A scheme to help households purchase home heating oil is now open. You can apply via this link www.nidirect.gov.uk/oil-support-scheme and support is also available via a dedicated telephone line and through local Jobs & Benefits offices for those who require in-person assistance.

Stewart Dickson MLA has hailed the East Antrim Alliance Business Breakfast as “a fantastic success once again” highlighting the contribution local businesses make not only to Northern Ireland’s economy, but to jobs, skills and communities across the region. The East Antrim MLA, and Executive Office Spokesman, welcomed business owners, Alliance Party representatives and stakeholders from across the constituency and beyond, to Carrickfergus Golf Club on Friday morning. Guests h

The Young Environmentalist Awards (YEA) is a free, all-Island eco-action programme that empowers young people aged 10 - 18 to take environmental action for a sustainable future. From science experiments on energy efficiency, art projects on upcycling, geography mapping local biodiversity, to sustainable recipe development in home economics — there’s a place for every subject and every student! For more info and how to apply, please visit the website below https://ecounesco.ie

The Carrickfergus Artisan Market is 🗓 this Saturday 1 August🕚 11:00am – 3:00pm 📌 Market Place, Carrickfergus ✨ Enjoy a great day out with Face Painting, Caricaturist, Local Artisan Crafters plus 🌟 Meet Toy Story Friends! 11:30am – 12:30pm Woody & Jessie 12:30pm – 1:30pm Mr & Mrs Potato Head 1:30pm – 2:30pm Buzz & Rex

Following our winter of extreme storms, the Sea Wall at Rhanbuoy Park was severely damaged. I contacted the Department for Infrastructure (DFI) back in January 2026, who assured me work would begin on repairs in April 2026. Unfortunately, the project appears to have stalled despite a contractor being assigned the job in early June. DFI tell me they appreciate the frustration that these delays have caused residents and I understand that they have expressed their dissatisfactio

Translink is reminding everyone travelling into Belfast during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, August 2nd – 9th , to plan ahead, leave extra time for journeys, and expect bus and train services to be very busy. Fleadh visitors and anyone working or using other city centre services during the Fleadh should use public transport, dedicated Fleadh Park and Ride sites, and walking or cycling options where possible for travel into and around Belfast city centre. Ulsterbus, Metro, and Gl

This week is all about celebrating the use of public transport for everyday journeys and to encourage people across Northern Ireland to leave the car at home and choose more sustainable ways to travel. June also marks the return of the Active Travel Challenge! There has never been a better time to dust off the bicycle, swap the car for a walk, or hop on public transport. This initiative is all about healthier lifestyles, cleaner air, and greener habits. Last year was a recor

The decision to build apartments where the Swift Building is disappointing. The site is in a very important part of Carrickfergus on the harbour, overlooked by the castle. I remain unconvinced that building apartments was the best use of a very valuable site in Carrickfergus which could have been better used for many other things, both for the community and for visitors to the town. However, regrettably, the planning service have their rules and those rules had to be followed

Yesterday in the Assembly, I welcomed the consideration stage of the Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses and Redress Scheme. I wanted to pay tribute to the victims and survivors who spoke to us at the committee, and to commend their bravery in coming forward. However, it is disappointing the committee amendment to extend the posthumous date for people to be eligible for the redress payment was rejected. This is something I will be pushing the Spea

Minister's Answer The “Housing for All” Ministerial Panel Housing Thematic Sub-group is chaired by NIHE and acts as an advisory body to help guide the ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme. The sub-group shares experience in delivery of shared communities and progress on good relations outcomes. The latest meeting took place on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, and included: Discussion of the Housing for All Shared Housing Programme for 2025/26, which incorporated six new develop