DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has introduced the Fisheries, Aquaculture and Water Environment Bill to the Northern Ireland Assembly, marking the first major overhaul of fisheries legislation in six decades. The Bill, which received its first reading on Monday 22 June 2026, aims to replace the outdated Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) […]
Children and young people have participated in a series of focus groups to help shape the Safer Journeys to School programme, as the Department for Infrastructure moves closer to introducing new legislation to protect pupils at bus stops. Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins visited Millennium Integrated Primary School in Saintfield, County
The first payments under Northern Ireland’s new Farming with Nature Transition Scheme have begun issuing to farmers, marking a milestone for the region’s efforts to reverse biodiversity decline while maintaining food production. Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir confirmed that £2.7 million is being distributed to 489 participants who completed environmental works
The first payments under Northern Ireland’s new Farming with Nature Transition Scheme have begun issuing to farmers, marking a significant milestone in the region’s efforts to reverse biodiversity decline. Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir confirmed today that £2.7 million is being released to 489 farm businesses who completed environmental works by
Bereaved parents in Northern Ireland can now apply for official recognition of pregnancy losses occurring before 24 weeks, following the launch of the Baby Loss Certificate Scheme today. The initiative provides voluntary, government-issued certificates to families who have experienced miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or other early losses, offering formal acknowledgment of
The Department of Justice has launched a public consultation on proposals to increase maximum compensation for miscarriage of justice victims in Northern Ireland. The primary proposal would raise statutory caps by 30%, aligning the region with recent changes in England and Wales, whilst also seeking views on more fundamental reforms
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has appointed DUP councillor Paul Greenfield to the Libraries NI board, the body responsible for running public libraries across Northern Ireland. The four-year appointment, effective from 18 June 2026, places the former Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council on the governing body
Flood protection infrastructure on the River Lagan has been upgraded with the completion of a £1.35 million project to replace sluice gates at Hilden and Lambeg in Lisburn. The Department for Infrastructure confirmed this week that work finished at Lambeg, concluding the scheme following the completion of works at Hilden
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has reiterated his commitment to Northern Ireland’s veterans community during Armed Forces Day celebrations in Coleraine, highlighting a recently launched Government support line designed to help former service personnel navigate benefits and access services. The Minister’s visit to the Causeway Coast town on Saturday (20 June)
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has opened applications for the Marine Environment and Fisheries Fund (MEFF), offering £3.05 million in grants to support Northern Ireland’s fishing industry, aquaculture businesses and marine stakeholders. The funding, available until 31 March 2027, aims to boost decarbonisation efforts, restore blue carbon habitats and strengthen economic
