Dickson speaks in Assembly on infrastructure in new housing developments

Here are excerpts from a speech in the Assembly by East Antrim Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson on Surety Bonds for New Housing Developments. Stewart Dickson MLA said: “Recently our attention has been drawn to those who have purchased property in new developments, but have seen the construction sector collapse and their developments left unfinished. “This […]

Lyttle presses OFMdFM on childcare strategy

Alliance Children & Young People’s Spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has encouraged parents and guardians to check if they are entitled to more tax credits or childcare vouchers. He called on OFMdFM to clarify how they are going to use the £3m annual childcare budget as a matter of urgency. Employers for Childcare estimated that £6.8m […]

Belfast community relations scheme is great news

Alliance Community Relations Spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has welcomed news of a new scheme to tackle sectarianism through gardening and exercise. The Growing Respect initiative is being launched today and is being funded by the European Regional Development Fund. Chris Lyttle MLA said: “This exciting scheme is quite literally grassroots good relations work. I hope […]

Dickson appalled that police officer was stabbed

Alliance Justice Spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has expressed disgust at the stabbing of a police officer in Lurgan and the fact that other officers at the scene had petrol bombs and bricks thrown at them. The incidents took place in the Kilwilkie estate in the town. Stewart Dickson MLA said: “I am absolutely appalled at […]

Maze centre offers opportunities and no political games must be played on the issue

Lagan Valley Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn has welcomed news that EU funding has been approved for the conflict resolution centre at the Maze site. Trevor has long campaigned for swift progress on redeveloping the site. He said that all parties must work together to ensure the whole Maze project fulfils its potential and he said […]

Muir urges Holywood to speak out about Redburn Primary closure

North Down Alliance Councillor Andrew Muir has urged local people to respond to the consultation being undertaken by South Eastern Education and Library Board concerning proposed closure of Redburn Primary School, Holywood. Cllr Muir stated “With the consultation closing on 20 February 2012 it’s vital that people respond and make their views known before this […]

Cochrane welcomes new link from the Greenway to the Slipway

East Belfast Alliance MLA Judith Cochrane today welcomed the announcement from Sustrans on the proposed link to connect the Titanic Quarter with Ballymacarrett and the exciting Comber Greenway development in East Belfast. Sustrans is proposing to re-open a former access route to Belfast’s Titantic Quarter as part of works to link the existing Comber Greenway […]

Alliance campaign delivers positive results

East Belfast Alliance MP Naomi Long and MLA Chris Lyttle have said that they are delighted that, after a long-running campaign by Alliance and local residents, the Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has agreed to adopt the footpaths of Kingsdale Park in East Belfast and bring them up to standard. Due to an administrative oversight […]

Hendron says exciting Belfast investment programme will boost economy

Alliance Group Leader on Belfast City Council Máire Hendron has hailed the £150m investment package for Belfast saying it will grow our economy through tourism, business development and the employment it will create in construction. She said the plan demonstrates what can be achieved when elected representatives work together. Cllr Máire Hendron said: “This is […]

Lyttle says youth employment must be NI Executive priority

Alliance Employment & Learning Spokesperson, Chris Lyttle MLA has called on the Executive to prioritise youth employment and back proposals from Minister of Employment & Learning to get young people into work. Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle said: “The Department of Employment & Learning Employment Service is under severe pressure to adequately respond to a significant […]