Given that the Education Authority completed a Feasibility Study in November 25 for new buildings for Carrick Academy, and the Business Case is to be completed by the end of this month, I pressed the Minister when it will be completed. I am pleased to say that a decision on the Business Case will be issued in the Summer and hopefully we can make progress with a new build for this school which was constructed well over 60 years ago and is long past its best.

The Department of Infrastructure has launched a consultation to hear views on their proposed legislation around overtaking and passing buses. I would encourage all constituents to respond and have their say about this vital piece of legislation. The consultation can be responded to via the below link and is open until 21st May.  https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/consultations/safer-journeys-school-consultation-overtaking-and-passing-buses

Please be aware that holiday timetables will operate on Easter Monday and Tuesday. Timetables on Easter Monday and Easter Tuesday will operate differently to regular weekday schedules. Ulsterbus, Goldliner, and Foyle Metro will be running Saturday, Sunday, or holiday timetables, depending on the service. Metro and Glider will operate Sunday timetables on Easter Monday, and Saturday timetables on Easter Tuesday, while school holiday timetables will also be in effect over the E

Ukrainian Refugees in Northern Ireland can now submit Compensation Claims to the Register of Damage for Ukraine The Register of Damage for Ukraine, of which the UK is a member, has opened a new claims category for people that were displaced outside of Ukraine because of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation starting four years ago on 24 February 2022. New Category A1.2 (Involuntary Displacement Outside of Ukraine) enables people who were forced to leave their home

Community groups and other organisations in East Antrim can now apply for the PEACEPLUS Change Maker Funding Programme, offering grants up to €100,000 (approximately £87,000) for local projects that build cross‑community or cross‑border connections. The programme has been shaped to make funding easier to access, with clear guidance and one‑to‑one support for applicants. The first general funding round closes in June for 2026, so please register your interest today . Find out

Minister's Answer The inquiry will open as soon as possible after the relevant primary and secondary legislation comes into force. In my initial answer, I outlined how the time frame for the primary and secondary legislation is progressing well at this stage.Victims and survivors have been at the heart of the process from the beginning. There are many things that they would like. We need to ensure that every aspect is independent so that they and, indeed, wider society can ha

I share the concern of consitutents regarding the timing of roadworks on the junction of the Old Carrick Road and the Monkstown Road, Newtownabbey, that start on Monday 2nd March. However after an in depth conversation with DfI, I have been made aware that these are essential works as the traffic light loops are in shallow ground and are breaking up, which is reducing the efficiency of the junction. The work will start on 02/03/26 and will finish on 24/03/26 and will be limit

Recently several parents have been in touch with me regarding overdue childhood vaccinations, and the process of receiving these via their GP. I have written to the Minister to ask what the process is. Childhood vaccinations are provided by GPs to children registered with their practice. However, I have been made aware of cases where children have waited many months, with parents struggling to get clear information, timescales, or a plan. Practices are regularly informed by C

There will be a line Closure between Carrickfergus and Larne Harbour this weekend (21st & 22nd Feb) and next weekend (28th Feb & 1st March) Rail replacement bus services will serve main road bus stops but will call at Whitehead and Larne Town Train Stations. Rail replacement bus services will meet Belfast-bound trains at Carrickfergus. The line between Carrickfergus and Belfast will be operational. Translink are advising customers to check their timetables in advance of trave

Minister's Answer I agree with the Member about the impact of waiting times on patients and their families and friends. I do not have an answer to the Member's specific question about Belfast City Hospital. Generally speaking, however, we are trying to deal with regional variation, particularly where it is not reasonable variation. I gave an example to Mr Kingston of what I consider not to be reasonable variation or a reasonable reason for delay. As well as making savings in