Headline stories
Strike Action on 18 January
More than 5,000 workers in Northern Ireland’s civil service, education authority, health trusts and transport sectors are set to strike.
The mass walk out will take place on 18 January.
Workers voted to strike after the Secretary of State failed to provide the funding to address public sector pay a - as well as wider funding issues within health.
Potential impactful snow for NI
Potentially impactful snow is possible for some next week, as an arctic airmass exerts its influence on the UK’s weather.
A northerly airflow will bring cold arctic air to the UK from Sunday and into early next week, with snow showers focused across northern areas of Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Travel & Tourism
Barrhead Travel Belfast reports record-breaking Sunshine Saturday
The first Saturday of January – informally known as ‘Sunshine Saturday’ by the travel industry – is typically the most popular day of the year for travel bookings.
Bookings were up by 20 percent for the week compared with 2023, with Sunshine Saturday becoming the agency’s highest ever day of sales.
North Down Museum retains full accreditation status
North Down Museum is delighted to have retained its full accreditation status after recently under-going a rigorous assessment process. The Accreditation Scheme defines good practice and encourages museums to constantly improve and develop.
Accreditation is a gold standard which allows the Museum to access funding to create better programming.
Belfast City News
Views sought on transformation plans for Waterworks and Alexandra Park
The public is being asked to give their views on new proposals to transform Waterworks Park and Alexandra Park in north Belfast.
Plans include upgrades to entrances, paths, lighting, signage, play parks, bridges and pitches at both parks. Refurbishment and essential safety work at both parks’ reservoirs.
New features proposed for the Waterworks include a café, a dog exercise area, an events space, toilets, a Changing Places facility and a basketball court.
In Alexandra Park, proposed new facilities include allotments, toilets, a Changing Places facility and a community events space.
Visit yoursay.belfastcity.gov.uk.
Landmark Book Reveals How Sectarianism Contributes to Northern Ireland's Housing Crisis 25 Years Post Good Friday Agreement
A forthcoming book launch on 29 January at Queen’s University Belfast will shed light on the failures of the post-Good Friday Agreement government to address Northern Ireland’s housing crisis.
In “Power, Politics and Territory in the ‘New Northern Ireland’”, Dr DeYoung examines the challenges faced by housing rights campaigners, highlighting the persisting inability of leading parties to effectively address the housing crisis in a manner free from the shackles of sectarianism.
Solve the Case workshop at Titanic Belfast
TITANIC Belfast has extended its educational programme with the launch of a new historical workshop for schools. The Solve the Case Workshop aims to challenge pupils and extend their understanding of the familiar narrative of Titanic by introducing them to some lesser-known individuals from different parts of the world and different sectors of society and encourages them to make judgements and to ask questions of the evidence. Who were the people who travelled on the Titanic? Why were they on board and what can that teach us about society in 1912?
Visit titanicbelfast.com/solvethecase
Translink extends deadline for public to capture life’s connections through a lens!
Aspiring photographers encouraged to enter photography competition to celebrate ‘Life’s connections’ made possible by public transport.
Translink has extended the entry deadline for its ‘Connections’ photography exhibition until 2nd February 2024.
To find out more visit Connections Photo Competition (translink.co.uk) .
The Food & Drink Edit
M&S donated a million meals in NI in 2023
83 charities and community organisations have benefitted since the Marks & Spencer’s partnership with food redistribution app Neighbourly began in 2015.
Last year, Marks & Spencer donated more than a million meals to good causes across the region. The level of support for food donated by the retailer has continued to rise year-on-year with M&S Foodhalls across Northern Ireland having donated more than 3.4 million surplus food packages to local charities and organisations since 2015.
Deliveroo has announced the return of its Restaurant Awards for 2024 across Ireland and the UK, with four Belfast restaurants in the running to take home an accolade.
- Kamakura, Belfast - Best Sushi
- Wing It, Belfast - Best Chicken
- Maggie Mays, Belfast - Best Breakfast & Coffee
- Slim’s Healthy Kitchen, Belfast - Best Salads
Voting for the awards is now open via the Deliveroo Restaurant Awards website.
Jobs & Vacancies
Recruitment opportunities in Belfast City Council
Over 40 current and future job vacancies with Belfast City Council will be promoted at a City Hall Jobs Fair next week.
Wednesday January 17 from 10am to 3pm
High Flyers’ Apprenticeship Scheme
City Airport has announced it is currently accepting applications for its ‘High Flyers’ Apprenticeship Scheme, providing a unique opportunity to join the Airport’s fire service.
Applications are open until 31st January, visit http://www.belfastcityairport.com/careers for more information.
