Lyttle welcomes publication of ‘long overdue’ cycling strategy

East Belfast Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle has welcomed publication of a “long overdue” strategy designed to transform cycling in Northern Ireland. The 25-year Bicycle Strategy Delivery Plan, announced today (Tuesday) by the Department for Regional Development, aims to encourage more people to use bicycles for everyday journeys here. Mr Lyttle, who is Chair of the […]

McAllister disappointed at PIPS attack

Alliance Councillor Nuala McAllister has expressed her disappointment after a suicide prevention charity was targeted by burglars in North Belfast. The offices of PIPS – located on the Antrim Road – were ransacked over the weekend, with a number of computers stolen. Councillor Nuala said: “It is extremely disappointing that an organisation that provides vital […]

Police should follow evidence on McGuigan murder separate from political considerations

Alliance MLA, Stephen Farry, has responded to the briefing from Det Supt Kevin Geddes regarding the investigation of the murder of Kevin McGuigan and in particular the suggestions that individuals associated with the PIRA were involved Stephen Farry said: “It is clearly very worrying and significant that the police have said they are following a […]

McCarthy disappointed by AFBI closure

Alliance Strangford MLA Kieran McCarthy has expressed his deep disappointment that a local plant and crop testing facility is to close its doors. The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute’s (AFBI) facility in Crossnacreevy carries out testing for the Department of Agriculture and other bodies. The closure comes as part of DARD’s review of the AFBI’s operations, […]

Representatives welcome Council’s Jordanstown homes decision

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson and Councillor Tom Campbell have welcomed the refusal by Antrim and Newtownabbey Council for hundreds of homes on a local site. The Council blocked the proposal, which would have seen 600 new homes on the former University of Ulster site in Jordanstown, at a meeting on Monday (August 17) after a […]

Webb hits out at graffiti

Alliance Newtownabbey Councillor Billy Webb has said he is disgusted at sectarian graffiti which appeared close to a mixed housing development in the area. Councillor Webb said the daubed writing, which threatened that Protestants moving to the Felden development on the Mill Road would be attacked and evicted, was “disgraceful”. The Alliance Councillor contacted Antrim […]

Dickson: Bonfire flag burning is disgraceful

Alliance Justice Spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has condemned the flying of flags and effigies of soldiers on a nationalist bonfire over the weekend. The PSNI has confirmed it is investigating the use of flags and symbols on the Londonderry Bonfire, which took place in the Creggan area. Stewart Dickson MLA said: “The act of burning […]

McAllister: Youth fighting signals deeper problems

Alliance Councillor Nuala McAllister has condemned mass fighting which broke out among young people in north Belfast on Friday night, adding direct action to tackle the root of the problem was needed. Fighting broke out among more than 20 youths in the Skegoneill area of north Belfast, some armed with knives and sticks, with the […]