Ballymena Times - National Feed

Parades 'provide financial benefit'

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:46:05 GMT

Loyal Orders and Protestant marching bands generate almost £55 million in economic and social benefits for Northern Ireland each year, new research has found.

Anger at 18% electricity price rise

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:38:42 GMT

Householders, business leaders and consumer watchdogs have reacted with fury to an 18% price hike by Northern Ireland's biggest electricity supplier.

Gun victim is shot in both legs

Wed, 22 May 2013 06:58:04 GMT

A 36-year-old man has been shot in a paramilitary punishment-style attack on the outskirts of west Belfast.

Payday lenders charging 1,700%

Tue, 21 May 2013 23:21:36 GMT

Some lenders in Northern Ireland are charging around 1,700% interest on payday loans, it has been revealed.

No performance data for Invest NI

Tue, 21 May 2013 23:21:34 GMT

It could be years before meaningful data on whether jobs are created or retained by Invest NI is available, it has been revealed.

Electricity firm reveals 18% rise

Tue, 21 May 2013 23:21:32 GMT

Most typical household electricity bills in Northern Ireland will increase by £90 a year from July 1.

Heart problem link to trip tragedy

Tue, 21 May 2013 16:57:42 GMT

An 11-year-old girl who died on a school trip to the Scottish Highlands is thought to have suffered from a heart abnormality, it has emerged.

Murder probe police arrest man

Tue, 21 May 2013 16:37:07 GMT

Detectives investigating the murder of a man in East Belfast have arrested a suspect on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

Call to tackle historic cases issue

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:40:19 GMT

Political uncertainty over dealing with Northern Ireland's troubled past needs to be addressed, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has said.

Dementia death toll hits new high

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:17:19 GMT

The number of deaths from dementia in Northern Ireland hit a new high of 1,400 last year, it has been revealed.

School computer test not compulsory

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:53:31 GMT

Computer-based literacy and numeracy tests used by primary schools in Northern Ireland will no longer be compulsory following a series of technical glitches, it has been revealed.

MLA John Dallat's office attacked

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:40:57 GMT

The constituency office of SDLP East Derry MLA John Dallat has been attacked.

Police given community backing

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:40:55 GMT

Police and community leaders in Belfast have agreed to resolve their differences through talking and non-violence.

Bid to bridge division highlighted

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:40:54 GMT

Almost 200 events are taking place across Northern Ireland over the next week to highlight efforts to build relationships and bridge division, it was revealed.

Dracula to be filmed in N Ireland

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:40:54 GMT

A film version of Dracula is to be made in Belfast.

Warning as fire deaths revealed

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:40:53 GMT

Five people were killed in fires caused by smoking materials during the last year, the Northern Ireland Fire Service has revealed.

Grants awarded to protect habitats

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:40:52 GMT

More than £4 million of grants are to be spent to help protect the natural environment, it has been revealed.

New Prisoner Ombudsman appointed

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:40:51 GMT

Tom McGonigle, a Criminal Justice Inspector, is to be the new Northern Ireland Prisoner Ombudsman.

Conflict studies institute launched

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:40:50 GMT

Former Northern Ireland arms decommissioning inspector Martti Ahtisaari is due to officially launch a new conflict studies institute at Queen's University Belfast.

Attacks 'likely' during G8 summit

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:40:50 GMT

Dissident attacks are likely to occur in Northern Ireland during the G8 summit despite the presence of thousands of extra police officers, the commander of the security operation has said.