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

Minister's Answer My Department is engaging with a range of stakeholders to inform the practical delivery of the home heating oil support scheme. This has included discussions with the Northern Ireland Oil Federation representing local oil distributors, National Energy Action, the Fuel Poverty Coalition, and the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland. Further engagement is planned throughout the process to help protect consumers against price gouging. The Oil Savings Network,

Minister's Answer My Department is engaging with a range of stakeholders to inform the practical delivery of the home heating oil support scheme. This has included discussions with the Northern Ireland Oil Federation representing local oil distributors, National Energy Action, the Fuel Poverty Coalition, and the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland. Further engagement is planned throughout the process to help consumers get value for money. The Oil Savings Network, part of th