4ni Web Directory

The Northern Ireland Executive could receive an additional £10–£15m through Barnett consequentials, prompting Green Party councillor Anthony Flynn to call for the money to be dedicated entirely to public transport. Cllr Flynn said: "If the Executive is receiving millions of pounds extra in Barnett consequentials because the UK Government has chosen to invest in cheaper bus travel in England, then every penny of that funding should be invested in public transport here in Northern Ireland.

A business readiness checklist advises firms to confirm whether their premises fall within the pedestrian zone, review delivery, servicing and parking plans, apply for required access passes, share travel advice with staff and customers, and use free Fleadh-friendly promotional materials. For general support, email fleadhcheoil26@belfastcity.gov.uk or visit belfastcity.gov.uk/fleadh. All deliveries and waste collections within the pedestrian zone will require access passes.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has unveiled 23 new Accident and Emergency ambulances as the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) progresses a scheduled renewal of 59 operational vehicles. The programme also covers 22 replacement Patient Transport Service vehicles and 14 Rapid Response Vehicles, replacing older, high-mileage assets as part of NIAS's strategy to maintain a modern, safe and fit-for-purpose fleet.

Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O'Neill has paid tribute to North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly after he confirmed he will not put his name forward at the next Assembly election, praising his decades of public service and commitment to Irish unity. Ms O'Neill said: "Gerry Kelly has decided that he will not be a candidate in the next assembly election and will retire as an MLA at next year's Assembly election. Gerry has given a lifetime of service and commitment to the cause of Irish unity.

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has outlined plans to ensure customers enduring prolonged storm-related power cuts receive support payments. In a Written Ministerial Statement to the Assembly, Dr Archibald reported on the Utility Regulator's review of the Electricity Guaranteed Standards of Service (GSS), which examined compensation arrangements for outages caused by extreme weather. More than 285,000 homes and businesses lost electricity during Storm Éowyn in January 2025.

Belfast Harbour has launched a new Community Impact Fund, committing up to £600,000 over the next three years to support organisations delivering sustained, long-term change across Greater Belfast and beyond. The scheme will make four awards of up to £50,000 per year, providing £200,000 in annual investment to organisations with the ambition and capacity to achieve outcomes at scale.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland's Chief Constable, Jon Boutcher, has apologised to journalist Vincent Kearney after the Investigatory Powers Tribunal ruled that PSNI authorisations were unlawful and disproportionate. He said: "I accept the Investigatory Powers Tribunal's judgment that the PSNI authorisations were not in accordance with the law and were disproportionate." Mr Boutcher praised Mr Kearney's professionalism and set out an unequivocal apology.

With Glasgow 2026 now underway, 14 members of the Ulster University community will take to one of sport's biggest stages across six disciplines. Heptathlete Kate O'Connor, a 2025 MSc Communication & PR graduate and former Ulster University sports scholar, returns as a leading contender after silver at Birmingham 2022. Her standout 2025 campaign brought four senior international medals, cementing her place among the world's top combined-event athletes.

Translink is urging anyone travelling into Belfast during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (2–9 August) to plan ahead, allow extra time and expect very busy bus and rail services. Visitors to the Fleadh, along with people working or using other city centre services, are advised to use public transport, Belfast City Council’s pre-bookable Fleadh Park & Ride sites, or walk and cycle where possible when getting into and around the city centre.

NIE Networks has launched its first-ever Network Development Plan, promising greater transparency on future investment in Northern Ireland's electricity distribution network and inviting broad stakeholder input. Published on 23 July 2026, the inaugural NDP marks a step change in how NIE Networks sets out future investment needs and opportunities, aiming to improve engagement with customers, industry and other stakeholders.