Clarke Dubs Health Minister's Reprieve as 'Poor Substitute'
Alliance Councillor Patrick Clarke has dubbed the Health Minister’s announcement as a 'very poor substitute' for retaining the jobs permanently at the Downshire Hospital site, writes Kathleen Rice...
Read more: Clarke Dubs Health Minister's Reprieve as 'Poor Substitute'
Uncertainty Hangs Over Bernagh House Staff
FINANCE staff at Bernagh House in Downpatrick have described "feeling numbed” at the Health Minister's decision on shared services...
Read more: Uncertainty Hangs Over Bernagh House Staff
Curran Launches Wildlife Garden Competition
NOW is your chance to go green and take part in a great wildlife gardening competition run by Down District Council ...
Read more: Curran Launches Wildlife Garden Competition
£1000 of Equipment Stolen at Ardmore Special School
THE principal of Ardmore Special School, one of three schools in Downpatrick which was attacked and robbed over the Bank Holiday weekend, has spoken of how dejected he felt after thieves stole over £1000 worth of musical equipment, writes Kathleen Rice...
Read more: £1000 of Equipment Stolen at Ardmore Special School
Mary Queen of Shops to Help High Street
SOCIAL Development Minister, Nelson McCausland, has announced his Department’s High Streets Taskforce will visit Downpatrick later this month as part of his selection of visits to cities and towns across Northern Ireland...
Read more: Mary Queen of Shops to help High Street
Public Transport to Downe Hospital Under Microscope
THE public transport system that connects Downe Hospital has been raised by Councillor Cadogan Enright at a recent meeting ...
Read more: Public Transport to Downe Hospital Under Microscope
Bread Festival to Rise to the Occasion
The National Trust and Down District Council invite you to Northern Ireland’s first International Bread Festival at Castle Ward on Jubilee Day, Monday 4 June 2012.
Read more: Bread Festival to Rise to the Occasion
UKIP Rep Voices Concern Over Lack of Funding
The decision not to allocate funding for traffic calming speed bumps in Mount Crescent has been questioned by UKIP Down District representative Alan Lewis...
Read more: UKIP Rep Voices Concern Over Lack of Funding
Catering Students Whisk Up Success
A team of Hospitality and Catering students from the Downpatrick Campus of SERC have won a host of medals and awards at the hospitality trade show, IFEX Chef Skills 2012, in the Kings Hall, Belfast, writes Kathleen Rice...
Read more: Catering Students Whisk Up Success
Beyond Business Awards Finalists Announced
THE finalists have been announced for this year’s Beyond Business Awards. 29 of Down District’s companies have been short listed and have the chance to win an Award in one the 11 Business Categories...
Read more: Beyond Business Awards Finalists Announced
Meet the Down Team This Friday in Newry
EVER wanted to meet Down manager James McCartan or put his team through their paces? Well, now’s your chance and you’ll also get the opportunity to meet the players, get their autographs or have your picture taken with them...
Read more: Meet the Down Team This Friday in Newry
Give My Head Peace to Show in Downpatrick
JUST when the world is falling apart, the perfect antidote will be arriving in Downpatrick to spread cheer. Back by popular demand and always a great night, Give My Head Peace, will finish its current performance in The Great Hall...
Read more: Give My Head Peace to Show in Downpatrick
Minister Oversees NI Water's £7M Project
THE £7m wastewater treatment upgrade in Newcastle has attracted a visit from Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy who viewed its progress recently, writes Kathleen Rice...
Read more: Minister Oversees NI Water's £7M Project
Downpatrick Youth Justice Agency Gets a Make Over
The Youth Justice Agency has held an open day at its Downpatrick office to breathe new life into its existing services in the area.
Read more: Downpatrick Youth Justice Agency Gets a Make Over
UKIP Opposes EU Interventions Over Strangford Lough
The EU threat to fine NI Assembly over their management of Strangford Lough has been condemned by South Down UKIP Spokesman Alan Lewis...
Read more: UKIP Opposes EU Interventions Over Strangford Lough
Ritchie Welcomes Senior Fisheries MEP to Ardglass
AS the EU Common Fisheries Policy comes under scrutiny in the run up to its reform in 2013 discussions are taking place within the European Parliament and in the Council...
Read more: Ritchie Welcomes Senior Fisheries MEP To Ardglass
Ballywalter Game Fair kicks off 2012 Show
THE Irish game and country fair season gets off to a very stylish start in the beautiful setting of Ballywalter Park Estate on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 May 2012...
Read more: Ballywalter Game Fair kicks off 2012 Irish Show Season
Down High School Pupil Celebrates Win
A DOWN High School pupil is proving to be 'top of the class' after winning the junior category of The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair...
Read more: Down High School Pupil Celebrates Win
Ardglass Juvenile Golfer Nails Hole In One
THERE are some moments in your life you will never forget and young Ardglass golfer, Conor Hynds, has one great memory to treasure, his first hole in one at Ardglass Golf Club...
Read more: Ardglass Juvenile Golfer nails Hole In One
Ballynahinch Councillors Call for Sewage System Action
AFTER a number of complaints from residents, Ballynahinch Down District Councillors have decided to press NI Water on improvements to the ailing sewage system...
Read more:Ballynahinch Councillors call for Sewage System Action
Enright Condemns Pound Lane Clinic Vandals
DOWN District Councillor Cadogan Enright has highlighted the ongoing campaign of vandalism against health facilities in Downpatrick which is causing distress to local people and staff.
Read more: Enright Condemns Pound Lane Clinic Vandals
O'Neill Backs Fishermen for More Control of Fishery
THE Northern Ireland Fisheries Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA has backed the campaign more regional control for local fisheries under a reformed Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
Read more: O'Neill backs Fishermen for more Control of Fishery
Titanic Sinking at Downpatrick Cricket Club
IT was full steam ahead in Downpatrick Cricket Club as the restaurant put on a special themed food night around the pride of the White Star Line, the ‘unsinkable’ RMS Titanic...
Read more: Titanic Sinking at Downpatrick Cricket Club
Social Workers need full Support Claims McGrath
SDLP Councillor Colin McGrath has spoken out against the added pressure on social workers brought about by the Compton Review...
Read more: McGrath says Social Workers need full Support
Curran calls for Business Award Nominees
Down District Council Chairman Dermot Curran Calls for Beyond Business Award Nominees...
Read more: Curran calls for Business Award Nominees
Annsborough and Maghera Reduce Flooding Risk
PROGRESS of developing Flood Alleviation Schemes for Maghera and Annsborough has been welcomed by politicians in the area. Serious flooding in 2008 caused much damage in these communities and plans have been examined to find a solution to prevent further flooding.
Read more: Annsborough and Maghera to get Flood Alleviation Schemes
Pound Lane Centre Moving to Downe Hospital
THE fire-damaged Pound Lane Clinic in Downpatrick is finally on the move after a temporary re-location to the old St John's Residential Home over two years ago...
Read more: Pound Lane Centre moving to Downe Hospital
More Storms Ahead For Dundrum Sea Wall
FIVE years after the sea wall in Dundrum was declared in danger of collapse, funding for it's repair is still no further on, writes Anne O'Hare... Alliance Councillor Patrick Clarke claimed the Dundrum Village Committee made two unsuccessful attempts to obtain funding to carry out urgent repair work. But the delay has cost the historic sea wall further deterioration from increasing storms and rising tide levels...
Read more: More Storms Ahead For Dundrum Sea Wall
End of Road for Saintfield Police Station
A PROPOSAL to close Saintfield police station has been announced by Chief Superintendent Nigel Grimshaw...
Read more: End of Road for Saintfield Police Station
Walker Presses for Killyleagh CCTV Installation
PLANS to install a CCTV system in Killyleagh are being hampered by funding hurdles claimed DUP Councillor William Walker at a recent Recreation and Community Services Committee meeting of Down District Council ...
Read more: Walker Presses for CCTV Installation
Summer Fun at Strangford Adventure Camp
A KILLINCHY mother has given the thumbs up to hosting French and Spanish students through the Northern Island’s Strangford Adventure programme...
Read more: Summer Fun at Strangford Adventure Camp
Downpatrick Man Running for Clic Sargent
DOWNPATRICK man Gerard McCauley is in the final stages of preparation for his run in the Belfast Marathon. Thousands of runners from far and wide will put their best foot forward to take on a personal challenge this May Day Bank Holiday...
Read more: Downpatrick Man Running for Clic Sargent
Result For Clarke As Builders Move In
THE restoration to a high-priority-listed building in Dundrum has been welcomed by Newcastle Alliance Councillor Patrick Clarke, writes Anne O'Hare...
Read more: Result For Clarke As Builders Move InResult For Clarke As Builders Move In
Jennings Launches Unsung Hero Awards
The McDonald’s Irish FA Community Awards 2012 has been launched to recognise and reward the clubs, coaches and volunteers that make outstanding contributions to grassroots football across Northern Ireland...
Read more: Jennings Launches Unsung Hero Awards
Youngest Sinn Fein MLA at Stormont
UNDER the ever-watchful eye of a bronzed Carson statue, Sinn Fein South Down MLA Chris Hazzard takes his first steps along the corridors of power ...
Read more: Sinn Féin South Down MLA Youngest at Stormont
Rose Of Tralee Contestants Visit Newcastle
A NEW Down Rose will be selected at the Canal Court Hotel in Newry this evening (4 April). Inside Down Rose contestants reveal their hopes of representing Co Down...
Read more: Rose Of Tralee Contestants Visit Newcastle
Down Council Gears Up For Business Week
THE business community across Down District will be benefiting from a week long programme of activities culminating with a gala awards night...
Read more:Down District Council Gears Up For Business Week
Theo Paphitis Recognises Lisburn Business
KIP McGrath, an after-school tuition centre, has received a Small Business Sunday Award from Dragon’s Den star Theo Paphitis. The Lisburn business has been celebrating their success with BBC Dragon’s Den star Theo Paphitis at the Small Business Sunday winners event.
Read more: Theo Paphitis Recognises Lisburn Business
Cherry Trees Felled at Tullybrannigan
OUTRAGED Newcastle residents woke up to the sight of their beautiful Cherry trees being felled by DRD Roads Service, revealed SDLP Councillor Carmel O'Boyle this week ...
Read more: Cherry Trees Felled at Tullybrannigan
Crossing Needed In Dundrum Claims Clarke
THE urgent need for a pedestrian crossing along Dundrum's Main Street has been highlighted in a letter to the Road's Minister.
Read more: Crossing Urgently Needed In Dundrum Claims Clarke
Marine Windfarm Proposal For Down
THERE may be a huge marine windfarm off the County Down coast by 2019, if plans get the go ahead...
Read more: Marine Windfarm Proposal For Down
SDLP Select Quinn For Mournes Area
IN a political reshuffle, the SDLP has selected community worker Brian Quinn as the new SDLP councillor in South Down...
Read more: SDLP Select Brian Quinn For Mournes Area
Friends Go Extra Mile For Cancer Charity
SAINTFIELD woman Gemma Mullan will be running for Friends of the Cancer Centre in the Belfast Marathon this May Day Bank Holiday. And she is inviting YOU to put your best foot forward for this cancer charity too.
Read more:Friends Go Extra Mile For Cancer Charity
THE Beyond Business Week is running from Monday to Friday 21-25 May and is open to anyone in business, doing business or considering going into business in the district Business Week events are open to sole traders, partnership businesses, limited companies, social economy businesses, community groups operating on full-time or part-time basis from all business sectors.
A DUNDRUM representative has claimed the historic town could act as a lever for attracting many more tourists to the area, writes Kathleen Rice...
AS Northern Ireland’s first International Bread Festival is weeks away, staff at Castle Ward are warming the ovens in anticipation of a glorious day of bread making and bread sampling by experts ...
SOUTH Down MLA Sean Rogers has expressed his anger at possible job losses in the finance department at Bernagh House after the Health Minister's decision...writes Kathleen Rice ...
TWO Downpatrick schools were the target of lead flashing thefts which is believed to cost the schools in access of thousands of pounds, happened over the May Day Bank Holiday Weekend, writes Kathleen Rice...
MINISTER for Regional Development, Danny Kennedy, visited restoration work being carried out by the Downpatrick and County Down Railway...
IN the week where four people in the Downpatrick area were arrested on suspicion of metal thefts, the Downpatrick and County Down Railway discovered it too had been targetted by metal thieves...
HAVING been swept aside due to a lack of finance, plans to construct the Narrow Water Bridge have been reignited by a number of political representatives from South Down, writes Kathleen Rice...
POLICE have uncovered a cannabis factory following a search of a property in area of Ardglass. Downpatrick Police supported by the Crime Team found approximately 40 cannabis plants which they seized...
SHREK the Musical, was a wonderful success performed by the Patrician Youth Club. For a few months, the large cast have been beavering away at reheasals for this two-night show and the polished performance was a credit to all involved...
PRE-SCHOOL education is acknowledged as being vital to a child's development and now increasing pressures are affecting the lives of many children throughout the district and across County Down.
MLA’s were definitely breathing hot and heavy at Stormont once again in support of a local health charity. DUP Strangford MLA Simon Hamilton has had his lung function tested last week...
A REPORT which recommends the introduction of Dog Control Orders in and around Newcastle Promenade and across the district has been welcomed by council representatives, writes Kathleen Rice...
MORE than 250 young people from across the province took part in the inaugural Mourne Mountain Adventure challenge at weekend ...
AN Action Plan to promote and protect Down District’s biodiversity was launched on Monday passed at Tollymore National Outdoor Centre at the foot of the Mournes...
SAINTFIELD-based quarrying company CES is preparing to ‘dig deep’ this year to support the work of local wildlife charity, the Ulster Wildlife Trust.
PEOPLE in Clough, Dundrum and Kilcoo are being given a unique opportunity to have their say about the future of their villages...
THE future is the St Patrick Centre in Downpatrick is looking more secure following much debate over its future...
Crisis talks between the St Patrick Centre directors and Down District Councillors and representatives are currently ongoing...
AS County Down gets set for a major economic programme involving the development of a huge marine windfarm off the East Down coast adjacent to Ardglass, plans are progressing swiftly forward for a major one day conference in Titanic Belfast on Tuesday 15 May.
NEWCASTLE's Down Distrct Councillor Carmel O’Boyle has been selected as the first Chairperson of the new Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) and will head up the new body when it is formally established in the next few weeks.
PETROL prices at some pumps in Northern Ireland have crept to 143.98 pence per litre and there has been a huge political backlash...
FOR Newcastle clinical researcher Dr. Darren Brady, there is no such thing as a typical working day as his work in cancer research keeps him busy...
DOWN District Council in partnership with Ards Borough Council have produced a feast of over 100 events as part of the Lough Lively Programme which runs from Monday 30 April to Sunday 10 June 2012.
AS drought escalates at an alarming rate across most of England and Wales in recent weeks, Down News investigates whether Northern Ireland is facing a similar threat from the probable effects of climate change, writes Anne O'Hare...
Members of the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team celebrated their 50th anniversary with their many supporters at the Burrendale Hotel in Newcastle last Friday evening...
PROLIFIC Belfast playwright Martin Lynch has done it again. His award-winning play Chronicles of Long Kesh is a rollicking journey through the history of internment in The Troubles...
CONTEMPORARY artist Deepa Mann-Kler from Killyleagh has produced a series of works called 'Perception' now showing at the Grand Opera House during the run of Martin Lynch's play, 'Chronicles of Long Kesh'...
AS the Titanic takes a second pounding from the waves of attention it has been receiving this week, Down News looks at the story of a how a Downpatrick man travelled each morning on his motor bike to work on the Titanic being built at the ship yard in Belfast 100 years ago, writes Anne O'Hare...
DUE to rising sea levels and tidal surges which threaten coasts around the world as global warming intensifies, residents in Killough call for action to bolster their sea wall at Fisherman's Row ...
A DOWNPATRICK mother, whose 17-month old daughter is in intensive care at the Royal Victoria Children’s Hospital, has spoken passionately about the need for everyone to support the MRI scanner appeal in Northern Ireland...
CROSSGAR singer and songwriter Eoghan Johnson, is hitting the right notes and putting together a Rock compilation that is creating quite a stir...
THE birth of Hans Sloane in Killyleagh in April 1660 will soon be celebrated with a number of exciting events from a chocolate ball, a fantastic food festival, music and a lecture on Hans Sloane...
DOWNPATRICK residents were celebrating as they came together with volunteers and project staff of the Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership,last week.
SDLP Party Leader Dr Alasdair McDonnell MP officially opened the new SDLP advice office in Ballynahinch along with South Down MP Margaret Ritchie and former MP Eddie McGrady, this week...
A new volunteer Fundraising Group has launched itself in the Downpatrick area to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care, which will cover all towns and villages in the BT30 postcode...
MID Down human rights campaigners are celebrating the release of three prisoners from a jail in Burma after several years campaigning, writes Anne O'Hare...
THE SDLP’s newest South Down MLA, Seán Rogers, has now formally taken office after a short signing-in ceremony at Stormont...
THE outcome of a High Court decision surrounding a heated divorce battle ruled in favour of one of the longest established estate agents in Down recently, writes Anne O'Hare.
HAYLEY Priestley from Loughinisland has pedalled her way to the top among Ireland’s cyclists. This spritely 15-year old has already competed against the best cycling talent in Ireland at her age level and left them standing...
CLOSE your eyes and imagine a world of ever prevailing darkness. Now imagine if you were never to open your eyes again. Inside, one Newcastle mum tells of her 'ray of hope' that her boy might see again, writes Anne O'Hare .
Sign2Music is a County Down-based ‘baby signing’ business making a big impact in pre-school education. And it's the only baby signing business to originate in Northern Ireland.
