27


Limavady Workhouse opens its doors for rare public exhibition
Limavady Workhouse The historic Limavady Workhouse has opened its doors to the public for a limited-time exhibition, offering a rare...
Sep 25


From castles to ice cream: Neven Maguire’s Ulster Food Tour on RTÉ hits Antrim and Londonderry
Neven enjoys ice cream with Danielle & Arnaldo Morelli at Morelli’s Ice Cream Portrush. In the latest episode of Neven’s Ulster Food Tour...
Sep 24


Antrim Area Hospital activates Critical Incident Management to combat Emergency Department pressures
Antrim Area Hospital Emergency Department Antrim Area Hospital, under the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, has implemented critical...
Sep 23


MLA Jon Burrows confirms Bailey the support dog removed from Magilligan Prison amid welfare concerns
Bailey the dog Bailey, a support dog kept inside HM Prison Magilligan, has been removed from the facility and placed in a temporary home...
Sep 21


Princess Royal honours 106-year-old Coleraine veteran with BEM at Hillsborough Castle
The Princess Royal greeting 106-year-old Coleraine veteran Norman Irwin at Hillsborough Castle (Images: The Royal Family) The Princess...
Sep 11


Rural Melody Ladies Choir reunites for a new season of song and friendship
The Rural Melody Choir pictured with Northern Trust Chief Executive, Jennifer Welsh. The Rural Melody Ladies Choir is preparing to raise...
Sep 11
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