Blair: Resources for tackling Climate Change must not be scaled back

Alliance Environment spokesperson John Blair has described the decision by DAERA to scrap £1.5 million earmarked for tackling climate change as unacceptable. Speaking after the latest Committee meeting, the South Antrim MLA said regardless of other plans that may or may not be in place, this was a specific commitment in New Decade New Approach […]

Dickson frustrated by lack of detail from Economy Minister

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has said he is becoming “increasingly frustrated” with the lack of detailed answers to questions supplied by Economy Minister Diane Dodds. Speaking after he received his latest round of questions aimed at answering the real concerns of the business community, Stewart said the disappointing responses left many searching for answers on […]

Gray disappointed Council won’t resume virtual Council Committee meetings until August

Alliance Councillor Lauren Gray has said she is extremely disappointed Mid and East Antrim Borough Council won’t resume virtual Committee meetings until August – with a lack of clarity remaining over when all meetings will return. The Council has already resumed full Council meetings, agreeing to an earlier Alliance push to get these up and […]

Need to rebalance Departmental budget towards active and sustainable transport, says Muir

There is a need for rebalancing of the Department for Infrastructure’s budget towards active and sustainable transport, Alliance Infrastructure spokesperson Andrew Muir MLA has said. Mr Muir was speaking after Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon confirmed her Department’s budget, outlining plans for investment in blue/green infrastructure, as well as funding for road safety measures, street lights […]

Long announces changes to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme

Alliance Justice Minister Naomi Long MLA today announced the removal of the same household rule contained within the Northern Ireland Criminal injuries Compensation Scheme 2009. This change in legislation allows access to the scheme for victims of abuse and violent crime who were previously prevented from applying for criminal injuries compensation because of the long-standing rule. […]

Lyttle welcomes book programme funding confirmation

Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has welcomed a move to confirm funding for a reading initiative encouraging parents to read with their babies and young children. Mr Lyttle, Chair of the Assembly’s Education Committee, was speaking after Peter Weir confirmed the Department of Education would part-fund the Booktrust charity’s Bookstart programme. The East Belfast […]