Environment Minister Edwin Poots MLA has announced changes to his Department’s High Air Pollution Alert Protocol in order to improve how the public are informed when periods of high air pollution are forecast or being experienced in Northern Ireland.

Environment Minister Edwin Poots has launched Northern Ireland’s first ever Rural Community Pollinator Scheme to improve the health of our bees and pollinators and help protect our eco-systems.

With furlough due to end in a few days we are very aware of the financial burden on businesses that aren’t yet able to operate at full capacity due to the current social distancing restrictions and the very real concerns of those people whose jobs are at risk.

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons today announced that the portal for applications to the High Street Scheme is now open. The Minister said: “This is a big day in the rollout of the High Street scheme. I am delighted to announce that the portal for applications for the Spend Local card has now opened.”

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA announced today that she is commencing a review of strategic planning policy on oil and gas development. The review will include consideration of unconventional hydrocarbon development, commonly referred to as fracking.