Alliance Environment spokesperson Anna Lo MLA has said the proposed tax cuts for firms involved in the extraction of shale gas is premature given the environmental concerns that remain about this process. The proposals by the Chancellor of the Exchequer would reduce the tax on the income that these firms create from 62% to 30%. […]
There was great anticipation of the visit by President Barack Obama to Northern Ireland for the G8 summit in Fermanagh. I was lucky enough to be sitting in the Waterfront Hall when he laid down a challenge to our Executive to deliver a more integrated society for everyone. I was particularly struck by what he […]
Alliance Regional Development spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has written to the Department for Regional Development indicating the Alliance Party’s support for the proposed Road Races Amendment Bill. The legislation would allow the organisers of road races such as the North West 200 and the Ulster Grand Prix, to specify contingency days in the event of […]
Alliance Newcastle Councillor Patrick Clarke has welcomed news that the cleaning of the granite footpaths and walkways in Newcastle will be carried out on a maintenance contract as opposed to an annual clean. This should allow for the walkways to be cleaned after events rather than waiting for the annual clean to take palce. Alliance […]
Alliance North Belfast representative Cllr John Blair has said that all sides must abide by the determination of the Parades Commission which has ruled that an Orange Order parade on Saturday is not allowed to march past the Ardoyne shops in North Belfast. Cllr John Blair said: “All sides must now respect this decision by […]
Alliance North Down Mayor Andrew Muir has said he will vigorously fight NI Water plans to sell Portavo Reservoir near Groomsport during 2014 – 15. Andrew was previously successful in halting plans for a similar sale of this reservoir and has now written as Mayor to arrange an urgent meeting with the Regional Development Minister […]
Alliance North Belfast representative Cllr John Blair has said that all sides must accept whatever decision is made by the Parades Commission in relation to an application by the Orange Order to parade along the Crumlin Road in North Belfast on Saturday. The Parades Commission will be making their decision on Thursday morning. Cllr John […]
Alliance Leader David Ford has said that the recent violence has underlined the importance for there to be a positive outcome from the all-party talks to be led by Dr Richard Haass. The talks will look at flags, parades and the past, issues that were not included in OFMDFM’s ‘Together Building a United Community’strategy. David […]
Alliance Newtownabbey Councillor Tom Campbell has called on the University of Ulster to rethink proposals for 600 houses in the Jordanstown. His comments follow a meeting between local Newtownabbey councillors and senior planners to discuss controversial plans by the University of Ulster to build these houses in its Jordanstown complex. The council deputation included Councillors […]
Alliance Environment spokesperson Anna Lo MLA has urged the new Environment Minister, the SDLP’s Mark H Durkan, to scrap the flawed Planning Bill. The DUP and Sinn Fein submitted amendments that would give OFMDFM more powers over planning laws and limited the ability to seek a judicial review on planning decisions. Anna Lo MLA said: […]