Man from Barnmeen Died in Crash on Rathfriland Road
The Police Service of Northern Ireland can confirm that a man has died following a road traffic collision in Rathfriland on Saturday, 20th December.
Chief Inspector Simpson of the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Collision Investigation Unit said: “Shortly after 10.45pm, we received a report of a collision involving a silver Toyota Avensis and a pedestrian on the Newry Road.
Patsy Brady (93) who died in a crash on the Rathfriland Road to Newry.
“Our officers attended alongside emergency service partners, however the pedestrian was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene.
“He was 93-year-old Patrick Joseph Brady (Patsy), from the Barnmeen area.
“At this time, we don’t believe that the driver of the Toyota has sustained serious injury.
“The Newry Road was closed overnight but has since re-opened.
“Our enquiries are continuing, and we would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have digital footage which could assist with our investigation, to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference number 1587 20/12/25.”
The tiniest patients at the Ulster Hospital Neo-Natal hospital received a visit from Santa
The Neonatal Unit at the Ulster Hospital welcomed very special guests this week as Santa Claus and his trusty Elf paid a seasonal visit to some of the tiniest and most precious patients, just in time for Christmas.
As well as the festive timed visit, the dedicated team in the Unit crafted beautiful Christmas stockings, packed with handmade keepsakes including a bespoke ‘Mistletoes’ tree decoration for parents and baby, to be gifted to each family spending time on the ward over the festive period.
As new Mum Amy Pollock was gifted a specially knitted Christmas hat for her beautiful baby boy Henry and story book, she shared how happy she and Henry’s dad Kyle were to have their most precious of gifts.
Santa pays a visit to Mum Amy Pollock, Dad Kyle and baby Henry at the Ulster Hospital Neo-Natal Unit. (Photos: courtesy of SEHSCT).
“Henry arrived early and he is just the best gift we could ever ask for. We knew we were having a baby boy. Henry is named after myself and Kyle’s grandfathers as his middle name is Douglas.
“It is very special that Henry is here and we are just so happy he has received his very first visit from Santa!”
Mum, Mayra and Dad Manuel Noailles-Rostagno, were also delighted that their daughter Sofia, who was born on 11th December, also had a chance to meet Santa. Big Sister, five-year-old Corina, was especially excited to see Santa and tell him what is on her Christmas list.
From Lisburn, mum Rebecca and dad Kyle were also celebrating the birth of their daughter Klara who was contentedly snuggled against her mum when Santa gifted the baby girl her very own knitted Elf hat.
Mum, Mayra, Dad Manuel Noailles-Rostagno with their baby daughter Sofia and big sister Corina.
South Eastern Trust, Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist, Lorraine Shaw added how a Santa visit means so much to the parents and siblings in the Unit.
“We have been carrying out our Santa visits for a number of years now, after feedback from our parents who said, after leaving the Unit, that a Santa visit would make a big difference.
“There is such a lovely atmosphere here. Santa has been visiting the babies and Mum and Dad are able to have those photos that they might not otherwise have got while they are here,” said Lorraine.
Lisburn family Rebecca, dad Kyle with their baby daughter Klara Smith.
“We have been gifting Mum and Dad a book for their baby and some chocolates, reading is something that we really want to promote in the Neonatal Unit.
“The Neonatal Nurses here are really fantastic at celebrating events such as Christmas and making it special in an otherwise really challenging time when they are spending time in the hospital over Christmas.”
Strangford MP Jim Shannon MP Letter To The Down News Editor
Dear Editor,
“This Christmas at Westminster I used the Christmas message as a way to inspire hope for people.
“I talked about the distance that a young couple had to journey with no hotel booked and no way of knowing what the future held. They were uncertain, frightened and alone – how many families in our communities feel that way today? We need to know that God has a plan for our lives, and that He will bring an innkeeper who will provide.
Strangford MP Jim Shannon MP reaches out with his Christmas message.
“I spoke of those rough and ready shepherds on the hillside—the forgotten men of society, ignored or frowned upon for their work and for being unlearned.
“These men were used to fading into the background, yet on that night God reminded them that He saw them and that they had a role to play.
“He sent not simply one angel but a heavenly host to give them the good news that the saviour of the world was born.
“This reminds me that there is always hope and a future for all. No matter where we are at a particular time, when we meet Christ, it can all change.
“I think of the journey that those wise men undertook—years of travelling to find the truth and discover the true light of the world—and how this reminds us all to use our gifts and talents our lives for His glory and to follow His commands to love our neighbours as we love ourselves.
“This Christmas, I am thankful for my family, my friends, my community and my colleagues.
“Above all, though, I am thankful for Christ, my saviour God, humbled and born to lie in a manger, to walk this earth and to die an awful death on the cross for my salvation—and all our salvation—and to give us all hope and a future not just at Christmas, but all year through. Emmanuel, God with us then and now.
Newry Mourne and Down District Council Launches NMD Be Active Campaign with Flexible Memberships for 2026
Do you want to get your family health and fit into 2026? Newry Mourne and Down District Council has launched this year’s NMD Be Active campaign, encouraging residents to build more physical activity into their everyday lives.
The campaign highlights the wide range of leisure facilities across the district, alongside flexible membership packages and payment options designed to suit all lifestyles.
Residents can become a Platinum All Inclusive Member from £32.70 a month, with unlimited access to indoor swimming pools, gyms, and Council-led fitness classes at Newry and Down Leisure Centres.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Philip Campbell launches the NMD Be Active New Year membership campaign with Down Leisure Centre lifeguards Max Crane and Cora Smyth.
Members can also enjoy the health suites and relax in spa pools, steam rooms, saunas and heated stone beds, as part of their membership.
A new Family Membership has been introduced, where two adults and two children (aged 4-15) can join for £49.99 per month. This package delivers all the benefits of the Platinum All-inclusive membership for the adults, while children can enjoy unlimited swims, a free birthday party, and under-fours swim free.
Additional children can also be added to the membership at a reduced rate, offering even greater flexibility and encouraging families to stay active together throughout the year.
Down Leisure Centre Lifeguard, Max Crane, Kerri McConnell, NMDDC Head of Indoor Leisure (Acting), Cora Smyth, Down Leisure Centre Lifeguard and Newry, Mourne and Down District Chairperson, Cllr Philip Campbell.
For residents seeking to use the gym in the Newcastle Centre or Ballymote Sports and Wellbeing Centre, Council provides a gym membership only, with prices starting from just £17.90 per month.
Existing members can also make fitness a shared experience by adding a partner or family member through the popular ‘Bolt On’ option, where adults can bolt on to a Platinum membership for £16.40 per month at Newry and Down Leisure Centres.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell, said: “Our membership packages truly offer something for everyone, whether someone is taking their first steps into fitness or returning with new goals.
“With access to modern gyms, welcoming pools, relaxing health suites and a wide variety of classes, residents can enjoy extensive facilities at outstanding value.
“The Council hopes people will explore the options available and see just how easy it is to stay active and healthy all year round.”
Autism and Neurodiversity training now available for all HSC staff
Autism and neurodiversity awareness training is now available for all staff within the Health & Social Care (HSC) system.
The training, which was commissioned by the Department of Health in collaboration with the HSC Leadership Centre, is available to HSC staff across all organisations that have access to the LearnHSCNI learning platform.
It is the first time that every HSC Trust, including the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS), will have access to regionally consistent, neuro-affirming training.
The modules were co-produced with a neurodivergent advisory panel and the team at Middletown Centre for Autism, County Armagh, with significant input from service users with lived experience. Forty percent of the training is delivered by people with lived experience of using the Health and Social Care Service.
HSC staff are now being trained in awareness of autism and neurodiversity.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “I am delighted to say that this training is available to all staff across our Health and Social Care system with the key aim of ensuring that our services are more accessible and can help meet the needs of autistic and neurodivergent people.
“It has been designed to be relevant to all staff, including mental health professionals, in their working environment.
“Neurodivergent people work in, and use, HSC services on a daily basis. They should feel supported and have equal access when they do so.
“My Department commissioned the Middletown Centre to design and produce regionally consistent training modules that are research, practice and strengths-based, to enable all staff to better understand and support our neurodivergent community.
“I would encourage all HSC staff to complete this training to help improve the quality of care and services that we provide.”
The training is designed to improve HSC staff understanding and therefore service user experience by focusing on the following three areas:
• Autistic differences – insight into how autistic people experience the world and an opportunity to reflect on how an autistic person might experience a public service / environment;
• Providing supportive environments – insight into how the environment can impact on the autistic service user. There is also an analysis of the difficulties experienced by the autistic person across a series of likely environments and interfaces, with supports and materials provided to create more supportive spaces;
• Promoting a neuro-affirming culture – how to integrate neuro-affirming practices into a work environment, from the language used to the culture in the workplace both for service users and team members.
Neurodivergent people are overrepresented in mental health services, therefore it is important that these services are as accessible as possible.
It is expected in particular that the training will be an element of induction for new staff in mental health services, to embed autism and neurodiversity-specific training across the mental health workforce.
Ema Cubitt, Northern Ireland’s Independent Autism Reviewer, said: “These high-quality modules are grounded in current research and shaped directly by autistic and neurodivergent HSC staff and people in Northern Ireland.
“This training programme signals a shared commitment to connection, understanding and empathy across our system. It is both personal and professional development, strengthening staff insight at work and everyday life.
“I would encourage as many staff as possible to undertake this valuable training. I hope that this is the first of many such training programmes across HSC and beyond.”
Stephen Douthart, Chief Executive of Middletown Centre for Autism, said: “This training shows what is possible when lived experience, clinical insight and system leadership come together with a shared purpose.
“Middletown’s role has been to translate the voices of autistic and neurodivergent people into practical tools that everyone working across Health and Social Care can use immediately.
“I am deeply grateful to the autistic and neurodivergent contributors whose honesty and expertise shaped this programme. I encourage colleagues to seek out this training.”
Match against Comber Rec conceded after Kilmore Rec keeper Christopher Turley injured
The NAFL,
Premier Division League Match,
Venue:Park Way, 19th December 2025,
Final Score: Comber Rec 5 1 Kilmore Rec (match conceded at 75 minutes.)
This local derby was always going to be strongly contested and visitors Kilmore Rec faced a challenge. But sadly into the second half in the 75th minute Kilmore keeper Chris Turley suffered a serious injury and the match was eventually conceded.
As Comber pressed into the back of the box in the second half, Chris Turley rose to get the ball and collided with one of his defenders and an oncoming forward and the moment he landed on the ground he was in agony with an injury to his left arm which looked like a bad break.
Players and officials took care of him and eventually he made his way to a van and went off to the Emergency Department at the Ulster Hospital for treatment.
This was a sad blow to Chris and to the Kiimore Rec team going into Christmas playing their last game before the festivities. All the players and officials at Comber have wished him a speedy and full recovery.
Comber Rec were too strong for KIlmore Rec in the clash at Park Way but KIlmore put up a spirited fight.
Kilmore opened the scoring early with a goal from James Mahoney with a low volley from outside the box but Comber equalised on 13 minutes when James Sofley broke forward to the left hand side of the box and left footed to the back post to score.
Then in the 25th minute Simon Hanna hit a low strike from outside the box and found the net.
Comber increased the pressure on Kilmore and in the second half Dylan Wison took another goal for Comber then Dylan Donaldson rocketed the ball into the Kilmore net to increase the score.
Kilmore Rec did fight back but the Comber pressure was relentless.
James Sofley took the fifth goal nailing an in-swinging ball from a Simon Hanna cross.
Comber Rec had taken control of the game, then with 15 minutes left in an attack, keeper Christopher Turley was injured and Kilmore Rec conceded the game.
Wishing all the players across the district a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year from Down Newsand wishing Christopher Turley a speedy and full recovery.
Comber Rec: 1 Corey Pollock (GM) 2 Matthew Gibson 3 Brandon Nelson 4 Lex Walker 5 Christian Irvine 6 Dylan Donaldson 7 Dylan Wilson 8 Simon Hanna (C) 9 James Sofley 10 Matthew Tumilson 11 Christophere Murray. Subs: 12 Stephen Fleck 14 Tommy Hamill 15 Dylan Thompson.
Kilmore Rec: 1 Christopher Turley (GK) 2 Joshua Smyth 3 Conor Curran 4 Joe Healy 5 Yaroslav Panfilov (C) 6 Caolan Conlon 7 Shay McGrattan 8 John Mahoney 9 Rhys Clarke 10 Harry Smyth 11 James Mahoney. Subs: Christopher Magee 14 John Patterson 15 Gary Stranney.
St Mary’s take the points at Bann Road as The Town struggles
The NAFL Division 1C,
Venue: Bann Road, 20th December 2025,
Final Score: Castlewellan Town 2 5 St Mary’s FC.
Castlewellan Town were on the wrong side of a second-half goalfest when they welcomed title challengers St Mary’s to the Bann Road Playing Fields.
After a goalless opening 45 minutes, it was the Town who got their noses in front, courtesy of captain Ruairi Croskery, but the Saints snatched the lead through Conor Kearney and Niall McDaid.
Croskery’s second momentarily restored parity, only for a Harry Griffin double and a strike from Fintan McDaid to ensure the visitors claimed the all-important three points.
The match got off to a battling start, with Castlewellan edging the early duels and probing the opposition defence, searching for an opening that just did not present itself.
St Mary’s, on the other hand, were happy to soak up the pressure and play counter-attacking football – a plan that almost paid dividends when Kearney cut the ball back to Fintan McDaid, who forced a save from Rory Burns at close range.
The hosts looked dangerous from set-pieces all afternoon, and Matthew Carvill came closest, meeting Croskery’s delivery and heading towards the top corner, with goalkeeper Jonah Magill reacting to deny.
Clear-cut chances were at a premium as the first half drew to a close, but there was still time for both sides to threaten once more.
The Saints’ Niall McDaid was first to try his luck, unleashing a ferocious half-volley, one which brought a dazzling save from Burns, while Croskery latched on to a goal kick and attempted to lift over the head of Magill, denied only by the fingertips of the away shot-stopper.
The first period may have failed to breed goals, with the two teams entering the break locked together at 0-0, but Town only needed 10 minutes to open the scoring after the interval.
Carvill whipped a dangerous free-kick into the heart of the box and skipper Croskery produced a clever, backwards header to find the bottom corner.
They came agonisingly close to doubling their advantage just four minutes later, when Danny McKay clipped the ball into the box and Carvill’s bouncing volley called Magill into action once more.
Instead, the visitors found a reply in spectacular fashion, with captain Kearney trying his luck from around 30 yards out and catching Burns off-guard with a goal of the season contender.
The floodgates opened from there, as Niall McDaid fired the saints in front for the first time, reacting to smash home from a loose ball, and Croskery got his head to McKay’s flick-on, levelling from two yards out.
While the net would bulge a further three times in the final 20 minutes, the entirety of the scoring exploits belonged to the travelling side.
Centre-half Griffin bagged a 15-minute brace, heading home from a pair of corners, while Fintan McDaid gave Burns no chance with an unstoppable curling effort from the edge of the box.
The defeat, a third from five games, means Castlewellan will remain in third place at Christmas, trailing St Mary’s and Bloomfield by four and five points respectively.
As temperatures drop and winter weather approaches, making sure your vehicle is ready for harsh conditions becomes critical. Cold weather can expose weaknesses in your car’s systems and turn minor issues into major problems. A thorough winter check helps you avoid breakdowns, improves safety, and ensures your vehicle performs reliably when you need it most. From checking your braking system to verifying battery health, taking time now to inspect key components can save you from costly repairs and dangerous situations on icy roads.
Braking System: Your First Line of Safety
Your braking system deserves special attention before winter arrives. Cold temperatures affect brake performance, and wet or icy conditions demand brakes that respond instantly. Start by checking brake pad thickness – worn pads reduce stopping power and can damage rotors. Listen for unusual noises like squealing or grinding, which signal problems that need immediate attention.
Understanding brake technology helps you maintain your system properly. AUTODOC: “The first drum brakes were patented in 1902 by French automotive pioneer Louis Renault. They laid the foundations for today’s modern braking systems and were the main type of brake for cars until disc brakes were popularised in the mid 1950s.” Today’s vehicles use advanced disc brake systems that provide superior stopping power, especially important during winter driving.
When selecting replacement brake components, quality matters significantly. Reliable manufacturers like NGK, Ridex, and goCORE offer brake parts engineered for consistent performance in all weather conditions. These brands provide options at different price points while maintaining the standards needed for safe winter driving. Check your brake fluid level as well – it should sit between the minimum and maximum marks on the reservoir. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which can freeze in winter temperatures and cause brake failure.
Lighting and Visibility Systems
Winter brings shorter days and reduced visibility, making proper lighting essential. Walk around your vehicle and test every light – headlights on both low and high beam, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights. Replace any bulbs that have dimmed or failed. Clean lens covers to remove road grime that blocks light output.
Headlight alignment becomes more important in winter when you need maximum visibility. Misaligned headlights reduce your ability to see the road and can blind oncoming drivers. Many service centres offer quick alignment checks. Also verify your fog lights work properly – they provide crucial visibility during heavy snow or fog when regular headlights reflect off precipitation.
Don’t overlook your windscreen wipers. Replace worn blades that leave streaks or miss sections of glass. Winter-specific wiper blades with rubber boots prevent ice buildup. Fill your washer fluid reservoir with a winter-rated solution that won’t freeze. Regular washer fluid can freeze solid in cold weather, leaving you unable to clear your windscreen.
Battery Health and Electrical System
Cold weather is brutal on car batteries. Chemical reactions inside batteries slow down when temperatures drop, reducing available power just when you need extra energy to start a cold engine. A battery that works fine in summer might fail completely on a freezing morning.
Test your battery’s charge level and overall health. Most auto parts shops offer free battery testing. If your battery is more than three years old or shows signs of weakness, consider replacing it before winter. Check battery terminals for corrosion – white or greenish deposits around connections increase resistance and prevent proper charging. Clean terminals with a wire brush and apply protective spray.
Inspect your alternator belt for cracks or looseness. The alternator charges your battery while driving, and a failing belt can leave you stranded. Modern vehicles have numerous electrical systems running constantly, from heated seats to navigation screens, so a healthy charging system is essential. For professional parts and maintenance advice, resources like www.buycarparts.co.uk offer reliable options for keeping your electrical system running smoothly.
Coolant System and Antifreeze Protection
Your coolant system protects the engine from freezing while maintaining proper operating temperature. Check coolant level when the engine is cold – never open a hot radiator cap as pressurised coolant can cause severe burns. The coolant should reach the full mark on the overflow tank.
Verify your coolant mixture provides adequate freeze protection. Most modern coolants offer protection to around minus 35 degrees Celsius when properly mixed. You can test the mixture using an inexpensive antifreeze tester available at auto shops. If protection levels are insufficient, drain and refill the system with the correct mixture. Old coolant loses effectiveness and should be replaced according to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.
Inspect all visible coolant hoses for cracks, soft spots, or leaks. Hoses deteriorate over time and can burst when stressed by cold temperatures. Check hose clamps for tightness. A cooling system failure in winter can damage your engine and leave you without heat – a dangerous situation in extreme cold.
Winter Vehicle Check: Key Components at a Glance
System
What to Check
Warning Signs
Brakes
Pad thickness, fluid level, pedal response
Squealing noises, soft pedal, grinding sounds
Battery
Charge level, terminal condition, age
Slow cranking, dim lights, corrosion
Lights
All bulbs, lens clarity, alignment
Dim output, flickering, dark spots
Coolant
Level, freeze protection, hose condition
Low level, leaks, cracked hoses
Tyres
Tread depth, pressure, overall condition
Worn tread, uneven wear, cracks in sidewalls
Tyres: Your Connection to the Road
Tyres are your only contact with the road, making them crucial for winter safety. Check tread depth using the penny test – insert a penny into the tread with the queen’s head facing down. If you can see the top of her head, your tyres need replacement. Legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 millimetres, but experts recommend at least 3 millimetres for winter driving.
Verify tyre pressure when tyres are cold. Pressure drops as temperature falls – typically one PSI for every 5 degrees Celsius decrease. Underinflated tyres reduce handling and increase stopping distances on slippery surfaces. Check your vehicle’s manual or the sticker inside the driver’s door for correct pressure values.
Consider winter tyres if you live in an area with regular snow and ice. Winter tyres use special rubber compounds that stay flexible in cold temperatures and feature tread patterns designed to grip snowy roads. They significantly improve traction and control compared to all-season tyres in winter conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my vehicle in winter?
Check your vehicle at least once a month during winter, and before any long journeys. Cold weather accelerates wear on components and can reveal problems quickly. Weekly visual checks of tyre pressure, lights, and fluid levels take just a few minutes but can prevent breakdowns.
Can I perform these checks myself?
Many winter checks require no special tools or expertise. You can easily check lights, tyre pressure, fluid levels, and battery terminals yourself. However, tasks like brake inspection, coolant testing, and battery load testing benefit from professional equipment. Consider having a mechanic perform a comprehensive winter service if you’re unsure about any aspect.
What should I keep in my car for winter emergencies?
Essential winter emergency items include a warm blanket, torch with spare batteries, ice scraper, de-icer spray, jump leads, phone charger, bottled water, and high-energy snacks. Add a small shovel and a bag of sand or cat litter for traction if you get stuck. Keep these items in your boot throughout winter.
Why do batteries fail more in winter?
Battery capacity decreases significantly in cold temperatures because chemical reactions inside the battery slow down. At the same time, engines need more power to start when cold, and electrical demands increase with heaters and lights running. This combination stresses weak batteries and exposes problems that might not appear in warmer weather. A battery at 50 percent capacity might work in summer but fail completely in winter.
Are winter tyres really necessary?
Winter tyres become beneficial when temperatures regularly drop below 7 degrees Celsius. Their rubber compound remains flexible in cold weather, providing better grip than all-season tyres. If you frequently drive in snow or ice, winter tyres dramatically improve safety and control. In milder winter conditions, quality all-season tyres with good tread depth may suffice, but winter tyres always perform better in cold weather regardless of snow presence.
🌐 Sources
expresslubehaltom.com – Winterize Car Checklist: 6 Essential Steps for Safe …
William Street Park and Ride Delay Deeply Disappointing says Mathison
Strangford Alliance MLA Nick Mathison has expressed grave concern at further delays to the long-anticipated William Street Park and Ride project in Newtownards.
He has called it “the most significant Department for Infrastructure (DfI) investment proposed for Newtownards in many years.”
The Alliance MLA urged the DfI and the Department of Finance (DoF) to “address any obstacles to getting this delivered.”
Nick Mathison MLA outside the proposed William Street Park and Ride space in Newtownards.
The project has stalled due to ongoing legal and valuation processes surrounding the land required for the development. Despite the site being sold in 2021, unresolved title and valuation complexities have prevented final purchase completion.
In response to a recent question from Mr. Mathison, the Minister of Finance, John O’Dowd, confirmed that Land and Property Services (LPS) has not yet finalised its valuation and assessment of compensation arising from vesting the land.
Delays have been caused because the Department must first confirm precise ownership of the land. As a result, details have yet to be finalised between the parties’ solicitors, continuing to hold up the process.
The Minister said while these issues are now largely resolved and have been referred to the LPS for formal valuation, no timeframe can be given for completion of the purchase.
Nick Mathison MLA said: “The continued delay to the William Street Park and Ride is deeply disappointing and frankly unacceptable.
“This is the most significant DfI project for Newtownards in years, yet bureaucracy continues to hold it up. Local people and commuters deserve progress, not excuses.
“I am calling on both DfI and DoF to resolve whatever outstanding issues remain and deliver this vital piece of infrastructure without further delay.”
Newry Mourne and Down District Council Launches Public Consultation on Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy 2026-2030
Newry Mourne and Down District Council has today opened a 12-week public consultation on its draft Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy 2026–2030, and is inviting residents, businesses, community groups and stakeholders to share their views.
The draft strategy sets out the Council’s vision for a low-carbon, climate-resilient future and outlines how sustainability will be embedded across all Council operations and services.
Newry Mourne and Down District Council have launched a 12-week consultation on the Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy 2026-2030.
The plan also highlights the vital role local people and organisations will play in driving district-wide climate action.
Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell, said: “Climate change is no longer a distant issue… it is happening here and now.
“This strategy represents an important step in how we respond as a district, reduce emissions, and prepare for a changing climate.
“We are asking everyone to take part in this consultation so that together we can shape a greener, more resilient future for Newry, Mourne and Down.”
Residents can read the full draft document and complete an online questionnaire through the Council website. To take part in the consultation visit: