Another example of Executive power grab – Long

Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long has criticised the Communities Minister Paul Givan following his statement that he will not transfer regeneration powers to local government. Naomi Long said: “Local government has been calling for the transfer of regeneration powers from the Executive to allow them to streamline community, economic and land use planning with land […]

Alliance offers a cautious welcome to rates rethink – Farry

Alliance Party Finance Spokesperson, Stephen Farry, has acknowledged the ambitious and progressive agenda of the Finance Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir in his proposals for reform of the rating system, but expressed concern at the apparent absence of Executive support for the reforms and the mixed messages being issued with respect to how the Executive is […]

Figures reveal major roads project needs prioritised, says Armstrong

Alliance Infrastructure spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has said the Infrastructure Minister needs to progress the York Street interchange project as soon as possible, as new figures showed the area sees more traffic daily than many other busy roads combined. Figures released by the Department for Infrastructure following an Alliance written question shows the peak daily […]

Armstrong welcomes review of Blue Badge applications

Alliance Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong has welcomed the announcement of a review of the renewal process for Blue Badge holders with life-long mobility issues. Kellie Armstrong said: “As Alliance Party spokeperson on Infrastructure I have regularly highlighted the importance of the Blue Badge scheme to many people across Northern Ireland. It can be a vital […]

Assembly Infrastructure Committee will benefit from visit to Ards coastal erosion group – Armstrong

Alliance Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong has welcomed the visit to the Ards Peninsula Coastal Erosion Group by the Assembly Infrastructure Committee. Kellie Armstrong said: “The impact of climate change, rising tides, lack of investment and lack of statutory responsibility has led to Peninsula roads being in need of urgent investment to prevent further chaos for […]

Road safety applies to all drivers – Armstrong

Alliance Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong has offered her support for a “New Driver Road Safety Pledge” launched by Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard during Road Safety Week. Kellie Armstrong said: “Road Safety Week is a good opportunity for us all to stop for a moment to consider how we behave when driving. It can make us […]

Ford highlights threats to agriculture sector from Brexit

Alliance South Antrim MLA David Ford has highlighted the potential financial loss to Northern Ireland’s agriculture sector following Brexit. Mr Ford was speaking in support of an Assembly debate, which called on the Agriculture Minister to develop a strategy to support the agriculture and agri-food sectors following Brexit. David Ford said: “At the moment, around […]

Assembly Speaker should make public advice he was given on SIF question, says Long

Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA has called on the Assembly Speaker to make public the procedural advice he was given when rejecting an urgent question on a community group to which he has been linked. Speaker Robin Newton apologised to the chamber today (Monday) for not declaring a link to the Charter NI group, which […]

Muir calls on Royal Mail to deliver for Craigavad residents

Alliance North Down Councillor Andrew Muir has called for Royal Mail to replace a post box at Station Road, Craigavad that had been removed after it was damaged by a lorry. Councillor Muir said: “The loss of this post box has proven to be a real inconconvenience for residents. Despite representations made, Royal Mail have […]

Long says Assembly Speaker has questions to answer over SIF role

Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA has said the Assembly Speaker has questions to answer after he declared he would recuse himself from any decisions on business involving the controversial Social Investment Fund (SIF), despite having already rejected an attempt by Assembly members to query the matter. Robin Newton MLA was a member of the East […]