Northern Ireland

DFI said between April and June a total of 18,092 driving tests were taken in Northern Ireland – an increase of 5.4% on the same period last year. “Demand for driving tests continues to rise,” the department spokesperson said, adding waiting times at Altnagelvin “are comparable to those at many …

Staging the world’s largest celebration of Irish music and culture in Belfast this week is expected to exceed £53m in terms of an economic boost to the city. The latest projection about the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann was given by Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald as she welcomed hospitality representatives and …

The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader Jon Burrows has called for the chief executive of the Law Society to stand down “with immediate effect”. David Lavery provided a character reference for his cousin William Lloyd-Lavery, a former teacher jailed for sexually assaulting four girls, all aged around 13. On Tuesday, …

The agriculture minister has claimed there was “no reasonable alternative” to euthanising 51 cattle who were shot dead in a field in County Tyrone at the end of June. The incident attracted widespread criticism after claims emerged that some of the cattle had been culled by Department of Agriculture staff …

Earlier this year there was racially motivated rioting in Belfast and other towns after a refugee was charged with the attempted murder of a man in Belfast. The survey data comes from the NI Life and Times Survey, an annual independent social research study, conducted by Queen’s University Belfast and …

A man extradited from Australia has appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court charged with historical sexual offences. The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused of 14 counts of indecently assaulting a female and three counts of committing an act of gross indecency with a child. The offences …

The dome was expected to span around 15,000 square metres (3.7 acres) of the disused Foyle College site and have capacity for several thousand spectators. It was hoped it would house full-size pitches for multiple sports, including rugby, football and Gaelic games, as well as community and musical events. The …

In her Oscar’s speech she dedicated the award to all the people of Ireland. My Left Foot told the true story of an Irish man named Christy Brown, played by Day-Lewis, who was born with cerebral palsy and could control only his left foot. The actor also won an Oscar, …

A group supporting male victims and survivors of domestic violence has said there is an urgent need for funding for a refuge in Northern Ireland to help them. Men’s Alliance NI met with Health Minister Mike Nesbitt on Wednesday, along with officials from Stormont’s justice and communities departments. In 2024/25, …

There has been some criticism of the Forum’s decision to take part in the Fleadh, mostly online. Maurice Brown, a piccolo player with the Imperial Guards Belfast band and director of the Ulster Bands showcase, sees it as an opportunity. “There will be nearly 2,000 people on the Slipways, and …

“My Phat Life” made its debut at this year’s Féile an Phobail festival and Nuala Moore says her online followers encouraged her to tell a story. BBC News

Kneecap, formed in Belfast in 2017, consists of Mo Chara (Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh) and his bandmates Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin) and DJ Próvaí (JJ Ó Dochartaigh). Kneecap rap in a mixture of English and Irish, and have broken new ground by bringing the Irish language to global audience …

One of the main problems the Cookstown family experienced was taking Lila out in the car, which had a huge impact on family life and their ability to attend hospital appointments. In Northern Ireland, a child cannot qualify for the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), external …

Derry City chairman Philip O’Doherty has said that the decision to part ways with manager Tiernan Lynch was one that had only been finally arrived at quite quickly. The Brandywell club announced the departure of Lynch on Wednesday after a disappointing season to date. The Candystripes sit sixth in the …

An Garda Síochána (Irish police) have seized 166 e-bikes and e-scooters, seven e-dirt bikes, four scrambler motorcycles and three quad vehicles after 96 searches. Gardaí had been conducting a “high-impact day of action” on Tuesday under Operation Meacán in the Dublin Metropolitan Region. Four out of five individuals who were …

A 75-year-old man has been extradited from Australia to Northern Ireland accused of indecent assault on a woman and gross indecency with a child. The offences allegedly occurred in Northern Ireland between the late 1970s and early 1980s. He is to stand trial accused of 14 offences of indecent assault …

The head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) has asked staff to come forward with any experiences of abuse or inappropriate behaviour during Jeffrey Donaldson’s time as a junior minister. Jayne Brady sent an email to NICS staff on Wednesday as she launched a “scoping exercise” following his conviction. …

A child has sustained injuries to their face, hands, arms and legs after being knocked to the ground by a boy riding an e-scooter in Londonderry. The incident happened shortly before 09:30 BST on Sunday morning in the Shantallow area of the city, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) …

Larne vice secretary Neil Clarke also believes the right decision has been made as the Inver Reds prepare for the start of the domestic season as well as balancing European football qualifiers. The side drew 0-0 with FC Iberia 1999 at Inver Park in their Europa League third qualifying round …

Tiernan Lynch has left his position as Derry City manager by mutual consent after a poor run of form. The Candystripes sit sixth in the Premier Division and have won just one of their past seven games. The 50-year-old joined the side on a three-year deal in November 2024 from …