Meeting Details

This meeting will be webcast for live and subsequent broadcast on the Council's You Tube site Live Broadcast Link

Members should declare any financial and non-financial interests they have in the items of business for consideration, identifying the relevant agenda item and the nature of their interest.

That this Council notes the positive work between universities and government departments on the island of Ireland to facilitate closer equivalence in A-Level and Leaving Certificate grades and the positive potential this has for increasing student mobility; recognises that barriers to student mobility across the island remain and should be overcome; further notes the social, academic and economic impact of limiting student mobility; and calls on this Council to write to the Irish Government to encourage them to engage in dialogue with the Minister for the Economy and Minister of Education to align CAO results and university admissions dates with the UCAS system to create a more streamlined university application process; and further calls on this Council to write to the Minister of Education to ask that more efforts are made to ensure that A-level students are fully aware of the university course options that exist island wide and that these are adequately promoted in our schools, to support students in completing their CAO forms.

 

That this Council recognises the strategic importance of the main roundabout at Castledawson as a key gateway into the Mid Ulster District for those travelling from both Londonderry and Belfast.

Council notes with concern that the current condition of this prominent location has deteriorated significantly, with overgrowth of rushes and a general lack of maintenance, resulting in an appearance that falls short of the standard expected of such an iconic and highly visible landmark. This creates a poor first impression for residents, visitors, and investors entering our district.

Accordingly, this council calls on officers to engage and work collaboratively with all relevant regional and statutory bodies, including DFI and any other appropriate agencies, to:

• Develop a coordinated plan for the enhancement of the Castledawson roundabout as a welcoming and attractive gateway to Mid Ulster;
• Ensure a consistent programme of maintenance and upkeep is established and sustained;
• Explore opportunities for landscaping, signage, or appropriate features that reflect the identity, heritage, and ambition of the Mid Ulster area.

This Council further agrees that this matter be treated as a priority, recognising the importance of civic presentation, place-making, and the message it sends about our district.

This Council notes the ongoing energy cost crisis and the pressure it continues to place on households, and workers across our district. Council recognises that our region is particularly exposed due to, high reliance on home heating oil, private transport dependency and the importance of agriculture and small business to our local economy.

Council acknowledges that, while most taxation and fiscal powers lie with the British Government, the Northern Ireland Executive’s response has been non-existent;

Calls on the Northern Ireland Executive, in conjunction with the British Government, to outline the actions it will take to alleviate pressures facing workers and businesses, including measures such as the extension of rural fuel duty relief, support for those working in domiciliary care, reduced fares for public transport, and targeted support for industries that have been most affected.

This Council recognises the cultural, economic and environmental importance of the fishing industry on Lough Neagh and acknowledges the severe and ongoing challenges faced by fishers in recent years.

Council notes with concern that fishers on Lough Neagh have experienced repeated disruption due to the Covid 19 pandemic, shortened fishing seasons linked to the blue green algae crisis, rising fuel and operating costs significantly aggravated by the illegal US/Israeli led attacks on Iran, and a sustained loss of livelihoods as individuals are forced to leave the industry.

Council further notes that the long-term viability of this historic industry is now in serious jeopardy and that, without targeted intervention, fishing on Lough Neagh risks irreversible decline.

This Council therefore calls on the Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to bring forward urgent measures to safeguard the future of fishing on Lough Neagh.

Council further agrees:

• To write formally to the DAERA Minister outlining these concerns and seeking clarity on planned support measures for Lough Neagh fishers;
• To ask whether DAERA has explored opportunities for Shared Island or cross jurisdictional funding, particularly in light of recent funding announcements by the Irish Government; and 
• To seek confirmation that DAERA is engaging with the British Government regarding fuel duty and VAT relief or other cost reduction mechanisms for the fishing sector.