NEWS

Kilrea Bridge The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has announced interim measures that could see Kilrea Bridge reopen to cars and light vehicles before Christmas — offering a glimmer of relief to residents and traders after weeks of disruption. In a statement issued this today, the Department said it had been “working closely” with a specialist contractor since their appointment last week to explore every opportunity to “reduce the timescale and minimise disruption” for t

Police have confirmed that a man has died following a single-vehicle road traffic collision in Magherafelt on Thursday evening, 6 November. Chief Inspector Celeste Simpson from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Collision Investigation Unit said: “Police received a report shortly after 5.50pm of a collision involving a car and a pedestrian in the Grange Road area. “Our officers attended, supported by colleagues from partner emergency services. However, sadly, the pedest

Senior staff from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust pictured with representatives from SOS Causeway following a recent meeting where the group received an update from the Trust on the wide range of mental health services provided across the Causeway Coast and Glens area. Senior staff from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust have described recent discussions with community representatives from SOS Causeway as “productive” , following a meeting focused on mental h

Victim: 69-year-old Patrick Flanagan from the Derry area . Police have confirmed that the man who died after being seriously injured in Dungiven in the early hours of Sunday, 2 November, was 69-year-old Patrick Flanagan from the Derry area. Detective Inspector Gillian Connolly, from the PSNI’s Criminal Investigation Department , said: “Police received a report at approximately 1.35am on Sunday morning that an injured man had been found in the Foreglen Road area. “Officers att

Kilrea Bridge The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has confirmed that repair works on Kilrea Bridge are due to begin on Monday 10 November, following weeks of disruption since the bridge was closed on 20 September over structural safety concerns. The bridge, which carries the B64 Bann Road over the River Bann, was shut in both directions after an inspection identified extensive cracking on a retaining wall at the south-west end of the structure. A DfI spokesperson said: “

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has confirmed that a man aged in his 60s has died after being seriously injured in Dungiven in the early hours of Sunday, 2 November. Detective Inspector Gillian Connolly, from the PSNI’s Criminal Investigation Department , said: “Police received a report at approximately 1.35am that an injured man had been found in the Foreglen Road area. “Officers attended, alongside our colleagues from partner emergency services. The injured ma

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons pictured with Olympic Medallist, Hannah Scott, MBE unveiling a boat named in her honour. Communities...

Closed for repairs: Kilrea Bridge Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council will contact the Infrastructure Minister to discuss potential...

Missing man: 43-year-old Stephen McCord Police and family members are becoming increasingly concerned for the welfare of 43-year-old...

Antrim Crown Court A woman from the Greysteel area has been sentenced for defrauding a medical practice in Limavady out of more than...

Margaret Toye pictured with district nursing colleagues. A much-loved nurse has been honoured in Coleraine after an extraordinary career...

Damage caused to the police vehicle during the incident in Jonesborough. Two police vehicles were rammed in separate incidents in...