Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy bridge, New Ross, County Wexford , Ireland, opened 2020. Bridge build cost is £106M in 2026 prices + Approach roads/car parking + Professional Fees Minister Kimmins Opens the Door: “Why Not?” on Strangford Lough Bridge Northern Ireland Assembly Plenary – Tuesday 3 February 2026 A Significant Shift in Ministerial Language on the […]
The New Green Book: Does the Strangford Lough Crossing Actually Stack Up? Yes — the updated Green Book under Rachel Reeves reflects material changes in Treasury appraisal practice, especially around: However, it’s a reform of guidance and framework rather than a change in statute. The core institutional role of the Green Book — to guide […]
THE DEMOGRAPHIC CHALLENGE FACING GAELIC GAMES ON THE ARDS PENINSULA A Wake-Up Call for Our Community The GAA has issued a stark warning in its January 2026 report “No One Shouted Stop—Until Now,” and the implications for the Ards Peninsula deserve serious attention from everyone who cares about Gaelic games in our area. For decades, […]
NI Executive Cycle of fiscal dysfunction – The Ultimate Explanation: Political Cowardice Dressed as Confidence Why did Minister O’Dowd proceed with Reval 2026 figures despite knowing the process was flawed, and then claim “full confidence” after pausing it? Because he is attempting to: This requires: It is simultaneously: The “full confidence” statement is the keystone […]
Action Plan: Comprehensive Fiscal Reform for Northern Ireland Unfortunately, under the current arrangements, local elections before May 2027. Time for strategic delivery. Immediate Actions (Months 1-3) 1. Establish Fiscal Credibility Freeze all new spending commitments Implement emergency Budget correction Install real-time budget monitoring Establish independent Accounting Officer authority 2. Revenue Rationalization Implement Reval 2026 with […]
Question: Shall the Strangford Lough Crossing clear the high bar of the Climate Change Act (NI) 2022, when compared to projects such as the A5 ? Executive Summary Future DfI position ? Having considered whole-life carbon, traffic impacts, mitigation, and adaptation, the Department is satisfied that the Strangford Lough Fixed Crossing: Below is a structured […]
The Irish government announced a significant €1 billion Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund (HIIF) today (January 20, 2026). This is described as the largest housing infrastructure fund in many years, aimed at unlocking delays in new housing developments by funding essential supporting infrastructure. Key details include: This announcement focuses specifically on housing-related infrastructure to address barriers […]
Response to Good Morning Ulster Interview – Ferry User Concerns Empathetic Response to Regular Ferry User The frustration expressed by the regular ferry user this morning is completely understandable. For families using the Strangford-Portaferry ferry service for essential journeys—school runs, family visits, and community activities like GAA coaching—these cumulative fare increases represent a significant and […]
From a historical perspective, the shift from limited, mediated access to politicians—such as through letter-writing, constituency surgeries, or formal appointments—to the instantaneous, unfiltered 24/7 interactions enabled by social media has indeed introduced significant challenges for representatives in the UK, including Northern Ireland. While this evolution has democratized communication in some ways, allowing for broader public […]
