Rural Support Partners with The Royal Countryside Fund to Offer FREE Farm Resilience Programme in NI
With increasing pressures on farm family businesses, it is vital that these enterprises receive good support so that they can thrive in an ever-changing farming world.
Running a family farm today means juggling rising costs, changing markets, the environment and family pressures. All while trying to run a productive business that helps feed our communities.
In recognition of this, Rural Support is working with The Royal Countryside Fund to deliver the Farm Resilience Programme (FRP) in Northern Ireland this spring.
The Royal Countryside Fund’s Farm Resilience Programme started in 2016 with the whole farm and whole family in mind.
The workshops involve free business and environmental training that will help you get a better handle of your farm finances and operations and build confidence in the future of your farm business.
Christina Murray, Farm Support Coordinator for Rural Support, launching this year’s Royal Countryside Fund Farm Resilience Programme.
Working alongside the charity’s Farm Support Team, you’ll receive guidance and take part in three practical workshops that help you:
Make sense of what’s changing around you.
Explore current and future business and environmental opportunities.
Build a practical plan that suits your short-term goals and long-term business strategy.
Melissa Wylie, Farm Support and Therapeutical Services Programme Manager at Rural Support said: “Family farms are under more pressure than ever, with financial uncertainty, regulatory change and the strain this places on farm families themselves.
“The Farm Resilience Programme gives farmers the space, support and practical tools to step back, look at their business with fresh eyes and plan with confidence for the future.
“By working alongside The Royal Countryside Fund, we’re proud to offer free, hands-on support that recognises the whole farm and the whole family.”
This workshop will be held as a full day event on Friday 27th March in Cookstown.
Tea/coffee and lunch will be provided but spaces are limited so book your place ASAP through the Farm Support Team on 028 8676 0040,
The Farm Resilience Programme is made possible thanks to funding from Aldi, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Hilton Foods, Morrisons, Rothschild Foundation and Waitrose.
Rural Support, encourages all members of the farming community to visit their Farm Support Hub www.ruralsupport.org.uk which has been developed to provide practical, at your fingertips resources for the agri-sector.
Also, if you have any concerns in relation to your farm business or personal wellbeing, please contact the charity’s FREEPHONE confidential Support Line 0800 138 1678, open Monday – Friday, 9am-9pm or click the ‘Get Help’ button via their website.
NMD Council aims to build on success of Make It Local Campaign
Plans are afoot to build on the success of its Make it Local campaign which has profiled over 100 businesses since its launch says Newry Mourne and Down District Council.
The organisation plans to appoint a creative communications consultancy to support the Council to provide a further boost to the business community in the new financial year.
Faced with sustained and increasing pressures over recent years, from rising operating costs to shifts in customer shopping behaviour, local businesses have struggled.
The Make it Local campaign was designed to make businesses more visible by showcasing their products and services and encourage residents and visitors to shop locally, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable local economy.
Newry Mourne and Down District Council chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said: “Money spent locally supports jobs and boosts the district’s economy.”
Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson Councillor Philip Campbell has welcomed plans to build on the success of the Make it Local campaign.
He said the Make it Local initiative “has been a great success and it’s great news for the business community that it is being extended.
“We want to provide businesses with a platform to showcase themselves and their towns. Make it Local provides them with an opportunity to be seen and supported and extending the scheme provides businesses with a window to share their story with the wider community.”
The Council-driven initiative to support the business community provides a free platform to showcase and promote products and services.
It also recognises the critical need to strengthen the Make it Local brand and build on the success of previous campaigns, to maintain momentum and enhance the initiative’s reach and impact across the district.
Since 2021, a broad mix of 104 retail and hospitality businesses across the district have been profiled.
Last year, 25 businesses were supported through a range of funding initiatives including the Small Settlements Regeneration Programme supported by the Department for Communities, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the investment delivering a major district-wide campaign with the assistance of a digital and communications agency.
In the wake of the successful initiatives, the Council targeted digital advertising campaigns to align with key tourism/cultural events including Wake the Giant, the Ulster Fleadh and Newcastle’s Eats and Beats and Restaurant Week, amplifying the shop local message at a time of high footfall and increased visitors to the area.
A campaign last Christmas which showcased five local businesses, highlighting the economic importance of supporting local traders during a busy time, reached more than 300,000 people.
To build on the success of Make it Local, the Council is planning new marketing campaigns to showcase the breadth of business products, services and experiences available across the district, both on-line and in-store, and will be strategically aligned to support major district-wide events and key seasonal trading periods including Christmas.
Expressions of interest will open soon to allow new businesses to get involved in future Make it Local campaigns, and details of the process will be promoted across the Council’s social media platforms.
A recommendation to appoint a creative communications consultancy to build on the success of Make it Local and support the Council was agreed at a meeting of the Council’s Economy, Regeneration and Tourism Committee on 19 January (to be confirmed at the next full council meeting).
Committee chairperson, Councillor David Lee-Surginor said: “Make it Local shines a light on the people behind local businesses, many of them family-owned, and the services they provide.
“Those who express an interest in the scheme have an opportunity to reach a wider audience with the help of the Council.”
The Committee recommendation has to be approved by the full Council when it meets on February 2.
McGrath says Health Minister’s winter preparedness plan has clearly failed
SDLP Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA has said the Health Minister’s Winter Preparedness Plan has clearly failed.
He was speaking during an Assembly debate on Wednesday.
South Down MLA Colin McGrath said: “Winter pressures were foreseeable and repeatedly warned about, yet patients are still left on trolleys, in corridors and waiting hours for ambulances.
“This points to a failure of planning, not an unavoidable crisis.
“Frontline staff are holding the system together despite being pushed to breaking point. Ambulance crews, nurses and doctors are experiencing burnout, denied overtime and left stuck outside hospitals for hours because of failures elsewhere in the system.
“Hospitals remain the central pressure point.
“Delayed discharges, under-resourced social care and workforce shortages are creating a log-jam that blocks emergency departments and leaves patients waiting at every stage of care, including those waiting for an ambulance.
“The Minister’s winter preparedness plan has failed in delivery. Without urgent action on workforce retention, fair pay for social care and safe staffing legislation, there is no confidence that next winter will be any different.
“Planning properly for 2026-27 should be the bare minimum.”
Council supports Downpatrick scheme to build stronger communities with a focus at The Grove in Downpatrick
A scheme to redevelop the historic Grove area in the heart of Downpatrick has become a catalyst for a wider community-led project that will be delivered over the next two years.
Newry Mourne and Down District Council is working alongside the Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group delivering the Living High Streets Framework in the town which is also being supported by the Department for Communities.
The historic Grove in the shadow of Down Cathedral was identified as a priority site in Downpatrick and benefited from financial support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Cllr Philip Campbell lends a hand at the Youth Initiatives clean up in The Grove in Downpatrick.
Building on the investment, a community clean-up was the spur for an application for a wider community-led project which is being supported by the PEACEPLUS Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
A new Downpatrick Growing Together initiative entitled Growing Relationships Over Vibrant Environments (GROVE) aims to build stronger, more connected communities through the development of shared, inclusive spaces and activities that encourage mutual understanding and cross-community collaboration.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said: “It’s exciting to see the GROVE project take a significant step forward.
“This fantastic initiative funded by PEACEPLUS will bring our community closer together through shared spaces, workshops, creative sessions, biodiversity days and much more.
Members of the Downpatrick Regeneration Group[ and volunteers planting out in The Grove in Downpatrick in April 2025.
“Over the next two years we will work together to foster pride, strengthen cross-community relationships and create a more vibrant and inclusive Downpatrick.”
The Downpatrick Growing Together initiative is designed to engage with a wide range of community groups, schools and colleges and the GROVE project will feature workshops, clean-up events and planting, an urban forest school programme, creative sessions, biodiversity and bioblitz days, recording flora and fauna.
It also aims to strengthen cross-community relationships and reduce social divisions, develop and enhance the Grove area as a shared, civic space, fostering pride.
Other key elements of the initiative include empowering local changemakers, fostering lasting peace-building and nurturing a culture of respect and creating pride amongst Downpatrick’s diverse population.
At a meeting of the Council’s Economy, Regeneration and Tourism (ERT) Committee on January 19, it was agreed to approve acceptance of a Letter of Offer from PEACEPLUS 1.2 Empowering Communities for the Downpatrick project.
ERT Committee chairperson, Councillor David Lee-Surginor said: “The Growing Together initiative is welcome and I am delighted it is being supported by the PEACEPLUS Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
“Any scheme which aims to build stronger, more connected communities through the development of shared, inclusive spaces, is something we can all support and fully get behind.”
The Committee’s decision has to be ratified at the full Council meeting on February 2.
Tesco Stronger Starts brings joy to children and young people with Down Syndrome
The North Down and Ards Down Syndrome Support Group has received a £2,500 grant from Tesco as part of the Stronger Starts scheme, helping them provide support and fun activities for people of all ages with Down Syndrome, their parents and carers.
Founded in 2019, the charity benefits 40 children and young people with additional needs in the Ards and North Down area.
The activities offered by the group include yoga to help develop muscle tone, soft play and pool sessions, families’ days out and parties to give parents a chance to get together and support each other.
Tesco Stronger Start fund supports Down Syndrome children and teenagers in Bangor as p[art of the North Down and Ards Down Syndrome Support Group.
Last December, with the funding from Stronger Starts, the kids enjoyed a magical Christmas party, with complete with DJ disco, bouncy castle, yummy treats and a special visit from the Big Man himself.
The junior members also enjoyed a trip to see “Shrek!” pantomime at the Stranmillis University College Theatre, in Belfast, while senior members watched “The Adventures of Pinocchio” show at the Grand Opera House.
Parent and member of the charity Kathryn Watson said: “The donation from Tesco was crucial in allowing us to give our children and young people something truly special during the festive season.
“These experiences bring so much joy and confidence to our members, while also giving parents the chance to connect.”
The North Down and Ards Down Syndrome Support Group also offers information sessions and support for new parents.
Smiling faces at the pantomime. Tesco supports children and teenagers in the Bangor area through the Stronger Start initiative.
“Having a child with Down Syndrome presents physical, mental and developmental challenges, and we feel there is a lack of support for parents and families, especially for older children and teenagers with Down Syndrome, as planning for the future can be very daunting”, Kathryn added.
“We provide information on hospitals and what to expect from daily life, so they know they are not alone and that the future can very bright.”
The Stronger Starts scheme, in partnership with the Groundwork charity, aims to support many Northern Ireland community projects and good causes in the coming years, with thousands of pounds to give away.
Claire De Silva, Head of Community at Tesco, said: “We’re delighted that we can help charities like the North Down and Ards Down Syndrome Support Group.
“Stronger Starts invites our customers to use their blue tokens to vote for local schemes they feel will benefit people of all ages and it’s so good to see the impact that the funding makes.”
NI shoppers can support their local schools and charities by dropping the Tesco blue token they receive at checkout into the relevant voting box as they leave the store.
For further information on how to make a difference at Tesco stores across NI, please go to:
SERC Set to Welcome Potential Apprentices and Employersto have a go
Would-be apprentices and employers are invited to South Eastern Regional College (SERC) during NI Apprenticeship Week, 2 – 6 February 2026, for a packed schedule of activities and information.
Led by the Department for the Economy (DfE) NI Apprenticeship Week, now in its sixth year, showcases what you can do and how to get started with an apprenticeship.
Victoria Boyd, Head of Training Programmes & Apprenticeships at SERC said: “Our Apprentices –Have a Go Sessions – from 4.30 – 7.00pm on Tuesday 3 February (Bangor and NewtownardsCampuses) and Thursday 5 February (Downpatrick and Lisburn Campuses) – will include visits to workshops to see the facilities and to gather information about the range of Apprenticeship (Levels 2 and 3) and Higher-Level Apprenticeships offered.
“Would-be apprentices of all ages will have the opportunity to learn more about available opportunities in a wide range of sectors including accountancy, air conditioning, fire and security, wall and floor tiling, professional cookery, land-based engineering, health and social care, motor vehicle, construction, engineering, electrical, plumbing, plastering and leadership for children’s care.
Apprentices Have a Go:(l-r) Megan Pinney (26), from Ballynahinch, a SERC Level 2 Apprenticeship NI in Plumbing employed by A. Burns Plumbing & Heating and Victoria Boyd, Head of Training Programmes & Apprenticeships at SERC.
“As particular apprenticeships run from different SERC Campuses, visitors are invited to check the events listings for the Have a Go Sessions on our website in advance of their visit.”
Visitors at our Newtownards Campus on Tuesday 3 February will also be able to drop into our new state-of-the-art Fire and Security training facilities, to meet potential employers offering apprenticeships in this growth area.
The college will also be hosting two invitation-only events at SERC’s Lisburn Campus through local schools and employers to highlight engineering apprenticeships; and engaging with employers for the design of a new Motor Vehicle HLA and automotive engineering programme to ensure they meet local demand.
Victoria added: “SERC currently have 1,450 Level 2 and Level 3 apprentices and 260 Higher Level apprentices completing their qualifications.
“Apprentices are employed from the start and earn whilst they learn, so there is no debt or student loan to pay off at the end of the apprenticeship.
“They work alongside experienced staff in the workplace and build on their skills and experience each and every day, spending up to four days in the workplace and one day in college for study related to their apprenticeship.
“SERC also offer a range of work-based apprenticeships where learners’ study without coming to college. Our trainer assessors deliver these programmes within the workplace, one-to-one or in small groups.”
Apprentices Have a Go: (l-r) David Gore, Apprenticeship Development Manager at SERC with Luke Kinnear (18), from Hillsborough, employed by Charles Brand and Aisling Hyndman (19), from Belfast, employed by Department for Infrastructure, both are completing Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Civil Engineering at the college.
During the week, SERC will be posting features on apprentices from a range of levels and subject on socials including: Luke Kinnear (18), from Hillsborough, who is completing a Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Civil Engineering and is employed by Charles Brand.
Luke said: “I am in college one day a week and it is different from school. It is a bit more relaxed, but at the same time, you are responsible for keeping up with assignments.
“What I am learning in college, I can apply in the workplace and what I am learning out on site, I am able to bring back to the class.”
Luke added “When you are an apprentice, you are employed, so that comes with everything you would expect when you go to work – time keeping, being professional and teamwork.
“I think the apprenticeship route is the best way to go, and getting paid certainly helps when it comes to paying for things, like a car.”
Megan Pinney (26), from Ballynahinch, is completing a Level 2 Apprenticeship NI in Plumbing and is employed by A. Burns Plumbing & Heating.
She said: “My favourite part of my apprenticeship is the practical side. I love connecting all the pipes up and testing it and finding no leaks – it’s really satisfying to see something you have made, work well.
“The theory helps you do better practical work. You learn all about the different kinds of equipment and tools you need and how to use them; how to install and maintain pipework, central heating, and sanitary systems, as well as all the relevant health and safety and principles so that your work meets relevant codes.”
Aisling Hyndman (19), from Belfast, went to university for a year but changed direction. She is now completing a Level 3 Apprenticeship NÍ in Civil Engineering with SERC and is employed by the Department for Infrastructure.
She said: “Doing the apprenticeship and coming to SERC one day a week has been good. Obviously it is totally different from university – I don’t regret going for the year as it was still all experience for me.
“But I am enjoying the mix of work, being in the office and out on site, and then having the day in college for all the theory. The class is small and the tutors are great.”
Aisling added: “University is good, but you are coming out with debt, and even now if I had a choice between going to university to do civil engineering or doing the apprenticeship route, I would choose the latter.”
Muir launches draft Strategy to protect nature for future generations
Members of the public are to be consulted on a draft Nature Recovery Strategy to restore, manage and protect Northern Ireland’s habitats for future generations.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir launched a public consultation today on the draft strategy, which sets out how the Department will meet international and national ambitions on biodiversity up to 2032.
South Down MP Chris Hazzard has welcomed the strategy (see comments below).
Nature is in decline across the world, including Northern Ireland, where many habitats and species are under threat with 40% of the flora and fauna in our most protected sites falling short of ‘favourable condition’ standards.
Only one of 49 priority habitat types in Northern Ireland are considered to be at favourable conservation status (fourth UK Habitats Directive Report), while one in nine (12%) of Northern Ireland species are currently threatened with extinction (State of Nature 2023).
DAERA Minister Muir pictured with members of the Forever Mournes Partnership walking at Slieve Loughshannagh in August 2025.
Launching the public consultation, Minister Muir said: “Northern Ireland has some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes and precious habitats.
“Our society continues to exert growing pressures on the natural environment, making it imperative to adopt a collective and comprehensive approach to reverse and prevent further decline.
“This Strategy has been developed by my Department to provide support not only for designated sites but for the wider countryside as well.”
The Minister added:“Nature can recover if we start recognising its value, stop doing things that harm it, and treat it with the respect it deserves.
“While we have a long way to go to halt and reverse current trends we can take heart from recent conservation successes, such as the breeding wader recovery project in the Antrim Hills and Lough Erne, the peatland restoration project at Mullaghcarn, and the Life-Raft project to protect native species on Rathlin Island.
“These initiatives demonstrate how collaboration and leadership can deliver practical action to halt and reverse the decline of nature.
“I look forward to receiving input from stakeholders and the wider public on this proposed Strategy, to help drive decisive action to on restoring and regenerating biodiversity so that future generations can live in a thriving natural environment.”
The draft Nature Recovery Strategy contains five strategic objectives and clear actions to help deliver transformation across government, business and society to safeguard and restore nature and biodiversity.
This includes actions that have already been agreed or are in development in existing strategies and policies, as well as additional new actions that have been identified to further promote nature restoration.
The proposed additional actions for 2026 include:
Publishing a Tree Planting Action Plan
Development of a new All-Ireland Pollinator Plan for 2026-30
Development of a Protected Sites Delivery Plan
Publishing a Plastic Pollution Plan
Launching a Public Consultation on Northern Ireland’s first Clean Air Strategy
Publishing the report on latest Northern Ireland Countryside Survey (2022-2025)
When preparing for the delivery of this strategy, DAERA will work to convene a Nature Recovery Forum to oversee its successful implementation.
The Strategy and Consultation documents are available on the DAERA website:
Responses should be submitted before the deadline on 18 March 2026.
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Mournes must be protected for future generations says Hazzard
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has said the Mournes must be protected as visitor numbers increase and the area becomes an increasingly popular tourist attraction.
The South Down MP was speaking following a meeting with Forever Mournes representatives at Fofanny Dam and Ott Mountain.
He said: “The Mournes are not only a hugely popular cultural landmark but also a hive of ecological activity, making the area a genuine national treasure.
South Down MP Chris Hazzard has called for the protection of the Mournes given the increased footfall in recent years and pressures on the habitat and wildlife.
“The ‘Kingdom of Mourne’ is home to sensitive habitats that sustain unique biodiversity and shape our local identity. As more people come to experience this incredible landscape, we have a responsibility to protect it.
“Recently we have seen visitor numbers grow significantly to approximately half a million each year. While this is a great boost for our local tourism and hospitality businesses, it is placing greater pressure on an already vulnerable area.
“Building a truly sustainable future for the Mournes means balancing access with protection so that future generations can continue to enjoy this remarkable landscape.
Mr Hazzard also reiterated his long-standing call for the Mournes to be formally recognised with regional asset status, describing such a designation by the Stormont Executive as a ‘game-changer’ for securing the sustainable investment and government focus the area urgently needs.
“Sinn Féin is committed to working with local communities, farmers and environmental bodies to ensure tourism growth is matched with sustainable investment and protection for fragile ecosystems.”
‘Felicity Flipflops: Fearless Footsteps’ sequel is launched by Teconnaught children’s author Dawn Gelston
Whatever will Felicity Flipflops get up to next ?
Following the success of her debut children’s book, local County Down author Dawn Gelston is delighted to announce the release of her sequel, Felicity Flipflops: Fearless Footsteps, a genuine page-turner!
Dawn is a qualified primary school teacher currently teaching in Belfast. She lives in Teconnaught just outside Downpatrick. She has spent three years working in Dubai in a fee-paying school and also acted as a well-being coordinator for pupils.
Dawn said: “My brother was working in Dubai at that time and it was a great experience to travel and see a bit of the world.
Dawn Gelston, author of ‘Felicity Flipflops: Fearless Footsteps’, has launched her second children’s novel.
“The Felicity sequel is full of heart, humour, and relatable moments, with an alliterative title, and this cheerful new story is ideal for independent readers, classroom use, and family read-alouds.
“Parents and teachers will appreciate its positive messages about confidence, resilience, and emotional well-being, while young readers will be drawn to more of Felicity’s fun voice and uplifting adventures.
“The teacher in the book is a pivotal character helping shape the children’s experiences as they navigate life.
“Felicity is in fact a foster child and the young readers resonate with the characters in the book recognising them as ‘real’.”
In Fearless Footsteps, Felicity finds herself facing brand-new challenges that continue to gently push her beyond her comfort zone.
Trying new things can be tricky, especially when self-doubt sneaks in, but with the support of her friends, a little determination, and growing belief in herself, Felicity learns that being brave doesn’t mean never feeling scared.
It means giving things a go anyway. Felicity Flipflops is back, and this time she’s taking courageous steps forward.
Aimed at children aged 8 to 12 years old, the book explores themes of mental well-being, friendship, and adventure through the eyes of a young foster child learning to trust herself and embrace who she is – one step at a time.
The book is dedicated to Dawn’s late cousin, Conor. Dawn said: “Conor was ambitious, brave and always full of laughter. He encouraged me to believe in myself, and to always do what I love: he will always be an inspiration to those who loved him.”
Speaking about the inspiration behind the story, Dawn added: “We always encourage children to work hard, not be afraid, and dream big.
Felicity Flipflops: Fearless Footsteps, a great read for 8-12 year-olds, can be bought on Amazon Books, written by Teconnaught children’s author, Dawn Gelston.
“This book is ideal for classroom teaching, and for children transitioning from primary school into high school. The characters in the book come from different backgrounds and it normalises this, whilst encouraging children to be kind and have empathy for others.
“I’m very grateful for the support and encouragement I’ve had from friends, family, and local people. I hope that readers enjoy the next part of Felicity’s journey and getting to know her (and her friends) even better in this second part of her story.
“I look forward to visiting local primary schools to inspire a love of reading and writing in children.”
Follow Dawn on social media: Facebook: @Dawn M. Gelston Instagram: @DawnMGelston
Felicity Flipflops: Fearless Footsteps is available to buy on Amazon at:
Stena Connecta arrives in Belfast Harbour to commence the connection to Heysham
• Stena Line invests over £100m in expanding Belfast-Heysham freight service.
Stena Connecta, the latest purpose-built freight vessel commissioned by Stena Line for the Irish Sea has arrived in Belfast Harbour and is due to go into commercial service on the Belfast-Heysham route on 23rd January 2026.
The ship joins its sister vessel Stena Futura which went into service on the Belfast-Heysham service in October 2025 and together they offer an additional 40% freight capacity on the increasing popular trade route between Northern Ireland and Britain.
Tugboats perform a traditional water salute to mark the arrival of Stena Connecta at Belfast Harbour. The new hybrid ferry is due to commence service on the freight route from Belfast to Heysham on Friday January 23 2026.
Uniquely, Stena Connecta has two 28m x 4m Norsepower Rotor Sails™, designed to enhance energy efficiency and could deliver up to 9% fuel savings on its Irish Sea route between Belfast and Heysham. Stena Futura is also ready for rotor sail installation.
Paul Grant, Stena Line Irish Sea North Trade Director, said: “Our significant investment in Stena Connecta and Stena Futura – more than £100m – demonstrates our strong confidence in the continued growth of the Irish Sea region and our commitment to strengthening trade and connectivity links.
“In 2025 our Heysham – Belfast freight service recorded its highest volumes in the last 5 years with 113,000 units being shipped.
“These vessels were commissioned in response to this increasing customer demand for increased freight capacity on this route.
WELCOME TO BELFAST: Paul Grant (left), Stena Line IOrish Sea North Trade Director, and Belfast Harbour Port Director Michael Robinson welcome Captain Andrius Pakenas of Stena Connecta to Belfast Harbour following the arrival of the new hybrid ferry which is due to commence service on the freight route from Belfast to Heysham on Friday January 23 2026.
“Customer feedback on the recent introduction of Stena Futura has been extremely positive, and I have no doubt Stena Connecta will be equally well received across our customer base.”
Paul Grant added: “When operational both vessels will offer a choice of up to 24 sailings per week on the increasingly popular Belfast-Heysham service.
“We are particularly pleased to introduce two of Stena Line’s most advanced vessels to the Irish Sea region further enhancing Belfast’s significance as a key network business hub.
“These vessels represent the very latest in maritime technology and will not only play a crucial role in maintaining essential transport links in Ireland and the UK but also make a significant contribution to our sustainability goals of reducing CO₂ emissions by 30 percent by 2030.”
Michael Robinson, Port Director at Belfast Harbour, said: “We’re excited to welcome the second of Stena Line’s new hybrid vessels, Stena Connecta, to Belfast Harbour.
The new Stena Connecta hybrid ferry sits alongside Stena Superfast VII at Belfast Harbour.
“Coming so soon after last year’s celebration of 30 years of Stena Line in Belfast and the launch of sister ship Stena Futura, this arrival underlines the strength of our partnership, which is essential for connecting people and transporting the goods we all rely on.
“Together with Stena Line, we’re connecting the island more reliably than ever and delivering long‑term economic benefits for businesses across Northern Ireland.”
Phillip Hall, Mersey Port Director, Peel Ports Group, said:“The additional freight capacity marks a very welcome reinforcement of the strong trade links between the UK and Ireland.
“The Stena Connecta and its sister vessel, the Futura, will also make the Irish Sea shipping corridor even greener.
“The North West of England has always played a big part in this special trade relationship, and we have recognised this with our £10m upgrade of the Port of Heysham, which we hope will continue to support Stena’s operations for years to come.”
Heikki Pöntynen, CEO of Norsepower, said: “Stena Connecta is a strong example of how forward-looking vessel design can combine operational efficiency with tangible emissions reductions.
“By integrating Norsepower Rotor Sails™ alongside hybrid propulsion and alternative fuel readiness, Stena Line is demonstrating a practical, data-driven approach to decarbonising short-sea shipping.
“We are proud to support Stena Line and Stena RoRo in bringing scalable wind propulsion into everyday commercial operation on the Irish Sea.”
Facts – Stena Connecta
Length: 147 m
Beam: 26.3 m
Built: 2023–2025, CMI Shipyard, Weihai, China
Passenger capacity: 12
Crew: 26
Height clearance: 5.3 m
Width clearance: 12 m
Freight capacity: 2,848 lane metres
Route: Belfast – Heysham (approx. 12 sailings per week)
Stena Line is the largest ferry operator on the Irish Sea, with the biggest fleet providing up to 242 weekly sailings offering the widest choice of routes including: combined passenger and freight services from Belfast to Cairnryan and Liverpool, Dublin to Holyhead, Rosslare to Fishguard, in addition to the dedicated freight only routes from Belfast to Heysham and Dublin – Liverpool.
Police have charged a man to court following multiple assaults on police officers in the Church Avenue area of Dundrum on Sunday, 18th January.
A man has been charged to court following a number of assaults in Dundrum on Sunday 18th January (2026).
The 29-year-old is charged with five counts of assault on police, one count of resisting police, one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two counts of criminal damage.
He is due to appear before Downpatrick Magistrates’ Court this morning, Tuesday, 20th January.
As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.
