Car crashes, burglary and dugs issues are keeping the County Down police busy
Police have made three arrests following a reported assault in Helen’s Bay on Monday evening, 25th May. day police had to deal with a serious crash on the Killyleagh Road near Killinchy. The road is now -re-opened.
In another ioncident, Ards & North Down District Chief Inspector Hutchinson said: “At 9pm, (25th May) we received a report that three men aged in their thirties had been assaulted on the beach by three other men, following an earlier verbal altercation. They sustained a number of serious, but non-life threatening, injuries.
“A short time later, three men aged 28, 23 and 21 were stopped in their vehicle and arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon.
“A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a quantity of suspected class A and class B drugs, and the 23 year old was subsequently further arrested on suspicion of possession of class A and class B drugs. The three remain in custody at this time.”
Police across Down and South Armagh are steadily dealing with crime, road accidents and antisocial activities, including drugs. Pictured is a police car recently attacked in an incident in KIlkeel.
Chief Inspector Hutchinson continued: “This matter is being treated as a racially-motivated hate crime. We know that this was shocking for those enjoying the evening sunshine on the beach and want to reassure the local community that our investigation is progressing at pace.
“We had an increased police presence in the area to ensure that everyone left the beach safely, and were on the scene quickly – but want to commend members of the public who helped to prevent the altercation escalating further.
“As our enquiries continue, we would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this assault, or the events leading up to it, to contact police on Crime Case number: 1721 25/05/26.
“We’re particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have recorded footage of the incident.”
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
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And Detectives in Newry are appealing for information following a report of a burglary at residential premises in College Square East, Bessbrook in the early hours of this morning, Monday 25th May.
Detective Sergeant Keys said: “At around 2.45am, it was reported that two masked men entered a house through a rear door. They then attacked the female occupant inside by kicking and punching her causing facial injuries. One of the suspects threatened the female with a knife before leaving.”
Crime case number:reference 142 25/05/26.
Enquiries are continuing into the above incidents and the police would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to the incidents, to contact detectives on 101 quoting the case reference number.
You can also submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via:
Stormont approves legislation on second reading that could see dog walkers criminalised
Rural campaigners have hit out after MLAs voted through a controversial Bill that could see dogwalkers criminalised says Countryside Alliance Ireland.
John Blair’s Hunting with Dogs Bill was today (26th May) voted through by the Assembly at its second reading, despite stark warnings from campaigners and NI’s former Attorney General that the legislation would be devastating for rural communities.
John Larkin KC, former Attorney General of Northern Ireland, said that the Bill is “confused and unnecessarily complex” and warned that, if enacted, “dog ownership would be made more burdensome if not dangerous”.
The proposed legislation would see dog walkers, farmers trying to carry out vital pest control, as well as those in shooting sports, all potentially criminalised says Countryside Alliance Ireland.
As the MLAs debated the hunting with dogs bill in the Chamber at Stormont, parties voted for Alliance MLA John Blair’s bill. Countryside Alliance Ireland which represents many rural sporting organisatrions says it will have lasting consequences for rural life.
Countryside Alliance Ireland have branded the vote as “a fundamental assault on rural communities” and “defying all common sense”.
Earlier today, members of Countryside Alliance Ireland and the hunting community gathered outside Stormont with hunting hounds, ahead of the vote, to warn MLAs about the potential devastating impact the proposed legislation could have on people who live and work in the countryside.
Gary McCartney, Director of Countryside Alliance Ireland, said: “It is frustrating that, defying all common sense, MLAs have today supported the Bill despite knowing not only the huge damage it will cause to rural communities, but also that Northern Ireland’s former Attorney General has pointed out its enormous flaws.
“This unjustified Bill is a fundamental assault on rural communities, and has enormously wide implications that would affect farmers and dog owners throughout Northern Ireland.
“John Blair is opting for a culture war against rural people with a full-scale attack on not only hunting, but every aspect of rural life. With so many other issues facing this country, it defies all logic that any politician should deem this a priority for Northern Ireland.
“We will continue to press MLAs to reject this unjustified and indiscriminate legislation at the next stage. Put simply, it cannot stand up to serious scrutiny”.
“The countryside will be watching closely. Rural people will not forget those using the rural way of life as a political football”.
Downpatrick Racecourse: a double win for trainer Gavin Cromwell
The horse racing at Downpatrick on Friday evening (22 5 26) brought a good spread of results, with two winning favourites across the seven races as well as two winners at double-figure odds. The main story of the evening, though, was County Meath-based trainer Gavin Cromwell bringing home a double with local Downpatrick jockey Declan Lavery winning on Everest the Brave.
Read on for a full report of the Downpatrick card, courtesy of Betano, who provide all horse racing odds.
The first race was a maiden hurdle over two miles and three furlongs (5.20). The favourite on this occasion was Mr Master Mac, trained by Mark Fahey, who ran in touch with the leading Brohatna before taking a narrow lead approaching the last, staying on to win by over two lengths. Le Questionnaire was second, followed by Cailin Deas.
Race two was a two mile and three-furlong handicap hurdle (5.52). On this occasion, the favourite – 7/2 shot Sea Of Doubt – was soundly beaten, having raced midfield.
Instead, Tony Martin’sBruant became the winner at odds of 10/1, having made good headway from the third last hurdle and keeping on well towards the finish. 18/1 Aboras Mahler was second by half a length.
Joya del Mar on the outside, front in the white starred cap. positions for the home straight.
Another double-figure odds winner came next in the two and three quarter mile handicap hurdle (6.29); Dermot McLoughlin’s Joya Del Mar at 12/1. The mare was said to have possibly been in season when she was last seen finishing 13th of 15 at this track, but she was suited by the ground conditions this time and won by an impressive 14 lengths. Market equal Bayonetta – also 12/1 – was second with the favourite, Scary Askari, in third.
A beginners’ chase followed, run over two and a half miles (7.00). In what was an open contest, Saunton Surf was fancied to win, but could do no better than second, beaten by just half a length by top weight Driveonwill, who kept on well to take the win in the final strides under Donagh Meyler at 9/1.
Gavin Cromwell’s first leg of his double came in race five, the three-mile maiden hunters’ chase (7.30).
Downpatrick jockey Declan Lavery storms forward on Everest the Brave to win the at Downpatrick Races on the Down Royal Corporation of Horse Breeders Maiden Hunter Chase.
West Of Idaho was the hot favourite to win, leaving the rest largely unbacked, but it was Cromwell’s Everest The Bravewho obliged, going clear by eight lengths on the run-in to win readily with the market leader in second.
The penultimate race was another hunters’ chase, this time over three miles and five furlongs (8.00). Again, the favourite could do no better than second; Cause For Comment was 5/4 market leader under Patrick Mullins but weakened on the run in, allowing 6/1 shot Asphalt Cowboy to steam ahead by 11 lengths. Fortune Lad was third and Dorking Cock a close fourth.
Downpatrick jockey Declan Lavery lands the first win of the race meeting for Gavin Cromwell on Everest the Brave.
Last of all was a point-to-point flat race (8.30). Here, Gavin Cromwell brought in his double with 2/1 market leader Theemeraldempress. The four-year-old filly led some of the way and fended off a challenge from Dinner Dance to win by over two lengths. Majestic Horizon came in third and Juarno was in fourth spot.
Police Neighbourhood team host farewell event to MMRT in their old premises before the big move in June
South Down Neighbourhood Police Team recently hosted an event to bid a ceremonial farewell to the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team (MMRT) as they prepare to move into their new headquarters.
The team will relocate to the purpose-built facility at Shan Slieve Drive next month (June) after several decades of sharing accommodation with local police at Newcastle PSNI station.
Founded in 1962, MMRT was the first volunteer mountain rescue team in Ireland and during the early years had limited access to equipment.
Emergency and rescue vehicles drive on convoy to the new MMRT premises at Shan Slieve in Newcastle.
The team was initially provided with transport by local police and a Police & MRT Landrover was housed in Newcastle Station.
As demand for their services grew, so too did the need for more equipment and the team eventually acquired their own Landrover which was also kept within the station complex. This accommodation gradually expanded to storage facilities including the old Station Sergeant’s lodgings and parking for a fleet of nine vehicles.
When the team celebrated it’s 50 year anniversary in 2012, they launched a legacy project for a much needed base of their own, and after generating over £2million of funds, the team look forward to taking up residence in their dedicated ‘Rescue Centre’ in June 2026.
The emergency and rescue services pictured In Newcastle Police Station.
Bidding a fond farewell to the MMRT, local police and partners including HM Coastguard, RNLI, NIFRS, SARDA and SkyWatch NI gathered in Newcastle for an event to celebrate the shared history of policing and mountain rescue in Newcastle and wider south Down area.
Local District Commander Superintendent Lynne Corbett was joined by Assistant Chief Constable for Local Policing Ryan Henderson for speeches at the station before attendees travelled in convoy to the new base at Shan Slieve Drive for a tour of the new building – which is still under construction.
A short time later the festivities were called to an end as both police and MMRT were tasked to assist the Coastguard in securing a helicopter landing site at Donard Park for Rescue 199 from Prestwick, who air lifted a hiker with a leg injury from the mountain.
It was ust another day at the (new) office for all concerned!
A helicopter lands to assist an injured hill walker.
Downpatrick Bar and Restaurant Opened By The Traynor Family in Market Street
• Now open: Traynor’s, Bar and Restaurant Run By A Family For Families In The Heart Of Downpatrick
Traynor’s Bar and Lounge Restaurant located Market Street in Downpatrick is under new management, and for its first couple of weeks after openin, Stuart and Leanne Traynor are delighted with the feedback they are getting from their customers.
Formerly the Old Mart Bar, Traynor’s is a family-run business for families to come and enjoy good food in a comfortable, relaxed setting. The premises has undergone a major uplift.
The staff at Traynor’s pose for a photo at the opening of the pub/restaurant in Market Street in Downpatrick now open.
Leanne said: “We have decorated the whole bar and put new furniture in the front bar and it looks very smart now. Jack Logue of Pro Steam came in and cleaned the seating and tables, and he has done a great job in refreshing the tiles throughout. They are like new.
“You can even call in and have a coffee and chill out in the lounge area during the day. We have space for 100 covers where we serve up an exciting menu. The food is prepared by local chef Daniel Carling whose speciality is preparing smoked ribs, chicken and beef.
Delicious, well-presented, and affordably priced food at Traynor’s Bar and Restaurant in MArket Street in Downpatrick.
“Our menu which will further develop through time offers really tasty dishes so that people can dine during the day in comfort in the heart of Downpatrick. We are family-friendly and we have a kids menu too, and the children receive colouring-in sheets which keeps them occupied while the meal is being prepared.
“We like to support our local businesses and provide quality food at modest prices people can afford.”
Stuart and Leanne Traynor, centre with their daughter Hannah and trainee Ryan Brannigan are ready for a busy holiday Bank Holiday.
Leanne said that her own businesss background was working as an air hostess with Jet2 and also she spent time in retail management bringing that experience to the business. She added: “My husband Stuart worked in software development and is now busy behind the bar at our pub restaurant.
“He really enjoys his work. When he was just 12 years old, he worked in Rae’s former pub and restaurant which was just a few doors down the street from us and learned about the bar trade back then. He is looking forward to building up the business.
“Our chef Daniel Carling is a talented local chef bringing his flare for cooking and experience literally to the table with a unique style and interesting flavours.
Quality wines, spirits and cocktails at Traynor’s.
“Daniel smokes food in the smoker we have outside and this provides a unique flavours for the menu. His ‘Picky Platter’ which is priced at £12.50 is very well presented and colourful, and he does a vegan version of it too at £9.00.
“You can enjoy a range of meals from barbecued pork ribs and chicken wings, to hand-made chicken tenders and a selection of meat dishes.”
Leanne explained that they have two trainees going through their NVQ Level 3 in catering and hospitality through Rutledge Training at the moment to bolster the team.
While waiting on their entertainment licence to be processed, Leanne added that already several people have already inquired about private functions saying they have even plans to lay down a small dance area.
The redecorated and revamped restaurant area at Traynor’s.
“It’s still early days but we are definitely getting there. Our customers have been very impressed so far by our standards. The premises is spotless and we intend to keep it like that.
“Our menu consists of a light lunch menu, the main menu and we have a Sunday lunch too that is already booked out for the next two weeks which is amazing.
“And the kid’s menu of Kid’s Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Cheeseburgers, Chicken Strips, Kids Cowboy, a humus bowl prepared daily, all comes with a selection of pickles and dips made in-house.
“Interestingly, even our cat called Jackhas got in on the act! He has been turned into a cartoon character and ‘presents’ the menu to the young diners. And ice cream comes with all kids’ meals.”
Clodagh and Georgia from Downpatrick look over the KIds Menu and get ready to colour in Jack the Cat.
Leanne said that she had found the staff in the Mirabelle Bar further up Market Street very helpful and supportive and felt already accepted into the Downpatrick business community.
Leanne added that she has four children, one of whom has multiple disabilities. She added: “Megan is 23 years old now, and some time ago we fundraised £40,000 so she could have stem cell treatment completed in China.
“The people of Downpatrick and beyond were very generous in supporting us through this difficult time, and we are very thankful Megan is now doing much better.
“It is very exciting running your own business and everything is going well to date. Our customer base is building up steadily by the day.”
When I sat down with Leanne last Friday, in a quiet corner of the restaurant, I was the first person to sample a delicious Latte from her new Conti coffee machine just installed which makes a range of coffees, hot chocolate and teas. It seemed that within a short time, the restaurant area was filling up fast just after twelve noon. Time for me to go.
A delicious latte coffee at Traynors.
Daniel’s food was already coming through the service counter and I’ll give him full marks for presentation as his dishes certainly had a Wow! factor.
Independent UK market report exposes Northern Ireland’s disproportionate reliance on waste export markets
• arc 21 includes Newry Mourne and Down District Council.
• NI councils are sending waste overseas for processing into fuel.
• NI councils dithering on key decision to support an arc21 residual waste project.
• The Warrenpoint harbour waste recycling issue is a symptom of the problem of government indecision.
NI accounts for over 16% of the UK’s total residual waste exports despite only having less than 3% of the UK population. This is due to a local infrastructure deficit which risks significant economic, environmental and reputational damage according to Indaver.
Data from a recent market report by the UK’s leading independent waste sector advisors, Refynix (formerly Tolvik Consulting) has confirmed that Northern Ireland has a hugely disproportionate reliance on waste export markets to manage its residual, black bin council collected waste compared to other UK regions.
This is largely non-recyclable waste that is being exported to fuel Energy-from-Waste plants across Europe due to insufficient treatment capacity in the UK, including here in Northern Ireland.
This means the waste’s inherent value is being extracted abroad through renewable electricity and heat recovery which supports other decarbonisation uses and NI councils are missing a trick says the report.
Based on 2025 figures Northern Ireland accounted for 16.1% – some 302,000 tonnes (up from 289,000t) out of a UK total of 1.87Mt of residual waste exports.
This worrying reliance on waste exports has grown dramatically in recent years (by nearly 2.5 times since 2020) and is directly due to the lack of local integrated waste infrastructure to manage this waste in a sustainable manner. By comparison Scotland only exported 25,000 tonnes (down from 100,000t) while Wales exported 47,000 tonnes (up slightly from 45,000t) in the same year.
The report highlights that despite the UK as a whole reducing its residual waste export by 13% year on year, consistent with more EfW capacity coming online, Northern Ireland figures went the opposite way, increasing by nearly 5% y.o.y.
The report also confirms that as of the end of 2025 there were 64 fully operational EFWs and a further 11 in construction/commissioning elsewhere in the UK.
According to Indaver, the European waste management experts behind plans to deliver a £250m public waste infrastructure project to meet the needs of six NI councils that make up the arc21 area, this data proves how much of an outlier Northern Ireland has become in its approach to waste management infrastructure.
The company has been warning for some time that Northern Ireland is facing a looming waste crisis unless it delivers the necessary infrastructure to manage its own waste.
Speaking about their concerns Colin O’Hanlon, Indaver said; “There is chronic under-capacity in the Northern Ireland waste management sector for our black bin waste, and this latest independent data proves we are lagging significantly behind the rest of the UK and Europe in adopting the modern infrastructure necessary to address this growing challenge.
“We have been saying for some time that continued inaction means we are nearing a tipping point where we are increasingly vulnerable and risk adding a waste crisis to our existing wastewater infrastructure crisis. This could further damage Northern Ireland’s economic aspirations and environmental stewardship.
“For many years through various strategies and plans, energy recovery from waste has been viewed as a more environmentally friendly solution than landfill, which it is. Waste exports were only ever seen as an interim solution until Northern Ireland developed sufficient modern and robust infrastructure, but that long-term solution still needs to be progressed.
“Waste exporting is a notoriously complex process involving many movements of waste on roads and ships and which requires port infrastructure and storage.
“It is our view that the issues being experienced over recent years in Warrenpoint, where over 85% of this waste is currently exported from, are a direct symptom of the risks associated with this process and our wider reliance on waste export.
“This is not only an unsustainable approach which comes with economic, environmental and reputational risks, but the markets for this waste are increasingly unreliable and volatile.
“They can be subject to the vagaries of European weather and resulting market demand and in some cases RDF imports are now being taxed by the receiving countries. All this explains why the rest of the UK has and continues to invest in modern waste infrastructure thus reducing reliance on waste exports. Meanwhile Northern Ireland is not.”
In line with Northern Ireland Government policy Indaver, believes that like most councils in the rest of the UK, implementing a local solution would deliver self-reliance, enable NI to increase recycling levels and ensure we recover energy from NI waste locally instead of abroad, benefiting both the environment and the economy.
Colin O’Hanlon added: “Unlike the current wastewater infrastructure crisis, there is a ready-made solution waiting to be implemented.
“That solution is the £250 million arc21 residual waste project, which presents an opportunity for Northern Ireland to catch-up with the rest of the UK and Europe and to showcase how private-sector investment can drive public benefit, deliver long-term value and leave a valuable asset in public ownership.
“The project simply requires a Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Ministerial approval in the near future to deliver a robust and evidence-based planning decision.
“This will allow it to progress to the next stage of procurement where a business case evaluation will trigger a democratic decision by the arc21 councils to decide if it progresses.”
The South Eastern HSC Trust radiology department is recognised with a prestigious Heartflow quality award for the third time
The Department of Radiology within the South Eastern Trust has been awarded the esteemed HeartFlow Quality Award for Excellence in Coronary CT Imaging, marking the third time the team has received this prestigious recognition.
The department previously earned the award in 2021 and 2024, underscoring its sustained commitment to delivering exceptional cardiovascular imaging services and prioritising patient-centred care.
The HeartFlow CT Quality Award recipients are selected based on metrics that evaluate the quality and implementation of a practice’s cardiovascular imaging program.
The HeartFlow Analysis is an innovative approach that transforms data from a patient’s non-invasive coronary CTA into a personalized, digital 3D model of the patient’s coronary arteries.
This advanced technology leverages sophisticated algorithms and analytics to provide detailed insights into coronary artery disease, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.
The Department of Radiology has consistently demonstrated excellence in cardiovascular imaging through attention to detail, adherence to best practices and the integration of cutting-edge technologies.
This award highlights the department’s ongoing efforts to stay at the forefront of medical advancements.
Delighted to receive this award for the third time, South Eastern Trust, Radiology Services Manager, Jayne Hutchinson, said: “We are honoured to receive the HeartFlow Quality Award once again.
“This recognition reflects the dedication, skill and innovation of our entire team, who work tirelessly to ensure patients receive the highest standard of cardiovascular care.
“It also reinforces our commitment to embracing advanced diagnostic tools that lead to better patient outcomes.”
Congratulating the Department of Radiology, Director of Surgery, Elective Care, Maternity & Paediatrics, Maggie Parks added, “This is a fantastic achievement for the staff in Radiology and a testament to their continued drive for excellence. The team’s expertise and commitment to innovation makes a real difference in the lives of patients across the South Eastern Trust.”
Northern Ireland’s hotel industry has welcomed the latest tourism figures published by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA), with the latest data highlighting the continued importance of tourism and hospitality to the wider Northern Ireland economy.
The latest statistics show that Northern Ireland recorded an estimated 5.1 million overnight trips during 2025, generating £1.2 billion in visitor expenditure and accounting for 15 million nights across the region.
Compared with 2024, overnight trips increased by 9%, with visitor spending also rising by 9%, demonstrating continued demand for Northern Ireland as a tourism destination.
Day trip activity also remained strong throughout 2025, with 17.9 million same-day visits generating a further £1.2 billion in expenditure.
Janice Gault, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation comments of the issues facing the hotel and accomodation sector is delighted that the performance of the hotel sector in 2025.
Combined with overnight tourism activity, total visitor spend reached a substantial £2.4 billion during the year, helping to support hotels, restaurants, visitor attractions and the wider hospitality sector across Northern Ireland.
Visitors from outside Northern Ireland accounted for 66% of all overnight trips, with particularly strong growth from the Republic of Ireland market, which increased by 15% year-on-year.
The Great Britain market also recorded growth of 4%, while the domestic Northern Ireland market increased by 12%. Holiday travel remained the dominant reason for visiting Northern Ireland, accounting for 53% of all overnight stays.
For the hotel sector specifically, hotel occupancy across Northern Ireland fell slightly in 2025 with over 2.5million rooms sold. Industry benchmarking occupancy levels are higher than those reported by NISRA.
This anomaly is the result of reporting from mixed accommodation products at resort properties and a differing sample base.
Commenting on the figures, Janice Gault, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF), said:
“These figures demonstrate the significant economic contribution tourism and hospitality continue to make to Northern Ireland. A combined visitor spend of £2.4 billion is a major boost for the wider economy and supports thousands of jobs and businesses right across the region.
“It is particularly encouraging to see continued growth in overnight trips and visitor spend, alongside strong performances from key external markets including the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain.
The figures also underline the importance of domestic tourism and day visitor activity in sustaining demand across the hospitality sector.
“At hotel level, performance remained relatively resilient during 2025 despite considerable pressures on operating costs, staffing, insurance, utilities and wider business overheads. However, in tourism terms, these figures already reflect a very different trading environment from the one many businesses are currently experiencing.”
“Northern Ireland continues to benefit from significant investment in tourism and hospitality infrastructure, and it is important that this momentum is maintained. Continued support for destination marketing and tourism promotion will be critical if we are to remain competitive internationally and continue growing visitor numbers.”
“There is also concern within the industry around the Republic of Ireland’s decision to reduce VAT on hospitality food services to 9% from July 2026. The widening tax differential risks placing Northern Ireland businesses at a further competitive disadvantage, particularly in border areas and in attracting international visitors.”
The latest figures come against a backdrop of continued investment across Northern Ireland’s tourism and hospitality infrastructure, with new hotel developments, refurbishments and accommodation expansion continuing to strengthen the region’s visitor offering.
McGrath says millions wasted on deliberate fires while public services struggle
Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA (SDLP) has said the revelation that responding to so-called “wildfires” is costing millions of pounds should shock the public and act as a wake-up call about the scale of the pressure being placed on the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.
Speaking after a Health Committee session at Stormont, where Chief Fire Officer Aidan Jennings confirmed the cost of dealing with these fires is running into the millions, Mr McGrath said the financial impact on frontline services could not be ignored.
South Down MLA Colin McGrath, SDLP Health Opposition spokesperson, is concerned at cost of millions being spend on fighjting fires in the countryside when the health service is ailing.
South Down MLA Colin McGrath said: “Today’s evidence to the Health Committee was deeply concerning.
“While we still do not have the final overall figure, it is now clear that responding to these fires is costing millions of pounds.
“At a time when every public service is under significant pressure, that level of spending is staggering. This is money being diverted into dealing with incidents that are, in many cases, deliberate and entirely avoidable.
“These fires are not only devastating local environments and threatening communities, they are placing a major operational and financial strain on the Fire and Rescue Service right across Northern Ireland.
“Many firefighters are part-time and on-call workers, yet crews are repeatedly being pulled from other duties to respond to these incidents. That has consequences for the wider service and for communities who rely on emergency cover.
“We also need to move away from the term ‘wildfire’.
“That language gives the impression these incidents are natural occurrences beyond anyone’s control.
“The reality is that many are deliberate and man-made. People need to understand the true cost of this behaviour, not just environmentally, but financially and operationally.
“Millions of pounds are being swallowed up responding to these fires while our health and emergency services are already stretched.”
Colin McGrath says the cost of malicious fires in the Mournes and other vulnerable areas runs into millions which could be spent on the health system.
Celebration Event Shines Spotlight on Improving District Health and Wellbeing
Newry Mourne and Down District Council Community Planning partners recently held celebration events in Newcastle and Newry to recognise inspiring projects promoting good health and wellbeing, supported through the Communities Leading Change Participatory Budgeting Programme.
Newcastle’s Burrendale Hotel hosted groups from the Downpatrick, Rowallane, Slieve Croob and Mournes District Electoral Areas (DEAs), while Killeavey Castle hosted groups from the Slieve Gullion, Newry and Crotlieve DEAs. The respective event hosts were BBC NI’s Barra Best and Rachel Duffy from The Traitors television series.
Ninety eight community groups across the district were allocated a total of £98,000, with projects highlighted during the Newcastle celebration including those by the Schomberg Society, Kingdom Youth Club, Ballynahinch Men’s Shed, Ballynahinch Community Collective, DisAbility Hub, St Brigid’s Primary School, Downpatrick, Aughlisnafin GAC G4MO, Annsborough Youth Group and Dundrum Coastal Rowing Club, with guests enjoying entertainment from Annalong Community Choir, also recipients of a Communities Leading Change grant.
Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell (third right) at the Burrendale Hotel celebration event with host Barra Best (third left). Included are (from left) Danielle Sinclair (South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust), Ashleigh Shaw (Clanmil Homes), Nicholas McCrickard (County Down Rural Community Network and Community Planning Partnership Board Chairperson), Claire Creaney (Northern Ireland Housing Executive) and Annie Clarke (Southern Health and Social Care Trust).
At the Burrendale event,Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said, “It’s a pleasure to celebrate the community groups who have been successful through our Communities Leading Change Participatory Budgeting programme.
“Thousands of people across our district took part in voting, learning more about what is happening in their area and having a real say in how public money is spent. That is democracy at its most local and most meaningful.
“The Budgeting Programme continues to demonstrate how local investment can unlock ideas, strengthen partnerships and deliver meaningful benefits for health and wellbeing. This celebration is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when communities are given the opportunity to lead change.”
Killeavey Castle celebration event host Rachel Duffy (fourth right) winner of The Traitors television series, with (from left) Crotlieve District Electoral Area (DEA) co-ordinator Shirley Keenan, Gerard Rocks and Annie Clarke (Southern Health and Social Care Trust), Padraig Harte (Newry DEA coordinator), Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Deputy Chairperson Councillor Geraldine Kearns, Raymond Jackson (Confederation of Community Groups), Aileen O’Callaghan (Education Authority) and Slieve Gullion DEA coordinator Aoife McComiskey.
Projects highlighted during the Killeavy Castle event included those by St Mark’s High School, Warrenpoint, Ballyholland GAC, Newtownhamilton and District Community First Responders, Breastmates Newry, Greater Armagh Road Men’s Shed, Crossmaglen Darkness into Light and Amazing Abilities, with guests enjoying entertainment from Traditional Arts Partnership, one of the groups to receive a Communities Leading Change grant.
Raffle prizes at both events were donated by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust, Newry Mourne and Down Leisure Services and the Community Planning Department.
At Killeavy Castle, Council Deputy Chairperson, Councillor Geraldine Kearns said: “What makes this programme especially powerful is that it brings people together; community groups, residents and public bodies – working in partnership, learning from one another, and shaping solutions collectively. That spirit of collaboration is something we are proud of as a Council.”
The project funders include Department for Communities, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, Southern Health and Social Care Trust, Public Health Agency, Northern Ireland Housing Executive, PSNI, Housing for All – Clanmil, Arbour, Radius and Ark (in kind support), County Down Rural Community Network, Confederation of Community Groups and Newry, Mourne and Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership.
