Butler Warns of Growing Bluetongue Threat Following New Suspected Greyabbey Outbreak
Ulster Unionist Agriculture Spokesperson and Chair of the Stormont AERA committee has responded to the emergence of a new suspected Bluetongue case on a farm near Greyabbey in County Down.
Robbie Butler MLA: concerned at a possible further outbreak of Bluetongue Disease in Greyabbey. He urges farmers to contact Rural Support if they feel under pressure.
Robbie Butler MLA said: “In my previous statement, I made clear that the confirmation of BTV-3 in the first two cases and the identification of a further 44 suspected infections would be a hammer blow for farmers.
“The news emerging tonight of a potential additional outbreak in Greyabbey reinforces the scale and urgency of the challenge we now face.
“It is more important than ever that DAERA offers not just guidance, but absolute cooperation, coordination and practical support to every farm and every community affected.
“This must be matched by full engagement from all stakeholders across the agriculture and agri-food sector. A united, transparent and proactive response will be essential to containing risk and preventing further spread.
“Communication, vigilance and strict adherence to biosecurity protocols remain paramount.
“Farmers have been battling relentless pressures from Avian Flu to the unresolved Bovine TB crisis and the development of Bluetongue as an additional threat risks pushing many to the edge. They cannot and must not be left to face this alone.
Sheep farmers are worried about the outbreak of Bluetongue Disease which affects cloven-hooved animals.
“I am again urging any farmer who feels uncertain, overwhelmed or directly impacted to contact Rural Support or another trusted wellbeing organisation.
“Protecting mental health and ensuring no one feels isolated during this difficult period must remain a core priority.
“Our farming community has shown exceptional resilience through repeated crises.
“It is now incumbent on DAERA, industry leaders and all involved in the agri-food supply chain to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them, offering clear leadership, total cooperation and every possible resource as we confront this latest challenge.”
Rural Support Charity Secures Vital Funding for Bereavement Help Programme
Rural Support, the trusted local charity providing emotional and farm business support to the farming community across Northern Ireland, is delighted to announce that it has secured five-year funding to continue and expand its vital bereavement support programme, Life Beyond.
This new funding commitment, generously provided by The National Lottery Community Fund through its Strengthening Communities programme, will ensure farmers and farm families facing the loss of a loved one can access long-term, specialised support tailored to the unique challenges of farming life.
The programme offers one-to-one bereavement counselling to all members of a farming family, financial planning assistance, and practical farm business management guidance during one of the most difficult periods a farming family can face.
George Mullan, Managing Director of ABP and Chairperson of the Life Beyond Steering Group Committee said: “The Life Beyond programme is a lifeline for many families during the most difficult of times.
Liam McCarthy (ABP Food & Life Beyond Committee Member), Kevin Doherty (CEO at Rural Support), Victor Chestnutt (Founder of Life Beyond) with Judith McCann & Nuala Macauley from the National Lottery Community Fund.
“On behalf of the Steering Group, I wish to extend my gratitude to The National Lottery Community Fund for recognising the importance of the Life Beyond service.
“This new funding commitment allows Rural Support’s Life Beyond team to stand alongside bereaved families helping them find stability, hope and a way forward.”
Demand for bereavement support within the farming community has continued to grow, with families often facing additional pressures such as succession concerns, financial uncertainty, and the emotional impact of working and living in the same space where loss or an accident has occurred.
This vital funding will allow Rural Support to increase service capacity, create new outreach initiatives, and continue to provide bespoke training for its counsellors, farm business mentors and volunteers.
Guests at the Life Beyond Fund Launch enjoying a catch up
Therefore, providing the farm support charity with stability to reach even more families across the province and ensure no one in our farming community has to face difficult times without support.
Kate Beggs, Northern Ireland Director at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Our Strengthening Communities programme is focused on helping people across Northern Ireland live healthier, more connected lives, and Life Beyond is well placed to provide the early, community-led support that families need when facing bereavement or trauma.
“Guided by our strategy, it starts with community. We invest most where the need is greatest, ensuring that people have access to specialist help that can protect their wellbeing and strengthen relationships.
“Rural Support is deeply rooted in the farming community, and we’re pleased this funding will help them continue offering compassionate, practical support to families at an incredibly difficult time.
“We encourage other groups with ideas for strengthening their communities to get in touch with us for a conversation.
For more information please visit the Rural Support website:
Life Beyond was launched in 2021 in partnership with EmbraceFARM (IRL) and since then the programme has supported over 100 bereaved families across Northern Ireland who have experienced loss or trauma through a farm accident, suicide, unexpected or expected death.
Helping individuals and farming families to navigate their grief at their own pace. With the demands of farm work often leaving little time or space to process bereavement, this bereavement support programme has become an essential source of strength for many in the farming community.
The programme aims to not only support individuals, but to help maintain the resilience of the wider agricultural sector.
If you or someone you know could benefit from the Life Beyond bereavement support programme, please contact Rural Support on their freephone confidential Support Line0800 138 1678.
New suspected case of Bluetongue virus at Greyabbey under investigation
Farmers are again under pressure as DAERA has announced the emergence of a new suspected Bluetongue case on a farm near Greyabbey in County Down.
Vets are investigating a suspect case of the virus in a cow near Greyabbey, which sits in the existing 20km Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) announced on 29 November 2025 around a holding near Bangor where the Bluetongue BTV-3 virus was initially discovered.
The latest discovery was made during the surveillance testing of herds in the TCZ previously established on Saturday 29 November.
As a result, a second 20km TCZ is being introduced around the Greyabbey farm and is effective from 18.00 hours on 6 December 2025.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said: “The emergence of this suspect case in the existing Temporary Control Zone is very disappointing – especially for the farmer concerned.
The UFU is concerned at the outbreak of bluetongue disease and has set up control zones. It affect cloven hooved animals.
“The decision to now introduce a second TCZ is an essential measure.
“This suspect case serves as another reminder of why farmers need to be extra vigilant for clinical signs of Bluetongue in their flocks or herds – details of which are on the DAERA website and the Department’s social media accounts.
“Once again, I would remind members of the public that Bluetongue does not have any impact on human health or food safety. It does however pose risks to cloven hoofed animals – particularly sheep which can show the most severe symptoms.
“I urge farmers in the second TCZ to familiarise themselves with the animal movement restrictions that will operate in their area and to follow them closely.
“As vets continue their investigations, I and my officials will continue to work closely with stakeholders in the agri-food industry, as well as our counterparts in the Irish, UK Scottish and Welsh Governments as we respond to a rapidly evolving situation.”
Bluetongue is primarily transmitted through biting midges and affects cattle, sheep, goats, deer, llamas and alpacas.
Biting midges are most active from April to November and the potential for spread depends on climatic conditions and wind patterns.
Moves of susceptible species (cattle, sheep, goats, deer and llamas/apalcas) on or off farms in the two TCZs are prohibited.
Moves direct to slaughter, however, are permitted under a general licence available on DAERA’s website.
Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher added: “Bluetongue is an unpredictable virus that is spread by midges through and between flocks and herds.
“The spread of Bluetongue has a significant impact on livestock, the agri-food sector and the rural economy.
“That is why, as a result of the Disease Control Framework we launched in June, DAERA continues to move rapidly to put in place control measures.
“I would urge everyone in the farming industry to continue to play their part in protecting our farms by remaining vigilant and would especially urge those in the TCZs to follow the restrictions.
“It is also imperative that keepers who suspect an outbreak report any symptoms immediately to their vet, local Divisional Veterinary Office or to the DAERA helpline on 0300 200 7840.”
The NAFL has provided an update on the development of the National Conference League
The beautiful game continues to evolve at regional level an the Board of the Northern Amateur Football League has provided a further update on the National Conference League.
And they have again shown their appreciation to all their partners and stakeholders who have assisted with the National Conference League project over the last number of weeks.
An NAFL Board of Directors spokesperson said: “This supportive engagement has permitted the Board of the Northern Amateur Football League to outline a positive update whereby clarity can be provided in respect of the National Conference League in Season 2026-2027, and beyond.
“With the assistance of key Partners, the Northern Amateur Football League will commence the National Conference Premier Division in August 2026.
“The Division will comprise invited teams from the current Northern Ireland Football League Premier Intermediate League once promotion to the Northern Ireland Football League Championship has been concluded at the end of Season 2025-2026.
“Those ten teams will be joined by two further teams, invited from the three current Intermediate Leagues in Northern Ireland, and who meet the National Conference League rules, inclusive of ground criteria.
“Those three teams will compete via the tried and tested play-off system upon conclusion of their respective 2025-2026 league campaigns for the remaining two National Conference Premier Division positions.
The two further Divisions of the National Conference League, League One and League Two, are scheduled to be incorporated for the commencement of Season 2027-2028.
“Full details on the National Conference League, inclusive of league structures, ground criteria, promotion & relegation pathways etc. will be made available in the format of an Information Pack, via the National Conference League website, in the early part of 2026.
“A competitive process for all teams seeking to apply to participate in the National Conference League One and League Two in Season 2027-2028 will also be launched in 2026 and will be preceded by the publication of an Application Pack, detailing the application timeline, process and scoring matrix for applicant clubs.
“The Directors and Officials at the Northern Amateur Football League reiterate our commitment to delivering transformation of the performance pathway for ambitious Clubs in Northern Ireland and will continue to engage positively with all partners and key stakeholders.”
The Board of the Northern Amateur Football League wishes all the local clubs Club well with the current football season.
Politicians across the Newry Mourne and Down District Council area have condemned the threats from a republican splinter group
Sinn Féin MP Dáire Hughes
Sinn Féin Newry and Armagh MP Dáire Hughes has described threats made against elected members in the Newry Mourne and Down area as ‘sinister’.
A video shared online shows masked men with guns reading a statement in which politicians are described as ‘legitimate targets’.
Dáire Hughes said: “The sinister threats issued by faceless thugs against elected members of Newry, Mourne and Down are an attack on democracy and on the mandate each of us as elected members receives from the public.
“Let me be crystal clear: these faceless individuals represent no one and they will not deter me or my party colleagues from carrying out our work, every day, representing our constituents.
“Despite bombs planted at our offices and chilling threats made through social media, Sinn Féin will continue to stand up for our people.
“I send solidarity to each of my elected colleagues across our constituencies. Let us stand as one against these deluded individuals.”
SDLP Oppose Threats To Local Politicians by Republicans
SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath has reacted to the video released earlier this week from a group saying they were from a republican grouping.
Colin McGrath said that threats against elected representatives are an attack on democracy itself.
SDLP MLA Colin McGrath has condemned a video posted online “by a self-styled republican splinter group which claimed that elected representatives were ‘legitimate targets’ and they vare cowardly, dangerous, and utterly incompatible with a civilised society.
South Down MLA Colin McGrath.
“Public representatives, regardless of political background, deserve respect and safety as they carry out their democratic duties.
“To stand for election, to show your face, and to make your values known and open to criticism takes guts.
“It takes courage to put your name on a ballot paper, to knock on doors, and to accept the verdict of the people.
“Those who hide behind balaclavas and issue threats on behalf of ‘the community’ with no mandate and no accountability are undermining the very foundations of democracy, and they are wrong to do so.”
The South Down MLA voiced strong support for councillors across Newry Mourne and Down.
“I stand with every single elected representative on our Council who has put themself forward to serve their community.
“We may disagree, sometimes vehemently, on political issues, but it is never personal, and we never degrade ourselves by making threats. That is the measure of a civilised society, where disputes are resolved through debate and at the ballot box.”
Mr McGrath called on all political and community leaders to reject intimidation unequivocally.
He added: “Our society has come too far, and our democratic institutions matter too much, to allow faceless threats to drag us backwards.
“The future will be built by those prepared to participate openly and peacefully, not by those who operate from the shadows.”
Alliance Party Stands Against Republican Threats
Alliance South Down MLA Andrew McMurray, speaking in the Assembly, said: “It is the season of peace and goodwill to all men. It is also the season of Advent, which, Mr Speaker, I am sure that you are reflecting on.
“Advent defines the story of a young family making their journey in a challenging political, social and economic situation.
“I reflect on that story a lot, but some people in our society have missed the whole point of it.
“Last night, a threat was issued to all elected reps in Newry Mourne and Down District Council against the council’s decision to endorse the area as a council of sanctuary.
South Down Alliance MLA Andrew McMurray.
“At the outset, I stand in solidarity with all elected reps in Newry Mourne and Down, be they councillors, MLAs or MPs, and with all parties sitting here today, because it is such a humbling and proud role to be an elected rep and serve society.
“I also thank the PSNI for the proactive role that it has taken. The issue has been ongoing, and the PSNI is working hard and was quick last night to phone around and offer support and advice.
“I will also say that having men in balaclavas standing in front of flags reading crumpled statements and holding guns has not defined my politics and does not define my politics, nor will it ever.
“What defines my politics is this: my party colleagues here and the political discourse with other parties in the Chamber, whether we agree or disagree. That is what moves society forward.
“I stand in solidarity with other elected reps, I thank the PSNI, and I completely refute the threats made by the group last night.
“On the matter of the City of Sanctuary designation for Newry Mourne and Down District Council, the decision was the right, just and empathetic thing to do.”
UUP Opposes Threats From Republican Splinter Group
Ulster Unionist Councillor David Taylor set out the UUP position speaking on his Facebook page in November responded to comments from a republican group regarding the Poppy Appeal stand in TESCO’s on Newry. The issue and threats have been building up in recent months.
UUP Councillor David Taylor.
Councillor Taylor said: “The Poppy Appeal has been located at Tesco in Newry for quite a number of years now and always receives strong support from people across the community.
“Saoradh’s initial statement on the presence of the poppy stall in the Tesco store and the outlined threat to take action to remove it was extremely sinister in nature and something I have spoken to Police directly about.
“Their remarks and threats would be condemned by any right minded person.
“The Poppy stall is manned by volunteers each year who give up their own free time to support the Royal British Legion’s appeal to raise funds for veterans, service personnel and their families.
“I welcome the fact that Tesco’s have not bowed to any threats or pressure from republicans and that the stall remains in a very prominent position within the store.
“I would encourage the local community in the Newry area to continue their ongoing strong support for the Poppy Appeal and the vital work undertaken by the Royal British Legion.”
Downpatrick Hollyview Resource Centre Marks Disabled Day
The International Day of Disabled Persons has been recognised by Hollyview Resource Centre in Downpatrick
The remarkable talents and creativity of Hollyview Resource Centre’s Service Users was to the fore this week as the Team marked International Day of Disabled Persons.
From handmade crafts to bespoke festive sleighs and snowmen to welcome in the Christmas period, Service Users have been hard work putting their shoulders to the wheel to ensure that all their hand carved and hand painted pieces are ready for Downshire Hospital’s upcoming Carol Service.
Service User, Christopher Craig, described how much he loves coming to the Centre. “I love coming to Hollyview, it gives me a chance to get into the community and meet other people. I have learned loads of new skills since coming here,” said Christopher.
Hollyview Resource Centre’s Martin Burns and Service User, Christopher Craig pictured on the International Day for the Disabled at Hollyview Resource Centre in Downpatrick.
“My favourite thing to do here is to help people and I really enjoy gardening. Hollyview is really close to me. If I did not have it, I would not know where I would be.”
Hollyview Resource Centre’s Martin Burns explained how the Hub offers Service Users a chance to, “Partake in activities that encourages their independence, a place where they can learn new skills in woodwork and horticulture.”
“Everyday is different for our Service Users. They could be out in the garden here at Downshire or in the woodwork or craft room. We also have days out which I know our Service Users really enjoy,” said Martin.
Hollyview Resource Centre’s Service Users prepare their crafts in woodwork ahead of Downshire Hospital’s upcoming Carol Service.
“The amount of work that has and is being done here is amazing. Our Service Users deserve every chance that everybody else gets and that is the main thing.”
Support Worker at Hollyview Resource Centre, Shona McCullough added, “You can see our Service Users grow in confidence as each week passes, this is their workplace and it does not take them long to settle in.
“It is so important to get the message out there that we are all the same, we are all trying to get through our daily lives. We are all such a Team here at Hollyview.
“We are all learning from each other and everyone has so much to give, whether you have a learning disability or not. It is so important for everyone to understand that.”
Mathison Praises Knockevin Special School During Visit To The Downpatrick Site
Alliance Party MLA and Chair of the Education Committee, Nick Mathison, has commended the exceptional work of Knockevin Special School following a visit to its Downpatrick site on Thursday 4th December.
He was joined by party colleague, South Down Alliance MLA, Andy McMurray.
During the visit, the MLAs met with Principal Sara Liddell, along with pupils and staff, gaining firsthand insight into the positive, child-centred learning environment the team has created for children and young people with highly complex needs.
Mr. Mathison expressed his gratitude to Ms. Liddell and the entire school community for their warm welcome and said: “It was a privilege to spend time at Knockevin.
Strangford Alliance MLA along with South Down MLA Andrew McMurray visited Knockevin School in Downpatrick.
“The dedication, compassion and professionalism of the staff is clear in every classroom. They have created a nurturing, supportive and inspiring environment in which every child is enabled to thrive.”
The MLAs were delighted to watch pupils rehearse for their upcoming Christmas show, which Andy McMurray said “promises to be a wonderful celebration of the children’s talents and hard work.”
However, Nick Mathison also highlighted the serious challenges facing the school.
Knockevin continues to operate across three separate sites, a situation that places significant strain on staff and families.
“Urgent maintenance work is needed across several classrooms and facilities on the school estate. The school also continues to experience inadequate nursing provision for pupils with complex medical needs – an issue Mr. Mathison has long raised with both Health and Education Ministers.
“Knockevin’s leadership and staff go above and beyond every single day, but they cannot shoulder these pressures alone,” he said.
“Investment in special schools must be prioritised. I will be raising today’s concerns directly with the relevant agencies and ministers to ensure these children receive the support and resources they deserve.”
Nursing Director urges the public to get the flu jab as it is spreading fast at a rate of doubling evert week
The flu is on the increase across the district.
The South Eastern Trust’s Executive Director of Nursing has revealed that hospitals across the Trust are treating twice as many patients for Flu this year, than this time last year.
Speaking as he welcomed the Health Minister to the Vaccination Centre, Professor David Robinson reinforced the urgent need for vaccination. “Flu has arrived early this year and it is particularly nasty. It can make you really ill. Across the South Eastern Trust, we currently have 42 patients admitted with Flu-like symptoms, including one patient in intensive care.
“I was out with a Team of School Nurses on Monday afternoon and they described how many children are off school at the moment with Flu-like symptoms.
Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, MLA chatting with Vaccination Centre Staff. The flu is increasing rapidly across the district and the chief nursing officer has recommended the public get the jab.
“Look after yourselves, please get vaccinated. If you are making plans for Christmas, please do not let Flu steal your Christmas. There are many opportunities to get vaccinated across the Trust.
“If you are eligible, please get your vaccination. It is your first line of defence against flu.”
The Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, MLA has visited Vaccination Centre at the Ulster Hospital to meet staff and thank them for their ongoing efforts as Flu cases continue to rise rapidly across Northern Ireland.
More than 264 people have been hospitalised with Flu across the Region, with 954 confirmed cases, figures that are doubling every week.
The Trust has the highest uptake of staff Flu vaccination across all Health and Social Care Trusts. However, both the Trust and the Minister emphasised the need for increased uptake as pressures on hospital capacity increases.
Speaking during his visit, Mike Nesbitt said, “Visiting the Vaccination Centre has been really important for me because Flu is arriving very early and it is hitting particularly hard.
Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, MLA, Prof David Robinson (Executive Director of Nursing) with Vaccination Centre Staff.
“We know what additional winter pressures look like and this is just adding to them. Capacity within our hospitals is limited and we rely on staff to get us through into 2026.
“It is really important for me to come along and send out the message to the general public, if you have not yet had the Flu vaccination, please get it because it is your best defence against what is a really nasty condition.
“I also wanted to thank the staff for all their continued efforts, as the South Eastern Trust has the highest uptake in terms of workforce vaccinations, nearly double the Health and Social Care average compared to last year. It could be higher and there is more work to be done.
“I am so grateful to the staff for what they are doing, going the extra mile, not just here in the Ulster Hospital Vaccination Centre, but also out in the community making it as easy as possible for people to access this vaccination.
“The rates of Flu are almost doubling every week. The number of hospital admissions are also nearly doubling weekly. You do not want to be in hospital with Flu, particularly if you have got an underlying condition.
“So please, please, please get vaccinated. It is your best defence against Flu.”
For further information on vaccination clinics and eligibility, visit:
As a tradesperson, your reputation is as valuable as your skillset. Positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations drive business in a competitive market in a way that money can’t buy. Keeping clients happy goes beyond simply doing the job well – it’s about how you interact with them throughout the process, from the initial enquiry to after the job is done.
Photo by Kindel Media: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-person-holding-hardhat-8487720/
Creating a good first impression
When a customer reaches out, how you respond sets the tone for everything that follows. A prompt, polite reply to their enquiry tells them that you respect their time and are serious about your business, even if you can’t fit them in straightaway.
Once you have details of their request, aim to provide it within a reasonable timeframe and make sure it’s clear and detailed, showing an itemised breakdown against the total cost. Being conscious of creating a good impression in these early interactions helps convince customers that you’re reliable, crucial for building a positive relationship from the outset.
Establishing clear communication
Keeping open lines of communication helps to build trust and negate problems between you and your customers, even if issues with projects arise. Being honest throughout ensures customers never feel blindsided, making them more tolerant of extended deadlines or price rises.
Ensuring the customer feels heard is key to establishing a connection. Discuss the project clearly before you start so everyone understands the scope timeline, and costs, and carefully address any concerns they share as you go. If a job involves unexpected complications, inform the client as soon as possible, explaining the issue and offering options for how you can move forward.
Delivering quality work
Delivering quality work is the cornerstone of customer satisfaction. If your work doesn’t meet or exceed expectations, it can lead to complaints and bad reviews, which could be very damaging for your reputation. Always take the time to do the job properly, no matter how small, whether you’re installing a new central heating system or doing a simple plumbing or electrics fix.
Pay attention to every detail of the finish, so the look matches how well it works. A job done well the first time reduces the chances of follow-up issues and fosters trust. This kind of attention to detail ensures that customers feel like they’ve received value for money and boosts the likelihood they’ll hire you again.
Managing issues and feedback
It’s inevitable that issues may arise during a job, but it’s how you manage these situations that can define the customer experience. Managing problems like delays well shows more respect to customers than creating the illusion of a perfect experience. Honesty, and if necessary an apology, is key to maintaining healthy relationships.
When it comes to feedback, always listen carefully, even if it’s negative. You might not always agree, but understanding your customer’s perspective will help you learn and improve – and as in retail, the customer is always right. If you handle issues professionally and fairly, your customer will appreciate your transparency, and you’ll both feel confident in moving forward.
Building long-term trust
Especially if you’re a burgeoning business, building your reputation can feel like a long and arduous uphill battle. However, by consistently delivering quality work, being transparent about processes and treating your customers with respect, you can establish a strong foundation for repeat business. This proves your priority is their home and safety, not just getting paid.
Over time, these small gestures will construct a reputation of reliability, which will help you earn valuable repeat bookings and referrals. You can use their organic reviews to support paid marketing efforts through your website and advertising.
County Down Wholetime Firefighters Graduate from NIFRS
Eighteen new Wholetime (full-time) Firefighters have officially graduated from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) Learning & Development College (LDC) today, marking the successful completion of an intensive 18-week training course and the beginning of their operational careers serving the community across Northern Ireland.
Wholetime Firefighters Neil Carleton from Ballynahinch and Taylor Kirk from Bangor were among the cohort who proudly graduated from NIFRS today.
Trainee fire fighters in action.
This is the second cohort of Wholetime Firefighters to graduate from the state-of-the-art LDC, which opened in May 2025, and represents an investment of £50m in the future of NIFRS learning and development.
During their training, Firefighters developed specialist knowledge and skills to prepare them for the types of incidents they will respond to, including fires, road traffic collisions, water rescues and hazardous material incidents.
The 18 new Firefighters will now begin their careers on Stations across Northern Ireland, where they will continue to develop their skills and play a vital role in keeping people safe.
It was a momentous day (Thursday 4 December 2025) for Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) as it celebrated the graduation of 18 New Wholetime (Full-time) Firefighters from its Learning & Development College (LDC), Cookstown. Pictured L-R Wholetime Firefighters from County Down, Neil Carleton from Ballynahinch and Taylor Kirk from Bangor.
NIFRS Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, Aidan Jennings said: “I am incredibly proud to welcome this latest cohort of Wholetime Firefighters to NIFRS.
“Their graduation today marks the culmination of months of dedication, teamwork and determination. They have shown outstanding commitment to developing the skills and values required to serve our community safely and effectively.
“The success of our 18 new Firefighters would not have been possible without the unwavering support and guidance of the dedicated training team at our college.
“Their experience and enthusiasm for developing others has been crucial in ensuring that this cohort of new Firefighters is fully prepared for the operational incidents they will face when they join us on Fire Stations across Northern Ireland in the next few weeks.
“Our new college offers world-class facilities that ensure our Firefighters are trained to the highest standards. The graduates now join a proud organisation with a long tradition of service and excellence. They represent the future of NIFRS, and I have every confidence that they will uphold our commitment to keeping the people of Northern Ireland safe and making a difference in the community we serve.”
Trainee fire fighters extinguishing a fire knowing that one day they will be doing it for real. Of the 18 Wholetime Firefighters graduating, 13 are male and 5 are female.
Jay Colville, Chairperson of NIFRS Board, added: “On behalf of NIFRS Board, I would like to congratulate each of our new Wholetime Firefighters graduating today.
“Their commitment to public service and willingness to put others before themselves embodies the very best of what NIFRS stands for.
“Today’s graduation is a significant milestone, but it is not the end of their journey. As a Service, we remain deeply committed to investing in our people.
“Our graduates will continue their development, both on Station and through ongoing training at our college.
“Today is a day of great pride for our graduating Firefighters, their families, and for NIFRS as a whole, and I wish them every success in their future careers.”
