By Laura O’Neill New figures from Tourism Northern Ireland show Northern Ireland has attracted unprecedented numbers of inbound tourists in 2023. Almost half of overnight stays originated from Northern Irish visitors on staycations while 1.3m overnight trips were taken by visitors from the Republic in 2023; up by nearly half compared to 2022. These statistics
By Liz Kearney Gardaí are investigating an incident where a secondary school student in Buncrana narrowly avoided being hit by a bus while cycling home from school. The student – who asked not to be named – was cycling past a traffic calming measure on Railway Road recently when the incident occurred. “A bus started
By Philomena McInaw Incidences of domestic violence typically rise due to increased family pressures at Christmas but help is available. Relate NI is a dedicated organisation providing relationship support and counselling services in Northern Ireland. By offering personalized guidance tailored to the unique needs of individuals, couples, and families, they aim to help people improve
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By Philomena McInaw Illies Community Centre has opened a pumpkin patch to let adults and children choose their own pumpkin for Halloween while raising money for the community. A committee spokesperson said “This is our second year doing the pumpkin patch. Last year we set it up as an initiative to give back to the
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By Philomena McInaw The Western world’s demand for cheaper goods provided by factories in China, including Halloween costumes and decoration, have raised concerns about dehumanising overseas workers and the grim conditions many of them endure. The workers risk being detained for trivial reasons or without due process breaching their human rights, a letter found in a
By Philomena McInaw It is estimated that 40,000 people attended the the four-day long street carnival in Derry at Halloween. And overall an estimated 100,000 visitors participated in the festivities. A 2021 Halloween Clothing & Costumes survey by the Fairyland Trust “indicated that 83% of the material in Halloween costumes/clothing was oil-based plastic, with cotton
By Philomena McInaw Dr Susan Lagdon is a Lecturer in Psychology (Mental Health) at Ulster University, has said the reality is gender-based violence has continued to increase every year since records began. Dr Lagdon’s project ‘Every Voice Matters! Violence Against Women in Northern Ireland’ conducted a survey, a total of 542 women participated. It highlighted
By Rhiannon Muise Carl Frampton is “delighted to be supporting the launch of Good Relations Week 2024.” Good Relations week is a multi-dimensional event that a multitude of education providers, businesses and exhibitionists can get involved in. Former professional boxer and two- weight world champion Carl Frampton showed his support for Good Relations week, stating
By Dave Bradley Experienced individuals with a knack for repairing electrical items are being called on to use their skills to keep electricals out of land fill. Recycle your Electricals research has shown that the majority of people believe recycling is a good thing. Derry City and Strabane District Council and Repair & Share Foyle
By Anne Kelly Householders in Donegal are to be given special bins and other equipment to help them separate food waste from other refuse. Household waste collectors in the county will be taking part in the National Food Waste Recycling Project this year to help households to separate their waste and to reduce contamination in
