A total of 14 projects have received payments through the Cancer Charities Support Fund, part of a £24m package of funding made available in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to support carers, cancer charities and mental health organisations.

Statistics on young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) were published today by the Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency.

Environment and Rural Affairs Minister, Edwin Poots, today launched the latest in a series of short films designed to promote Northern Ireland’s forest parks during the Centenary Year.

Residents will be aware that, at the re-opening of the Riverside recycling centre last year, after the first lockdown, service provision was reduced and did not include paper/cardboard recycling.   This was due to social distancing and queuing necessity at the time.

I have been pressing for full recycling services to recommence and have now had this helpful update from the City Council’s Waste Services Manager :

“Following the announcement last week we are reviewing the implications and what control measures are now required in line with industry and government guidance.  

We are also speaking with colleagues in neighbouring authorities.  

We are certainly hoping in the coming few weeks that we can re-instate all services to both recycling centres.”

I have asked to be kept updated and will advise residents when I hear further about this.

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon today launched a Call for Evidence to seek views that will inform a decision on the potential introduction of biennial (every two years) MOT testing for cars, light goods vehicles and motorcycles.