Alliance Slieve Croob Councillor Helena Young condemns threatening letter in Clough area
Alliance Slieve Croob Councillor Helena Young has condemned a threatening letter containing sectarian and Islamophobic messaging that has been circulated around the Clough area in County Down.
Alliance Councillor Helena Young has condemned a letter circulating in the Clough Seaforde area as sectarian and Islamophobic hate crime.
The PSNI is currently investigating a letter circulating on social media and in the Clough area, which is being treated as a sectarian and Islamophobic hate crime.
The letter also contains false reference to a South Down councillor she said.
Cllr Helena Young added: “This letter is incredibly disturbing and sinister, and I wholeheartedly condemn the hateful messaging it contains.
“There is no place for such hatred and intimidation in our society. Everyone deserves to feel safe, welcome, and respected where they live, free from fear.
“The statements in the letter are not reflective of the views of the community, and my thoughts are with those who may feel targeted and unwelcome by it, and also with the councillor who has been falsely linked.
“I would strongly urge anyone with any information to please contact the police immediately to help with their investigations on this matter.”
Residents Launch District Wide Petition and Open Letter Calling for Leadership Change at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
Council Watch was set up as a response to ongoing issues of concern to residents in Newcastle and those concerned about the environmental integrity of the Mournes.
As Newry Mourne and Down District Council proceeded to develop the Belfast City Deal programme, the ‘Gondola project’ involved installing a chairlift-styled operation up to Thomas’ Quarry half way up Slieve Donard, where a visitor centre was planned, concerns were subsequently raised initially at local level.
Since them other issues have arisen and frustrated local residents have expressed their significant discontent at Council decisions and actions.
The Gondola project proposed at Thomas’ Quarry on Slieve Donard collapsed and was redirected to Kilbroney Park where it also hit difficulties.
As the media was effectively excluded from items on the agenda going ‘into committee’, because the Council was invoking articles of the Local Government Act 2014, it has been near impossible to work out what was in fact going on from a press point-of-view.
The role of the media is supposed to be an independent and unbiased means of supporting good governance and democratic institutions. It is the Fourth Column. The media is often referred to as the fourth pillar of democracy, playing a crucial role in shaping public opinion, driving development, and holding power to account. And as an objective body it should hold all parties to account.
Matters, never-the-less, have come to a head as disgruntled residents from Downpatrick to Newry have now come together as a body of ten community and environmental groups calling for a radical change of direction in council policy and management.
Areas where councillors could be held accountable include, surcharge, wilful misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty and misfeasance in public office, and ultra vires (acting beyond legal powers). The stakes can be high.
Hopefully none of the above legal circumstances applies in the case of Newry Mourne and Down District Council and that all parties can find a way to move forward with positive outcomes for all concerned in the interest of the ratepayers and local residents.
The buck stops with the councillors who are approving the decisions to be implemented by council management, and they [the councillors] could be held responsible in the court of public opinion as the next election looms if it transpires that they have taken their eye off the ball.
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COUNCIL WATCH CALLS FOR LEADERSHIP CHANGE AND GOVERNANCE REFORM
In a comprehensive press statement from the residents’ accountability group, Council Watch, the group has launched a district-wide public petition alongside an open letter to all elected councillors demanding immediate leadership change and governance reform at Newry Mourne and Down District Council.
The campaign, supported by a coalition of community organisations and concerned citizens, is calling on councillors to pass a vote of no confidence in Chief Executive Marie Ward and Director of Economy, Regeneration and Tourism Conor Mallon. It is also demanding an independent investigation into “documented governance failures and urgent reforms to improve transparency and financial oversight”.
The Key Concerns Raised by the Council Watch Group on the Mourne Gateway Project
Council Watch states that its action follows what it describes as “a clear and repeated pattern of costly project failures, poor financial management, and disregard for public accountability.”
The petition and open letter highlight several key issues.
Firstly, the Mourne Gateway Project, the proposed visitor attraction, initially planned for Thomas’s Mountain Newcastle and later redirected toward Kilbroney Forest Park, is cited as an example of “governance breakdown”.
The Campaigners pointed to (alleged):
Failure to secure landowner agreement before public announcements
Lack of meaningful public consultation
At least £1.35 million of public money spent on unsuccessful proposals
Potential risk to £30 million in Belfast Region City Deal funding.
In response to this, a spokesperson from Newry Mourne and Down District Council said: “In relation to the Mourne Mountains Gateway project, this was managed in line with Council and Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD) governance processes.
“All matters relating to the project — including land ownership, public announcements, public consultation and finance — were reported and agreed through the Council’s governance structure, including programme boards, the Strategy Policy and Resources Committee and full Council.
“Both the Strategic Outline Business Case and the Outline Business Case were approved in line with Council and BRCD governance requirements and were considered by the Department of Finance and the Department for Economy.
“An alternative concept proposal was presented by the Council and approved by the BRCD Executive Board at a meeting last week. Subject to approval through the Council’s governance processes, work will begin to further develop the proposal and prepare an Outline Business Case. Reallocation of the funding will be subject to business case approval by the BRCD Executive Board in the first instance, and ultimately Executive approval.”
On the Newry and Downpatrick Flood Response (November 2023)
The Council Watch group has alleged on part of the Council, inadequate preparation, delayed emergency response, and failure to distribute financial support to affected residents and businesses.
St Patrick’s Square in Downpatrick at the height of the flood in 2023. Over 50 shop premises were impacted and more indirectly. (Photo: Jim Masson/Down News).
Again, in a right to reply, the Council spokesperson said: “In relation to the Newry and Downpatrick Flood Response (November 2023), the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) was the lead agency for flood response in 2023. The Council worked alongside DfI and other Multi Agency partners in response to flooding across the district and distributed £118,000 of SEFA funding to residential properties on behalf of DfC and approximately £5million in grant funding, on behalf of the Department for Economy to impacted businesses across the district.”
Newry Civic Hub Project was another area where Council Watch campaigners expressed concerns citing ongoing cost overruns, submission of incorrect planning applications by the council as planning authority, use of confidential legal advice to limit scrutiny, and over 2,600 letters of public objection that they say were disregarded.
Again the Council spokesperson replied saying: “In relation to the Civic and Regional Hub project, the Council applies local government legislation in relation to confidential business. The decision with regards to planning is subject to an application for leave for Judicial Review which is being considered by the Courts.”
Warrenpoint Port Environmental Issues
Residents have raised long-standing concerns regarding environmental nuisance and enforcement of regulations, which the group claims remain unresolved.
Council Spokesperson Replies To Warrenpoint Harbour Issues
In a lengthy statement, the Council spokesperson said: “The operations at Warrenpoint Port are licensed by the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural affairs. All complaints received by the Council’s Environmental Health Department in relation to alleged nuisance at Warrenpoint Port have been investigated and complainants informed of the outcome of the investigations.
“The Council held a Special Council meeting on 25 March 2024 in relation to the environmental concerns at Warrenpoint Port and an Emergency Notice of Motion was tabled and approved at a meeting of Full Council in July 2025. The Notice of Motion read as follows:
“This Council condemns in the strongest possible terms the ongoing and escalating negative impact that the storage and handling of household waste by ReGen at Warrenpoint Port is having on the people of Warrenpoint and the surrounding area; Highlights with deep concern the serious and persistent deterioration in environmental and public health conditions, including overwhelming odours, an increased presence of flies and vermin; Notes that these conditions are not only a major nuisance but represent a growing public health risk to residents, particularly those living in close proximity to the port, including families with young children and vulnerable individuals…
[it] further condemns the reappearance of these unacceptable environmental nuisances during the recent Wake the Giant Festival, an event central to the district’s cultural and tourism offering, and warns of the likely disruption to other summer festivals and community activities should this issue remain unresolved; Asserts that the ongoing presence of RDF waste in a densely populated, residential and recreational area is wholly inappropriate and has resulted in residents being forced to endure foul smells, an inability to open windows, enjoy outdoor spaces, or run local businesses without disruption; Warns that Warrenpoint’s economic prosperity, social wellbeing, and long-term reputation are under serious threat if immediate action is not taken to end this situation, which has persisted for over two years; Agrees to write urgently to the Chair of the Warrenpoint Harbour Authority Board, the Minister for Infrastructure, Liz Kimmins MLA; the Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir MLA, and the Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) to make clear this council’s position: that the handling and storage of RDF waste in Warrenpoint in such close proximity to homes, community and public spaces is unacceptable and unsuitable; And calls on them to initiate formal discussions with ReGen. It was also agreed to invite the Warrenpoint Harbour Authority to Council to provide an update on the ongoing situation.”
“Please note, any decisions taken by the Council are documented, and any concerns relating to decisions of the Council can be considered by the Audit Committee and/or external bodies with oversight of Council decisions.”
Calls for ActionBy Council Watchand the Group of 10
Through its petition and open letter, Council Watch is calling on councillors to:
Pass a vote of no confidence in the current Chief Executive and Director of Economy, Regeneration and Tourism
Establish an independent investigation into council governance failures, with findings published publicly
Implement urgent transparency reforms to prevent misuse of confidentiality provisions
Council Watch said: “This is not about party politics. It is about accountability. Repeated governance failures have cost ratepayers millions and eroded public trust. The time for excuses has passed. Councillors must now decide whether they stand with residents or with a failing administration.”
The open letter has been endorsed by a coalition of community organisations including:
Carlingford Lough Keepers
Council Watch: Newry, Mourne and Down
Downpatrick Community Collective
Ecojustice Ireland
Friends of the Meadow and Kilbroney Forest Park
Mourne Gateway Info Group
Newry 2020
No Boats, No Votes
Rostrevor Action Respecting the Environment
Rotten to the Point
“Council Watch states that the response of elected representatives “will determine whether public trust in local government can be restored.”
Organisers would like to encourage concerned ratepayers to join Council Watch where they can also sign and share the petition at:
There is a judicial review pending in the pipeline, and this no doubt will be costly for the parties concerned. But what is the answer to the cries of the campaigners and bureaucratic responses from local government ? (writes Jim Masson.)
Legal actions should be a thing of the last resort. They are expensive, often time consuming, and sometimes the outcomes are undesired by both parties. And they make building relationships and trust just that more difficult.
Perhaps it is time to tread on another path before positions further harden, as all avenues should be positively explored. I think MEDIATION is an option and can have excellent outcomes if both parties engage in a good spirit. But that is the premise.
There are excellent agencies highly experienced such as Mediation NI who could manage such a process and help repair the damage to the integrity of the local government system and bolster the confidence in the wider community about our local council.
I have mentioned the idea of developing a mediation platform in the council area for some time across the DEAs , to address local ‘hot spots’ and issues. There is already a pool of trained councillors in County Down and the council area. It would allow the council to get on with its business and prevent a series of distracting, running crises spilling onto council matters. This situation needs to be stabilised.
I never thought I would be dabbling again in Max Weber’s Theory of Bureaucracy from my student days at QUB, but in any bureaucracy there are formal and informal mechanisms and rules. Our council is no different. The amalgamation of Newry City Council and Down District Council has created a much larger bureaucracy which is more corporate run, less personal. We have to take that aboard and we must too accept that some decisions are made informally as well as formally. But there is a balance in accountability. And we have to be sensitive to that balance in our council.
Otherwise matters get stressful and the wheels may come off. So we need to reflect too on this style of doing business. It may not resonate with people used to the old ways in or out of the council, but councillors need to adjust to this too – as well as management in a positive way going forward.
I spoke to one councillor recently who said: “The council isn’t the same any more.” That’s because it has evolved into a bigger institution with different rules and structures. It’s much less personal. It has morphed and there is no point in idealising about it but to grapple with the present realities and mechanisms and make it work for all the residents in the council area.
If everyone puts in their tuppence worth in a meaningful way, ideas can shape the future of the council for the better. People do need to be listened to outside consultation periods. (That is the informal part that is not working.) Dialogue has weakened or broken down. Empathetic channels need to be opened up again and re-established. There needs to be a process of healing, so…
Could one of the 41 councillors I wonder pick up on this idea of mediation and run with it as a motion to council ? (A positive outcome!).
Kimmins allocates additional £2.5million for essential roads maintenance
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has allocated a further £2.5million for essential roads maintenance in this financial year. This is an investment of over £40million since December in our roads.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has allocated more funds for roads repairs following the period of bad weather.
Following the Ministers recent announcement of a £7.85million Winter Recovery Road Fund and the 40 resurfacing schemes programmed following the Minister’s £30million December Monitoring Allocation, this further funding will help to tackle the impact recent severe weather conditions have had across our network.
Minister Kimmins said: “I am committed to doing all I can to improve our roads and am pleased today to confirm additional funding of £2.5million which will be allocated for essential roads maintenance in this financial year.
“Everyone will by now be all too aware of the toll on our road network due to recent severe conditions.
“I recently announced £7.85million for a Winter Recovery Fund to help us address the worst affected areas as soon as possible.
“I had asked my officials to explore as a matter of urgency every avenue to maximise our available workforce capacity to ensure we are doing as much as we can.
“Following engagement with our contractors we have secured additional capacity which will allow us to carry out essential repairs across our roads divisions.
“I would encourage the public to continue to report potholes and other surface defects via the online portal. We will continue to inspect and make-safe defects by working to address the highest priority defects as quickly as we can.”
Get ready for a weekend bursting with imagination! Young Aspects is happening in Bangor on Friday 27th February to Sunday 1st March 2026.
It brings an exciting programme of workshops, events and hands-on activities designed to inspire young minds and ignite a love of stories.
Organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council, this year’s festival transforms venues including North Down Museum, Bangor Carnegie Library and Boom Studios into vibrant hubs of creativity.
From playful picture book sessions for little ones to dynamic writing workshops for teens, Young Aspects connects children with talented writers, illustrators, and artists in fun, interactive ways.
One highlight is not to be missed: the Book Doctors, presented by Children’s Books Ireland, will be hosting free Book Clinics at Bangor Carnegie Library on Saturday 28 February. Step into the surgery for a unique consultation and leave with a personalised reading prescription tailored to your child’s interests!
The programme also features favourites like Digital Art Workshops, Book Binding, Creative Writing, and a Story Sketch Walk – perfect for budding readers, writers, and artists.
Young reader Sophie Thompson is looking forward to the Young Aspects Festival this weekend.
Speaking about the programme Patricia Hamilton, Aspects Festival Director, said: “Young Aspects gives young people of all ages creative experiences to engage with books, writing and stories in an exciting and unusual way.
“From bookbinding to illustration, bedtime stories to forest learning, it’s a packed weekend of activity. We hope to see you there!”
To view the full programme and to book tickets, visit:
Childcare Strategy Must Deliver For Families Says Mason
Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has said the draft Early Years and Childcare Strategy must address soaring costs and support families and providers.
Speaking in the Assembly, the party’s spokesperson for Childcare and Early Years said: “Soaring childcare costs continue to place an unbearable strain on families across the North.
“Living costs are continuing to bite and we must do all we can to keep money in the pockets of hard-pressed workers and families.
“While the Childcare Subsidy Scheme has helped reduce costs, the draft childcare strategy lacks a commitment from the Minister to ensure that future subsidies will not be eaten up by inflation.
South Down Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has urged parents to look at the early years and childcare consultation as she says many families are increasingly at risk.
“Providers continue to struggle with rising overheads, workforce capacity and retention of staff. Childminders continue to be squeezed by further British Government cuts.
“I urge everyone to respond to the Early Years and Childcare Strategy consultation and make your voices heard.”
The South Down MLA aded: “Parents and childcare providers are clear that the Minister needs to spell out exactly how his strategy will cut bills for parents, accessing both early years and school-aged childcare, support struggling providers, and guarantee high-quality childcare.
“It must be designed to serve every child, with clear commitments for those who have special educational needs and physical disabilities.
“The strategy must set out a roadmap for the expansion of Irish Medium Childcare and Early Years Provision, ensuring there is the capacity to meet rising demand, and stop the Minister’s trend of viewing Irish Medium as an afterthought.”
Link to the consultation and more background info:
Newry Arts Festival Returns This March with Diverse Programme of Events
Newry Mourne and Down District Council is inviting residents and visitors to enjoy ten days of arts and cultural events as the Newry Arts Festival returns from 19th to 29th March 2026.
Now in its third year, the festival continues to grow, offering a diverse programme of exhibitions, film, comedy, music, theatre, literature and workshops taking place at venues across Newry City.
The festival aims to showcase local talent while bringing high-quality arts experiences to audiences of all ages.
Council Chairperson Cllr Philip Campbell launches Newry Arts Festival 2026, which will return to venues across Newry from 19 to 29 March 2026.
This year’s programme will feature performances by a range of established and emerging artists.
Comedy highlights include Paddy Raff, William Thompson and Newry native Lianne McCooey.
Music lovers can look forward to concerts from Irish folk singer Luka Bloom, the Newry Chamber Orchestra and local band, Gama Bomb, will appear through a screening of their documentary, ‘Gama Bomb – Survival of the Fastest’.
Theatre, poetry and spoken word events will also form a key part of the programme, including readings and performances by well-known writers and local creatives.
Film screenings will play a central role in the festival, opening with the Irish music documentary, Celtic Utopia on Thursday 19 March.
Luka Bloom will be performing in the Newry Festival.
Additional screenings will include, Blue Road: The EdnaO’Brien Story and the Irish-language black comedy thriller, Aontas, providing audiences with the opportunity to experience a range of contemporary Irish cinema.
Family-friendly activities will run throughout the festival, including puppetry performances, storytelling events, Lego animation workshops and hip hop dance sessions for young people.
“For those interested in developing new skills, a Digital Music Production Workshop will introduce participants to the basics of creating music using accessible technology.
The festival places a strong emphasis on accessibility and inclusion. A Relaxed Screening will be provided for neurodivergent audiences and their families, while Barry’s Beats club night will offer a sensory-considered dance experience specifically designed for adults with autism and learning difficulties.
Come along and enjoy an evening of music with nanci .
Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said: “Newry Arts Festival is a fantastic celebration of creativity and culture in our district.
“It showcases the wealth of talent we have locally while also attracting performers and audiences from further afield.
“With such a varied programme on offer, there are opportunities for people of all ages to experience the arts, try something new and support events taking place across our city.”
Events will take place in a variety of venues, including Newry Town Hall, Newry and Mourne Museum, Newry City Library and a number of local arts and community spaces, helping to bring culture and creativity into the heart of the community.
Post-Christmas pet regret: DAERA and USPCA raise public awareness about responsible ownership
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Ulster Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) are urging members of the public to carefully consider the consequences of abandoning a pet if they have post-Christmas ‘pet regret’.
Unfortunately, many pets find themselves abandoned once the festive season ends and the initial excitement of bringing them home wears off. Pet owners may discover that the significant commitment required to care for an animal is more than they are willing or able to handle.
Looking after pets takes time, proper nutrition, and regular vet visits; it’s important to think carefully about these responsibilities before getting a pet.
USPCA Chief Executive Heather Weir with DAERA Minister Andrew Muir at the USPCA shelter in Newry promoting responsible pet ownership.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir, who was visiting the USPCA Headquarters in Newry said:“Every animal deserves to be treated with respect and care. Animal welfare is a priority for me, and I’ve set out a pathway to help improve animal welfare standards.
“One of my key reforms is to increase public understanding of what responsible dog ownership involves.
“DAERA will continue to work alongside animal welfare organisations such as the USPCA in order to increase the number of well loved and cared for pets as well as helping to reduce the number of animals being abandoned.
“My Department has produced a helpful guide on dog ownership as part of this and I would encourage anyone to considering getting a pet to read it.
“Abandoning animals without ensuring their welfare is provided for, is unacceptable and illegal. Anyone found guilty of abandoning an animal can face severe penalties.”
Abandoning a pet can have adverse impacts on the animal’s welfare, costs for already overstretched rescue and rehoming organisations, as well as legal consequences for the owner. Neglected animals may be malnourished or suffer from untreated injuries and illnesses.
“While circumstances can change, pet owners are responsible for safely rehoming their pets if they are no longer able to provide proper care.
USPCA Chief Executive Heather Weir and DAERA Minister Andrew Muir promoting responsible pet ownership.
USPCA Chief Executive Heather Weir said: “Here at USPCA, we understand the joy that our companion animals bring. Our team, our vets, and volunteers also understand the responsibilities that pet ownership brings.
“Unfortunately, at this time of the year, we also see the consequences when things don’t work out – animals abandoned, unwell and neglected.
“Last year we rescued 259 abandoned dogs and rehomed 368 companion animals.
“We ask anyone thinking of bringing an animal into their home to answer some simple but important questions: Is a dog right for me? Is my home right for a dog? Is my family’s lifestyle suited to caring for a dog? And do I have the financial resources to cover expenses?
“We support responsible pet ownership where we can by providing over 7000 food parcels to 51 food banks across Northern Ireland, offering a discounted neutering scheme and through our Pet Pledge scheme which ensures much-loved pets are looked after when the unexpected happens.”
Further information on the responsibilities of owning an animal and what to do if you have an animal welfare concern is available on NI Direct:
The Federation of Independent Retailers Meets With Strangford MP Jim Shannon in Comber, County Down
The Federation of Independent Retailers met with Democratic Unionist MP, Jim Shannon, in Comber in Northern Ireland on Friday 16th January at Livingstone’s Newsagents. The visit was hosted by the Federation’s president in Northern Ireland, Ms Julie Brown, who co-owns and runs the business along with her brother Jim Livingstone.
Their shop is located on Bridge Street in the centre of the town near Strangford Lough in the Strangford constituency of the Westminster Parliament. Also in attendance was the Federation’s membership services manager Gwen Patterson.
Julie Brown, front, at Livingstone’s Newsagents in Comber pictured with Jim Shannon MP, Julie’s brother and business partner, Jim Livingstone, and Gwen Patterson Federation of Independent Retailers.
The meeting with the Federation representatives highlighted the value of small independent shops to local communities across Northern Ireland and the wider UK and Ireland. And it flagged up the social and economic role they play at the heart of their communities.
Jim Shannon MP said: “It was an extremely positive meeting and I was delighted to meet with Julie, Jim and Gwen from the Federation.
“I look forward to working with them in the future to highlight the work of the Federation and what we can do locally, and what I can do as a Member of Parliament from Westminster to amplify its message.”
Ms Brown said: “We were pleased that Mr Shannon took the time to visit the business and listen to the points that I raised about the cost of doing business, as well as issues around theft and the challenges posed by rogue trade including the illicit trade of tobacco and what can be done to stop it.
“I will be happy to work with him in the future and to continue to work on the points we raised.
“However, we emphasised the danger that if the rising business costs I identified such as higher taxes – particularly higher National Insurance contributions – and energy costs are not addressed. then they are likely to lead to shorter shop opening hours and cutting staff hours.”
McGrath Says Health Service Is Adrift As Staffing Gaps Persist
SDLP Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA has said the latest Health and Social Care workforce statistics reveal a persistent staffing gap that continues to leave services exposed, staff overstretched and patients waiting longer for care.
Mr McGrath said that despite ongoing recruitment activity, vacancy levels have remained stubbornly high over the past three years, hovering around 6,000 unfilled posts.
Colin McGrath, SDLP MLA and Opposition Health Spokesperson, is concerned about the latest statistics showing that health staff are being recruited to meet those leaving the service and this is not conducive to building a secure health workforce meeting the needs of patients.
He said this demonstrates that recruitment is largely replacing staff who are leaving, rather than expanding workforce capacity to meet growing demand.
South Down MLA Colin McGrath said: “These figures show a system treading water rather than moving forward.
“When vacancies remain at this level year after year, it illustrates for us that we are not strengthening our health service but rather managing a permanent shortage.
“Nursing pressures remain especially alarming, with almost one third of all vacancies in nursing and midwifery roles. Nurses already represent roughly one third of the entire Health and Social Care workforce and are the backbone of day-to-day care across hospital and community settings.
“Our health service is operating with very little breathing space.
“That lack of resilience is felt every day by staff working under relentless pressure and by patients facing delays and uncertainty.
“Safe staffing legislation is not an optional reform. It is a fundamental patient safety measure, yet staff and patients remain without clarity on when this will be delivered.
“Without that direction, the system is left adrift. The Minister must provide clarity on when we can expect to see this legislation introduced.”
NIFRS Now Recruiting On-Call Firefighters: Your Town, Your Team, Your NIFRS
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has launched an On-Call Firefighter recruitment campaign to attract enthusiastic and committed On-Call Firefighters from local communities across Northern Ireland.
The ‘Your Town, Your Team, Your NIFRS’ campaign is aimed at those who live or work within 5 minutes of their local On-Call Fire Station, who want to make a real difference in their community.
NIFRS is recruiting On-Call Firefighters across 26 Fire Stations including Ballycastle, Ballyclare, Glengormley, Portrush, Portstewart, Whitehead, Armagh, Ballynahinch, Crossmaglen, Holywood, Keady, Lurgan, Newcastle, Newtownhamilton, Portaferry, Warrenpoint,Comber, Belleek, Clogher, Dromore (Tyrone), Irvinestown, Lisnaskea, Enniskillen, Newtownstewart Pomeroy and Carryduff.
Trainee firefighters extinguishing a fire knowing that one day they will be doing it for real. Trainee fire fighters extinguishing a fire knowing that one day they will be doing it for real. Firefighters are being recruited in several stations across County Down.
As part of NIFRS’ commitment to recruiting the best possible candidates, information evenings are being held in every recruiting station throughout the duration of the 3-week campaign.
Those attending the information evenings will have the opportunity to:
1. Learn more about the role of On-Call Firefighters and the commitment involved.
2. Speak directly to the crew at the Fire Station and ask questions about the role.
3. Find out more about the physical aspects of the job and the training provided.
4. Understand the application process and find out if they are eligible to apply.
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service Western Area Commander David Doherty said: “We are inviting new applicants to join our dedicated team of On-Call Firefighters who provide vital support in protecting local community.
“Our On-Call Firefighters respond to the same types of incidents that Wholetime Firefighters do, alongside balancing firefighting duties with other jobs, businesses and family responsibilities.
“On-Call Firefighters demonstrate incredible dedication to protecting their local community and I would encourage anyone who is interested in joining our team to apply.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage any local business owners in these areas who are willing to allow On-Call Firefighters to be released from their employment to attend emergency calls, to contact your local On-Call Fire Station for more information.”
Megan Walsh from Crossmaglencombines her role as an On-Call Firefighter alongside working in a children’s entertainment centre, volunteering in her local community and attends the gym regularly.
She said: “My primary employer, a children’s entertainment centre, is ver
“Knowing that I am helping others and ensuring I am there for my community when they need us most, it’s very worthwhile.”
Oran Swift combines his role as an On-Call Firefighter alongside working as a bricklayer and looking after his young family.
He said: “Being an On-Call Firefighter has provided me with transferable skills that I can use every day.
“I work as a bricklayer and keep my pager on during the day and then clock off when I’m spending time with my family. Once you find the correct balance, the role is incredibly rewarding.
“I am helping others, gaining new skills and discovering leadership strengths I never knew I had. It’s so important living in small rural villages that we all chip in together to keep people safe.”
Candidates can apply online and download application packs from NIFRS’s website at www.nifrs.org.
The closing date for applications is Friday 13 March at 12noon.
The closing date is 12.00 noon on Friday 13 March.
NIFRS is recruiting people who live or work within 5 minutes of the following stations: Ballycastle, Ballyclare, Glengormley, Portrush, Portstewart, Whitehead, Armagh, Ballynahinch, Crossmaglen, Holywood, Keady, Lurgan, Newcastle, Newtownhamilton, Portaferry, Warrenpoint, Comber, Belleek, Clogher, Dromore (Tyrone), Irvinestown, Lisnaskea, Enniskillen, Newtownstewart Pomeroy and Carryduff.
Details about our information evenings can be found below at:
Northern
Southern
Western
Eastern
Ballycastle – Monday 23 Feb, 2 March & 9 March
Armagh – Monday 23 Feb, 2 March & 9 March
Belleek – Monday 23 Feb, 2 March & 9 March
Carryduff – Wednesday 25 Feb, 4 March & 11 March
Ballyclare – Tuesday 24 Feb, 3 March & 10 March
Ballynahinch – Tuesday 24 Feb, 3 March & 10 March
Clogher– Monday 23 Feb, 2 March & 9 March
Glengormley – Thursday 26 Feb, 5 March & 12 March
Crossmaglen – Wednesday 25 Feb, 4 March & 11 March
Dromore (Tyrone) – Tuesday 24 Feb, 3 March & 10 March
Portrush – Thursday 26 Feb, 5 March & 12 March
Holywood – Tuesday 24 Feb, 3 March & 10 March
Enniskillen – Thursday 26 Feb (female only), 5 March & 12 March
Portstewart – Wednesday 25 Feb, 4 March & 11 March
Keady – Tuesday 24 Feb, 3 March & 10 March
Irvinestown – Wednesday 25 Feb, 4 March & 11 March
Whitehead – Tuesday 24 Feb, 3 March & 10 March
Lurgan – Tuesday 24 Feb, 3 March & 10 March
Lisnaskea – Wednesday 25 Feb, 4 March & 11 March
Newcastle – Monday 23 Feb, 2 March & 9 March
Newtownstewart – Thursday 26 Feb, 5 March & 12 March
Newtownhamilton – Thursday 26 Feb, 5 March & 12 March
Pomeroy – Thursday 26 Feb, 5 March & 12 March
Portaferry – Monday 23 Feb, 2 March & 9 March
Warrenpoint – Monday 23 Feb, 2 March & 9 March
Comber– Thursday 26 Feb, 5 March & 12 March
On-Call Firefighters work part-time and carry a pager to alert them to emergencies in their local area.
On-Call Firefighters are paid a retaining fee, emergency call-out payments and a payment to attend a weekly drill night, 2 hours per week in the evening.
Our On-Call Firefighters are trained to the highest standards and take part in 12 days of training each year to ensure we have the most highly skilled Firefighters to help protect our local communities.
