West Tyrone Sinn Fein Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

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24 May, 2013

O'Dowd officially re-opens Arvalee School and Resource Centre

Education Minister, John O'Dowd, today officially re-opened Arvalee School and Resource Centre in Omagh, which was largely destroyed by fire last year. Speaking during the event the Minister said: "I welcome the opportunity to be here today to meet with pupils and staff and perform the official re-opening of the school. Much hard work has gone into bringing all the pupils of the school back together on one site again Read full article


22 May, 2013

Kennedy to appear before DRD committee to discuss A5 scheme

Roads Minister Danny Kennedy has agreed to appear before the DRD committee on Wednesday to answer questions on the stalled A5 dual carriageway scheme. Read full article


22 May, 2013

Electricity Hike will hit most vulnerable

Local Sinn Féin councillor Marty McColgan has said a hike in electricity bills by Power NI will hit the most vulnerable in both the community and business sectors. Cllr McColgan was speaking as it was announced that bills are due to go up by 18% from July. Read full article


21 May, 2013

Moratorium on roadworks will leave workers in limbo - McAleer

Sinn Féin MLA Declan McAleer has said that the moratorium on road works during the G8 summit will leave over 1000 workers in limbo. Read full article


21 May, 2013

Chapel Car Park to get makeover- Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin says that the car park opposite Strabane Chapel is to get a much-needed makeover following lobbying by the party. Read full article


21 May, 2013

Boyle says abolition of Computer Based Assessment Systems will be greeted with relief

Sinn Féin MLA and member of the Education committee Michaela Boyle, has welcomed the Minister of Education's decision to abolish the requirement for schools to carry out Computer Based Assessments. Read full article


21 May, 2013

Sinn Féin press for additional support of Hill Farmers in Assembly

West Tyrone MLA Declan Mc Aleer says that Agriculture Minister Michelle O Neill has committed to continuing to target the needs of hill farmers in response to a Sinn Fein motion debated in the Assembly yesterday. Read full article


21 May, 2013

Opportunity still exists to stop Jim Allister's discriminatory Bill- Boyle

Sinn Féin MLA Michaela Boyle has called on those who state that they are now opposed to Jim Allister's Special Advisors Bill to support a Petition of Concern to ensure that there is a not a legislative process for discrimination. Read full article


21 May, 2013

Hazardous back alley in Sion Mills to be repaired

Sinn Féin Councillor Brian Mc Mahon says that Roads Service have agreed to undertake remedial work to resurface and clean up the hazardous surface of the back alley behind homes in Garden Terrace and Park Terrace in Sion Mills. Read full article


21 May, 2013

Mc Guire calls for meeting with Donegal County Council to deal with 'Border Roads'

At last week's full council meeting, Derg Sinn Féin Councillor Kieran Mc Guire asked Strabane District Council to formally convene a meeting with Donegal County Council officials, DRD Roads Service and elected councillors from the Finn Valley Electoral and Derg Electoral areas respectively to bring a focus to issues affecting communities along this Border area. Read full article


21 May, 2013

Extra £1m to address fodder shortage welcomed - Mc Aleer

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA and Assembly Agriculture Committee Member Declan Mc Aleer has described the announcement by Minister O'Neill that an extra £1m has been secured to help farmers facing fodder shortages as a timely and much needed intervention. Read full article


21 May, 2013

Education initiative will raise standards- Boyle

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA and Assembly Education Committee member Michaela Boyle says that the announcement by Education Minister John O Dowd that 230 newly qualified teachers are being recruited will not only offer new teachers much-needed experience but will impact on numeracy and literacy levels. Read full article


14 May, 2013

Doherty welcomes Allstate announcement of additional jobs

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has welcomed confirmation that Strabane will be a net beneficiary of a 450 'new jobs' announcement by Allstate which currently employs 1,900 people at its premises at Orchard Rd Industrial Estate in the town as well as in Derry and Belfast. Read full article


13 May, 2013

Mc Guire welcomes progress on Carnoughter water pressure

Derg Sinn Féin Councillor Kieran Mc Guire says that NI Water is to take remedial steps to resolve the ongoing issue of low water pressure that residents of the Carnoughter Road, Castlederg have been enduring for years following on from representations he has made on the matter. Read full article


13 May, 2013

Reassurances given that A5 road project remains an Executive priority - Doherty

Sinn Féin MP for West Tyrone, Pat Doherty, has welcomed the confirmation the A5 road project remains an Executive priority. Read full article


10 May, 2013

Sadness at tragic death in Castlederg- McHugh

Sinn Fein Councillor Ruairi McHugh has expressed his sadness at the news of a tragic death in his home town of Castlederg. Read full article


10 May, 2013

Donnelly lobbies for Park Road Works

Sinn Féin councillor Sean Donnelly has called upon Roads Service to resurface the Park Road, at Dunmoyle. Read full article


8 May, 2013

Frustration at Roads Minister's refusal to discuss A5

West Tyrone MLA and member of the DRD committee, Declan Mc Aleer says he is frustrated at Danny Kennedy's decision not to address the issue of the stalled A5 project at Wednesdays Regional Development meeting. Read full article


8 May, 2013

Mc Hugh expresses his disappointment at the closure of the shop in Clady village

Following the recent closure of Kellys shop in Clady, local Sinn Féin councillor Maolíosa Mc Hugh hopes for the service to be restored to the village as soon as possible. Read full article


8 May, 2013

Boyle welcomes Minister's announcement that DARD Direct Office is to be located in Strabane

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle has welcomed confirmation from Agriculture Minister Michelle O Neill that she intends to locate a DARD Direct Office in Strabane which will accommodate 40 staff offering a "one stop shop" service to the local farming community. Read full article


7 May, 2013

O'Dowd welcomes Lisanelly planning recommendation

L-R: John O'Dowd, Michaela Boyle MLA, Declan McAleer MLA.

Education Minister, John O'Dowd, has welcomed the news that planning approval is to be recommended for a shared education campus in Omagh. Read full article


7 May, 2013

Boyle welcomes Minister's reversal decision to close Greenfield and other Care Homes

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle has welcomed to the decision by Heath Minister Edwin Poots to the reverse the proposal to close Greenfield and other care homes across the north Read full article


7 May, 2013

Invest NI working with 6 businesses on Strabane Business Park location

L-R: Cllr Dan Kelly; Cllr Jay Mc Cauley; Mary Gormley, Manager of Invest NI's Western Regional Office: Alistair Hamilton CEO Invest NI; Michaela Boyle MLA; Pat Doherty MP; Cllr Maolíosa Mc Hugh; Cllr Kieran Mc Guire

West Tyrone Sinn Fein MLA Michaela Boyle has described as 'extremely positive' confirmation that Invest NI is now working closely with 6 businesses to progress their expressions of interest in acquiring land at the new 40 acre Business Park at Melmount Road in Strabane. Read full article


6 May, 2013

McAnespy welcomes Launch of Exhibition

Omagh Town Hall on right

Omagh Town Sinn Féin Councillor Sorcha McAnespy has welcomed the launch of a new photographic exhibition looking back at the history of Omagh Town Hall which was launched on Thursday at the Strule Arts Centre. Read full article


5 May, 2013

MP Expresses Sympathy with family of young man killed at Beltany Road

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has expressed his deepest sympathy to the family of the young man who died after being struck by a vehicle on the Beltany Road, near Newtownstewart on Friday night. Read full article


3 May, 2013

Community Fund for Carrickmore, Sixmilecross and Beragh

Mid Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has welcomed the establishment of a community fund totalling £18,000 per year for community groups in the Carrickmore, Sixmilecross and Beragh areas. The fund comes from the developers of the Crockagarran windfarm on the Whitebridge road, outside Carrickmore. Read full article


1 May, 2013

Executive Commitment to A5 reaffirmed

Sinn Féin councillor Frankie Donnelly has welcomed a statement by Martin McGuinness, reaffirming the commitment of the Executive for the A5 dual carriageway project. Read full article


1 May, 2013

Assembly misses chance to back marriage equality- Michaela Boyle MLA

Michaela Boyle MLA meeting with Strabane LGBT group ahead of the debate in Stormont

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MLA Michaela Boyle said she is disappointed that the Assembly missed an opportunity to bring equality to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community on the issue of marriage. Read full article


1 May, 2013

High profile meeting with OFMDFM on A5 scheduled-Doherty

Pat Doherty MP, Michaela Boyle MLA & party activist Grace McDermott visiting businesses to promote the A5 campaign

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP Pat Doherty says that the A5 remains top of the political agenda and this is illustrated with a cross-party delegation of MPs, TDs and MLAs representing Donegal, Derry, Tyrone and Monaghan now scheduled to meet with Peter Robinson and Martin Mc Guinness to discuss delivery of the strategic infrastructure project on Monday 13 May. Read full article


30 April, 2013

Beragh Bridge Work nearing completion.

West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty and Mid Tyrone councillor Sean Donnelly inspect the ongoing bridge works in Beragh

Road users and pedestrians alike in Beragh will soon be availing of new widened bridge and footpath, linking Beragh Main Street and Cooley Road.West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty, who had fought for the project, has welcomed progress on the scheme after visiting the site on Tuesday morning. Read full article


25 April, 2013

Political pressure mounts for progress on A5

As the fallout from the judicial decision to stall the A5 continues, political pressure is mounting for the Roads Minister to address the remaining outstanding EU Habitats directive and move ahead with the project. This was the message coming from a Sinn Féin delegation representing the west following a series of meetings with the A5 contractors and the NI Chamber of Commerce. Read full article


25 April, 2013

Sectarian Facebook messages ' cause for serious concern' - Councillor Ruairí Mc Hugh

Screenshot from the facebook page.

Derg Sinn Féin councillor Ruairí Mc Hugh has described messages posted on the Castlederg Young Loyalists Flute band's facebook page as ' sickening and a cause for serious concern '. Read full article


25 April, 2013

Mc Hugh welcomes fencing and signage for Glebe

Sinn Féin Councillor Maolíosa Mc Hugh says that damaged sections of wooden fencing between the recreation/green area running alongside Garvan Road in the Glebe is to be repaired, and where necessary replaced, following representations he has been making to Strabane District Council's Technical Services Department on behalf of local residents. Read full article


25 April, 2013

Introduction of 20mph speed limits ' a welcome development' - Councillor Ruairí Mc Hugh

Derg Sinn Féin Councillor Ruairí Mc Hugh has commended a Roads Service commitment to introduce 20mph speed limits throughout the Churchtown Park, Castlefin Park and Hilllview Park areas within Castlederg. Read full article


23 April, 2013

Sinn Féin calls for unity of purpose on A5

Strabane Sinn Féin Cllr Dan Kelly has called for unity of purpose on the A5 describing calls such as those from SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan in Derry for the finance allocated for the project to be now diverted to the A6 instead as ill-judged. Read full article


10 April, 2013

Farmers affected by severe storm urged to contact DARD regarding LFACA

Declan Mc Aleer MLA, Cllr Dan Kelly and Minister Michelle O Neill

West Tyrone MLA, Declan Mc Aleer has urged farmers who have lost livestock as a result of the recent snowstorms to write to DARD at the earliest opportunity stating their case so that they do not lose out on their 2014 Less Favoured Area Compensatory Allowances (LFACA) claim. Read full article


10 April, 2013

PSNI Condemned for Handling of Tattyreagh Raid

West Tyrone Sinn Féin representative, Councillor Glenn Campbell, has condemned PSNI handling of the search of an elderly woman's home in Tattyreagh last week. Read full article


8 April, 2013

Omagh St Endas GAC congratulated on Pitch re-opening

Sinn Féin councillor Marty McColgan has congratulated Omagh Saint Endas Gaelic Football Club upon the re-opening of Saint Patricks pitch which has undergone a refurbishment. Read full article


4 April, 2013

Council Support for OASIS Project

Sinn Féin Omagh Town Councillor Sean Begley has welcomed the council support for the OASIS project, set to rejuvenate an area of Omagh Town centre. Ambitious plans have been unveiled to transform the Drumragh Avenue car park and Old Market Place areas, with the investment of £4.5 million from the Peace 111 fund. Read full article


2 April, 2013

Mac Lochlainn delivers main oration at Tyrone County Commemoration

Martin Hurson Memorial Flute band taking part in Sundays parade

Tyrone Republicans converged in Carrickmore on Easter Sunday to commemorate Irelands patriot dead. The Commemoration was the centrepiece to a weekend that had seen over 40 commemorative events in honour of Irelands Patriot dead. Read full article


2 April, 2013

Adams Addresses Drumboe Easter Commemoration

The annual Easter Sunday Drumboe Martyrs Commemoration witnessed its largest attendance of recent years as republicans from right across Donegal and Strabane braved biting icy winds to parade through the twin towns of Stranorlar and Ballybofey Read full article


2 April, 2013

Derg, Aghyaran and Strabane remembers Republican dead

Commemoration in Aghyaran

Read full article


2 April, 2013

Sean Lynch addresses Loughmacrory commemoration

Some of those who attended the commemoration at the graveside of Vols Gerard and Martin Harte

A crowd of several hundred people attended the annual Loughmacrory commemoration at the graveside of brothers Gerard and Martin Harte. Gerard and Martin were shot while on active service with their comrade Brian Mullin on Tuesday 30th August 1988. Read full article


2 April, 2013

Mc Colgan addresses Drumragh Easter ceremony

Some of those who attended this years Easter commemoration in Drumragh graveyard

This year's Easter commemoration was held at the graveside of Colm Grimes. Also remembered were local people Kevin Kearns, Benny Livingstone, Lawrence and Mary O' Hagan, Jimmy Hynes, Liam Coyle and all other Republicans from the area. Read full article


2 April, 2013

Hurson memorial band members take part in Killyclogher commemoration

Neshey Harte, brother of Vols Gerard and Martin Harte reads the Tyrone Roll of Honour at the graveside of Charlie Ferris

Approximately 60 people attended the Easter Commemoration at the graveside of veteran Republican, Charlie Ferris in Killyclogher graveyard on Saturday evening. West Tyrone MLA, Declan Mc Aleer chaired the proceedings. Read full article


2 April, 2013

Campbell delivers Easter message at Tattyreagh ceremony

Republicans Gathered at Tattyreagh Cross Roads on Easter Sunday evening for the Annual Easter Commemoration. Proceedings were chaired by Chairman of Patrick Carty Cumann, Dominic Darcy. Read full article


2 April, 2013

3 Volunteers remembered at Strathroy ceremony

Local Republicans gathered at Strathroy Republican monument on Saturday to mark the 97th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising. Read full article


2 April, 2013

Carrickmore, Greencastle and Cranagh remembers 1920's volunteers

Cormac Mc Aleer addresses the gathering in Carrickmore

Read full article


2 April, 2013

Easter Rising commemorated at Dromore and Trillick ceremonies

Section of the crowd at the Dromore and Trillick commemorations.

Read full article


2 April, 2013

Gerard O Callaghan remembered at Tullysaran commemoration

The Easter commemoration at the graveside of Vol Gerard O'Callaghan in Tullysaran took place on Easter Sunday morning at 10.45. The Commemoration, which was attended by over 70 people, Read full article


2 April, 2013

Mc Aleer addresses Altmore Easter commemoration

Brendan Kane lowers the National flag during Sunday's ceremony

This year's annual commemoration at Altmore was held at the graveside of Vol Eugene Kelly and Vol John Quinn. Eugene was 1 of the 8 volunteers killed in an SAS ambush at Loughgall in May 1987, while John was murdered in 1991 by a pro-British death squad. Read full article


2 April, 2013

Conor Murphy MP delivers main oration at Coalisland Easter commemoration

There was a large gathering at Coalisland on Saturday for the annual Sinn Fein Easter commemoration to honour Volunteers Denis Quinn, Desmond Morgan, Colm Mc Girr, Tony Doris, Sean O'Farrell and Barry O'Donnell and all those who have given their lives in the pursuit of Irish Freedom. Read full article


2 April, 2013

Republican dead remembered at Brocagh ceremony

Cathal Og Donnelly

On Easter Sunday a crowd gathered in Brocagh graveyard to remember Volunteers William Price, Sean Campbell and Patrick McNally and to commemorate the 97th anniversary of the Easter Rising. Read full article


2 April, 2013

Cllr Joe O Neill addresses Clonoe commemoration

On the 97th anniversary of the Easter Rising a large number of people gathered in Clonoe graveyard to remember Volunteers Kevin Kilpatrick, Hugh Gerard Coney, John O'Neill, Brian Campbell and Peter Clancy. Read full article


2 April, 2013

Easter Rising commemorated in Galbally, Donaghmore and Aughnagar

Read full article


2 April, 2013

Graveside commemoration at Aughnagar

A large crowd of Republicans assembled along with the Gormley family at the graveside of Tony Gormley for the annual Easter commemoration in Aughnagar. The proceedings were chaired by local Sinn Féin Councillor, Sean Mc Guigan while Tony's nieces and sister took part in the ceremony. Read full article


2 April, 2013

Sean Mc Glinchey addresses Pomeroy Easter commemoration

Cllr Sean Mc Glinchey pictured with Pomeroy Republicans at the graveside commemoration

A large crowd attended the graveside commemoration for Vol. Seamus Woods in Pomeroy on Easter Sunday. The proceedings were chaired by local Councillor, Cathal Mallaghan and the Easter Proclamation was read by Dessie Grimes. Read full article


2 April, 2013

Vol. Dan Mc Anallen commemorated at Eglish Easter commemoration

The Easter commemoration at the graveside of Vol Dan McAnallen in Eglish took place on Easter Sunday morning. Read full article


2 April, 2013

Easter Graveside Commemoration in Edendork

On Saturday evening, a graveside commemoration was held at the Republican plot in Edendork. Cllr Dominic Molloy chaired the proceedings, while Councillor, Larry Mc Lernon read the Easter Proclamation and Cllr Sean Mc Guigan read the Tyrone Roll of Honour. The main address was given by Michelle Gildernew MP. During her speech Michelle said: 'It is the task of this generation of Irish Republicans to make our vision of a United Ireland a reality. This is the best memorial to all of Ireland's Patriot Dead, and it is only through achieving this ultimate objective that we will have a true Irish Republic worthy of its name'. Read full article


27 March, 2013

Mc Elduff to host Dromore Jobs and Information Evening

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MLA Barry Mc Elduff has announced a Jobs and Information Evening to be held in Dromore. Read full article


26 March, 2013

Sean Lynch to address Loughmacrory Easter commemoration

Fermanagh MLA and former Republican Prisoner Sean Lynch has been confirmed as the main speaker at this year's annual commemoration at the graveside of Vols. Gerard and Martin Harte in Loughmacrory on Easter Sunday. Read full article


26 March, 2013

Story of Grace to be told in Easter Street theatre

Barry Mc Nally, along with actors Brian Mc Caugherty and Bernie Mc Namee in rehearsal for the Easter street theatre which takes place in Carrickmore this Sunday at 3pm.

The story of Grace Gifford who married her fiancé, Joseph Mary Plunkett on the eve of his execution will be re-enacted in a powerful street theatre in Carrickmore on Easter Sunday afternoon. Read full article


25 March, 2013

Doherty hits out Sammy Wilson's A5 comments

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has issued a stinging rebuke to comments made by Assembly Finance Minister Sammy Wilson that the £330m allocated by the Executive for the construction A5 dual carriageway project should be allocated elsewhere. Read full article


20 March, 2013

Anger at SDLP Support for 'Discriminatory bill'.

Sinn Féin Omagh District councillor Marty McColgan has hit out at the SDLP after they supported a motion aimed at blocking ex prisoners from becoming special advisors to ministers in the Executive in Belfast. Read full article


18 March, 2013

Omagh St Patricks Day parade route changed following emergency council meeting

The Chairman of Omagh District Council's St Patricks organising committee, Cllr Sean Begley has criticised Unionist representatives for a lack of leadership following their failure to have union flags removed from the route of today's St Patrick's parade in the town. Read full article


14 March, 2013

Top American university keen to forge links with Lisanelly Campus

Artists impression of the proposed Lisanelly Education Campus

ONE of the top universities in the world is currently in talks to form links with the Shared Lisanelly Education Campus in Omagh. As part of their international outreach programme, the Boston based Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has expressed an interest in forming a 'partnership arrangement' with the School of Making facility which will be based at the campus Read full article


12 March, 2013

Mc Aleer disappointed at delay on A5 project

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA and member of the Assembly's DRD committee, Declan Mc Aleer will be seeking for an urgent meeting with the Minister Danny Kennedy to ensure that the A5 road proceeds as planned Read full article


11 March, 2013

Planned works to Clady Main Street will proceed

Following the postponement of road and footpath improvement works to Clady Main Street which were scheduled to be completed before the end of February, local Sinn Féin councillor Maolíosa Mc Hugh has been pressing Roads Service to ensure that vital works are rescheduled as quickly as possible. Read full article


6 March, 2013

£2m Omagh Roads Budget Boost

The Omagh District Roads budget has been boosted recently by an additional £2million allocated through the Executives quarterly spending reviews. Read full article


6 March, 2013

Strabane Sinn Féin meeting with Invest NI Chief constructive

A Sinn Féin delegation, led by Pat Doherty MP and Michaela Boyle MLA, held an hour-long meeting with Invest NI Chief Executive Alastair Hamilton at Strabane District Council Offices on Friday to press the body on what efforts it was making to maximize the investment potential of the new Business Park at Melmount Road and to discuss what other additional support the government development agency can provide to assist business and job creation/expansion in the district. Read full article


6 March, 2013

WELB member welcomes £92m injection into education system

Strabane Sinn Féin Cllr Maolíosa Mc Hugh has described Education Minister John O Dowd's announcement of a £92m injection into the north's education system over the next two years as a pro-active measure to help alleviate the budgetary pressures schools within all sectors have been under. Read full article


6 March, 2013

Councillor Ruairí Mc Hugh secures council backing for new Erganagh Bus Shelter

At a recent meeting of the Environment Committee of Strabane District Council, Derg Sinn Féin Councillor Ruairí Mc Hugh appealed for committee support in his request for the erection of a bus shelter at the new bus stop situated near the junction of the Erganagh Road and Strabane Road outside Castlederg. Read full article


27 February, 2013

Equality Commission Guidance sought on Increased Disabled Taxi Fares

Sinn Fein Omagh town Councillor Sorcha McAnespy has said the local council is seeking guidance from the Equality commission regarding Disabled passenger's being charged at a rate of time and a half for taxi journeys. Read full article


26 February, 2013

Plumbridge Road resurfacing scheme hit by manhole cover thefts -Kelly

Glenelly Sinn Féin Councillor Dan Kelly says that the increasing problem of scrap metal theft is amply illustrated by the theft of 4 manhole covers on a stretch of the Plumbridge Road which had been raised and moved aside the evening previously in preparation for resurfacing work the next day. Read full article


26 February, 2013

Bridgend residents' property being stolen to facilitate 'comfortable drinking sessions'-Carlin

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Karina Carlin says that two blue wheelie bins stolen from the front of homes of residents in O' Nolan Park were amongst a large volume of material burnt on the adjoining service lane to the NI Water Sewage Pumping Station by those engaged in a drinking session on Sunday Night. Read full article


26 February, 2013

Boyle meets officials on Dublin Road residents parking issue

West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle has met with officials from the Housing Executive and Roads Service along with community representatives and residents of the Dublin Road area to discuss a serious on-going concern in relation to access to parking at the front of a number of homes in the Dublin Road, Melmount area. Read full article


25 February, 2013

Poignant commemoration marks 25 years since the murder of Aidan Mc Anespie

Aidan Mc Anespie's father, John and sister Margo take part in Thursday evenings candle lit commemoration.

On Thursday evening over 1000 people took part in a candle lit commemoration at the spot where Aidan Mc Anespie was shot dead by a British soldier 25 years ago. Read full article


25 February, 2013

Major Protest called off after Parades Commission Meeting

A large scale protest scheduled for Omagh Town centre on Friday evening has been called off following a series of meetings between Sinn Féin, the PSNI and the Parades Commission. Read full article


25 February, 2013

Boyle welcomes £9.9million boost for Post Primary Schools to help deliver 'Entitlement Framework' for all pupils

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MLA Michaela Boyle has welcomed the announcement by Education Minister John O Dowd that an additional £9.9million is to be made available to Post Primary Schools to help them meet the extra costs involved in planning and delivering the Entitlement Framework of subjects for all pupils. Read full article


21 February, 2013

Omagh Council Agricultural committee convened

Omagh District Councils Agricultural committee has been reconvened in the aftermath of the horsemeat scandal. Chairman of the Agriculture committee, Sinn Féin Councillor Sean Donnelly said he called the meeting to allay the fears of local farmers and consumers after news broke that traces of horsemeat were found in some beef products. Read full article


20 February, 2013

Mc Hugh welcomes swift action by Road's Service to repair substantial pothole outside Castlederg school

In recent weeks a fairly substantial pothole had developed outside of St Patrick's Primary School in Castlederg. Local Sinn Féin Cllr Ruairí Mc Hugh contacted Road's service to have it repaired as a matter of urgency. Read full article


20 February, 2013

Mc Guire welcomes announcement by Invest NI to improve access to finance for small businesses

As part of its Access to Finance Strategy, Invest NI has appointed Ulster Community Investment plc ("UCI") to manage and deliver the NI Small Business Loan Fund. The aim of the Fund is to ensure that businesses are not held back because they cannot access finance. Read full article


20 February, 2013

Concern of local roads highlighted

Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone Councillor Sean Donnelly has highlighted concerns over the poor condition of the Shane Road, outside Sixmilecross. Read full article


19 February, 2013

Doherty comments following attendance at A5 Judicial Review Hearing

Sinn Féin MP Pat Doherty says the vast majority of people in West Tyrone are fully behind the A5 Dual Carriageway and do not support the Judicial Review taken by Alternative A5 Alliance to block the road proceeding. Read full article


18 February, 2013

Boyle welcomes info to 'outpatients' about direct Altnagelvin bus link

Sinn Féin MLA Michaela Boyle has welcomed the step by the Western Trust to enclose an information leaflet about the direct Translink bus service to and from Altnagelvin Area Hospital in all outpatient appointment letters it sends in Tyrone and Fermanagh. Read full article


14 February, 2013

DCAL Minister kick strarts Moorlough redevelopment

The Vice Chairman of Strabane District Council, Sinn Féin Cllr Dan Kelly, has spoken of his delight at the news that the DCAL Minister, Carál Ni Chuilín, has approved funding for Phase I of the redevelopment of the facilities at Moorlough. Read full article


14 February, 2013

Boyle seeking enhanced 'Eating Disorder' services for Strabane

West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle has written to the Western Health and Social Care Trust requesting an update on the plans for the provision of services for people with eating disorders within the Strabane District Council Area. Read full article


14 February, 2013

Sinn Féin MLA slams police and PPS over Easter Lily charges

Sinn Féin MLA Declan McAleer has slammed the PSNI and the Public Prosecution Service for bringing him and fellow party activist Kevin McColgan to court over the distribution of Easter Lilies Read full article


14 February, 2013

Completion of Shanaragh re-alignment scheme welcomed

Roads Minister Danny Kennedy, pictured with Divisional Roads Manager, Pat Doherty officially opened the recently completed Shanaragh re-alignment scheme on the main A32 road between Omagh and Dromore on Wednesday morning. Read full article


13 February, 2013

Mc Hugh encourages local SMEs to attend conference in Strabane

Derg Sinn Fein Cllr Ruairí Mc Hugh has issued a call to all small and medium sized business in the local area to secure expert advice in developing online capacity and sales by attending a Council organised Business Support Programme Conference to be held in the Alley Theatre in Strabane (from 10am-4pm) on 22nd Feb 2013. Read full article


13 February, 2013

Mc Hugh welcomes announcement by Roads Service of planned works to Main St, Clady

Clady/Glebe Sinn Féin Councillor Maolíosa Mc Hugh has welcomed the announcement by the Roads Service of their planned works to upgrade the Main Street and footways in Clady village in the near future. Read full article


13 February, 2013

Mc Guire welcomes commitment by Donegal County Council to carry out works on the 'Dergline'

Following representations and meetings over a number of months by Aghyaran Sinn Féin councillor Kieran Mc Guire, it has now been confirmed by Donegal County Council (DCC) that works will be carried out on the road from Corgary towards Donegal Town and Ballybofey, known as the Dergline. Read full article


13 February, 2013

New Road Opened outside Dromore

Dromore Sinn Féin councillor Ann Quinn has welcomed the opening of the new road, at Shannaragh, just outside Dromore. The road is a main corridor route for ambulances and emergency vehicles going to the new Hospital in Enniskillen and has been under construction for a number of months. Read full article


12 February, 2013

Farmers urged to ensure Farm maps are accurate

Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone councillor Sean Donnelly has asked farmers to be aware of an upcoming deadline of the 22nd February to submit any changes to the new LPIS mapping information which was issued to farmers over the past number of weeks. Read full article


8 February, 2013

A5 Road raised at Joint Committee Meeting -McAleer

Declan pictured with Tom Hayes TD, chair of the committee for transport and communication.

West Tyrone MLA Declan Mc Aleer has raised the issue of Irish governmental funding for the A5 during a meeting between the DRD Committee and the Dail's Joint Committee on Transport and Communications. Read full article


7 February, 2013

Call for Traffic Survey on Carrickmore Road

Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone Councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has asked Roads Service to carry out a traffic count survey on the Quarry road to assess whether it exceeds the quota to be included on the Winter Gritting Schedule. Read full article


5 February, 2013

Councillor Calls on Public to exercise Vigilance in relation to Bank Charges

West Tyrone Councillor Glenn Campbell has urged the public to exercise vigilence in relation to bank charges.

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor, Glenn Campbell, has called on people to exercise vigilance in relation to bank charges. Read full article


5 February, 2013

Mc Hugh disappointed as Derg loses out on derelict building funding as Tyrone Fleadh approaches

Following yesterday's announcement by the SDLP Minisiter Alex Attword to provide funding of £1m to over-hall local 'eyesores', Sinn Féin Cllr Ruairí Mc Hugh has questioned why the Derg has been left out of this scheme in light of the fact that it is due to host the Tír Eoghain County Fleadh at the end of June Read full article


5 February, 2013

Mc Mackin praises Roads Service on work to alleviate Conthem Road danger

Sinn Féin Glenelly Councillor Michelle Mc Mackin has praised remedial works carried out on the Conthem Road after she made representations to Roads Service on behalf of local people who were deeply concerned that run-off water constantly cascading down the surface of the road would cause a serious accident. Read full article


5 February, 2013

Ligford Road resurfacing scheme to begin on Monday

Glenelly Sinn Féin Councillor Michelle Mc Mackin has welcomed a substantial carriageway resurfacing scheme to commence on the Ligford Road from this Monday. Read full article


5 February, 2013

Disappointment as Atwood by-passes Strabane for Derelict Buildings Funding

Strabane Sinn Féin Cllr Brian Mc Mahon has expressed severe disappointment that DoE Minister Alex Atwood has by-passed Strabane District in his £1million announcement of funding to revamp derelict buildings in urban centres across the north despite the local Council having submitted a number of applications to the fund for local initiatives. Read full article


4 February, 2013

Doherty welcomes Food Standards Agency re-assurance over Mc Colgan's products

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has welcomed confirmation from the Food Standards Agency that Mc Colgan's Quality Foods Ltd has been very proactive in relation to its responsibilities and that no pork meat was found in halal products the company by supplied to Prisons in England and Wales saying that he hopes that it will re-assure costumers and consumers alike. Read full article


4 February, 2013

Woman living in fear after foiled theft

Castlederg Sinn Féin Councillor Ruairi Mc Hugh has described as 'living in absolute fear' a woman who had a close shave with would be robbers after her son foiled an attempted theft of heating oil from her Hillview Park home. Read full article


4 February, 2013

DARD mapping system updating extension welcomed - McAleer

West Tyrone MLA Declan Mc Aleer has welcomed the ongoing progress made by DARD in updating their mapping database. Mr. Mc Aleer, who is a member of the Assembly's Agriculture committee, said Read full article


31 January, 2013

Mc Aleer calls on West Tyrone firms to tender for NIW contracts

West Tyrone MLA Declan Mc Aleer has called on businesses who wish to bid for NI Water contracts to register for the 'Water Suppliers Day', which will be held in NIW's Training Centre, Antrim on 14th March. According to the Mr. Mc Aleer, who sits on the Assembly's Regional Development committee: 'This is an excellent opportunity for large and small firms to make contact with NI Water and see what tendering opportunities may be available to them. Read full article


30 January, 2013

Deadline approaching for Irish Language Bursaries

Local Sinn Féin Councillor Glenn Campbell has reminded people that the deadline for applications for Irish Language Bursaries is fast approaching and will close on Friday 15th February. Read full article


29 January, 2013

Begley welcomes extension of small business rates relief scheme.

Sinn Féin Councillor Sean Begley is hopeful the sustainability of many small local businesses will be helped with the extension of the Small Business Rates Relief Scheme in April. Read full article


26 January, 2013

MLA deeply concerned over Omagh shooting incident and discovery of suspicious device

West Tyrone MLA Declan Mc Aleer says he is deeply concerned following a shooting incident in Omagh on Friday night and the subsequent discovery of a suspicious object. Mr Mc Aleer was speaking after he visited the scene in Coolnagard housing development on the outskirts of Omagh where he spoke to residents and the PSNI. Read full article


25 January, 2013

Mc Hugh urges vigilance after major spate of Donegal burglaries

Derg Sinn Féin Cllr Maolíosa Mc Hugh has urged people living in the throughout the border area to be vigilant after a major spate of aggravated burglaries and thefts on the Donegal side of the border. Read full article


22 January, 2013

Boyle delighted as Minister gives green light for Strabane Academy and Gaelscoil new builds

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle has described as a 'fantastic news day for Strabane' today's announcement by Education Minister John O Dowd that Strabane Academy and Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh in the town have been given the green light for new builds. Read full article


22 January, 2013

Sinn Féin raises serious concerns over 'Union Flag Protest and Parade' for Castlederg

Sinn Féin, in a written submission to the Parades Commission, has raised a number of serious concerns about a Union Flag Parade and Protest, that has been filed for in Castlederg this Friday evening. Read full article


22 January, 2013

Workers devastated as Johnston & McCrory goes into liquidation

Sinn Féin Councillor Dan Kelly says employees of Strabane based painting and decorating firm Johnston & Mc Crory have been left devastated upon being told they have lost their jobs with immediate effect with the firm being put into liquidation. Read full article


21 January, 2013

Trillick Resurfacing works welcomed

Sinn Fein councillor Peter Kelly has welcomed the confirmation that the Moorfield road in Trillick will be resurfaced in the coming days. Councillor Kelly said he had lobbied for this particular road to be resurfaced after representations made to him by local people. Read full article


21 January, 2013

Mc Cauley welcomes extension of small business rates relief scheme

Sinn Féin Councillor Jay Mc Cauley is hopeful the sustainability of many small local businesses will be helped with the extension of the Small Business Rates Relief Scheme in April. Read full article


18 January, 2013

Use of hospital grounds for Loyalist protests is 'totally unacceptable'

Declan Mc Aleer MLA and Cllr Marty Mc Colgan

West Tyrone MLA Declan Mc Aleer and Cllr Marty Mc Colgan have voiced their concerns at the grounds of Tyrone County Hospital being used as a gathering point for illegal protests resulting in staff and visitors being intimidated. Read full article


16 January, 2013

Ballycolman residents asked to be vigilant after spate of oil thefts

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Brian Mc Mahon has called upon the local community, and particularly residents in the Ballycolman Estate, to be highly vigilant after the theft of home heating oil from at least 3 homes in the Estate. Read full article


16 January, 2013

Carlin lobbying for play/recreation provision west of the by-pass

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Karina Carlin is lobbying within the local Council for play/recreation provision in what she describes as the area of the town most densely populated with children and teenagers yet totally bereft of such facilities. Read full article


16 January, 2013

Surprise at Ulster Bank Closure

West Tyrone councillor Ann Quinn has voiced her surprise at the closure of the Dromore branch of Ulster Bank, which was announced by the group on Wednesday as one of 22 closures across Ireland. Read full article


15 January, 2013

Skills and Expertise of Housing Executive should be maintained.

Sinn Féin representatives at the protest including Sinn Féin councillors Martin McColgan and Sean Begley

Sinn Fein representatives joined a protest at the Housing Executive sub office at Holmview Terrace in Omagh on Tuesday to show support for the local staff and to recognise the positive role played by Housing Executive staff in transforming social housing across the North over the past 40 years. Read full article


15 January, 2013

Doherty hits out at Strabane hoax

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has hit out at whoever was behind the hoax incident which caused major disruption and traffic chaos in Strabane from yesterday afternoon well into last night as having the same lack of concern for the wider community as those who continue to block roads with so-called flag protests. Read full article


13 January, 2013

Mc Aleer calls on PSNI to arrest flag protestors

West Tyrone MLA Declan Mc Aleer has said that people are completely sickened with the on-going protests in Omagh that have brought the town to a standstill over the past 2 months. Mr Mc Aleer was speaking following disturbances in the town on Friday evening when roads were blocked and a crowd of protestors entered the grounds of the Tyrone County Hospital. Read full article


11 January, 2013

£1.9 million announced for new Rivers Agency office in Omagh

West Tyrone MLA Declan Mc Aleer has welcomed the decision by Minister Michelle O Neill to invest £1.9 million to develop a new Rivers Agency regional office in Omagh. Enabling works to prepare the site on St Julian's Road will start this month with a completion date of September 2014. Read full article


9 January, 2013

Benefit cap will force more families into poverty trap

Strabane Sinn Fein Councillor Brian Mc Mahon has said that the decision by the British Tory government to cap all benefit increases to 1% will only force more families into the poverty trap and will have a disproportionately negative impact in areas of high multi-deprivation like Strabane District. Read full article


9 January, 2013

Boyle welcomes push to eradicate roaming charges on all-Ireland basis

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle says that Sinn Féin has secured the agreement of the Assembly's Enterprise Committee to contact the Oireachtas Joint Committee for Communications & Transport seeking its support in working to eradicate roaming charges across Ireland. Read full article


7 January, 2013

Mc Mackin welcomes installation of 'grit box' at Victoria Bridge development

Glenelly Sinn Féin Councillor Michelle Mc Mackin has welcomed the instalment of a 'grit box' in the Breenvale residential development in Victoria Bridge following representations she made to Road's Service seeking the measure. Read full article


7 January, 2013

Be alert to dangers of Carbon Monoxide as pensioner has lucky escape

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Jay Mc Cauley has called on people to be alert to the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning after the daughter of a pensioner found her mother passed out in her St John's Place home at the weekend with it subsequently being established that her condition was caused by the inhalation of the CO gases being omitted from her open fire. Read full article


4 January, 2013

£10,000 secured for Omagh Nightlife project

Omagh Town Sinn Féin Councillor Sorcha McAnespy announced that after a successful application about £10,000 had been secured from the Department of Justice to set up the volunteer or 'street angels' programme in the town .She was speaking after an emergency PCSP meeting in the town, which was called in the aftermath of the tragic incident where 19 Year old Jason Mc Govern lost his life. Read full article


1 January, 2013

MLA expresses sympathy with assault victims family

West Tyrone MLA Declan Mc Aleer has expressed sympathy with the family of the young man from Monaghan who lost his life following an assault in Omagh. Read full article


21 December, 2012

Strabane Sinn Féin accuses DUP councillor of bare faced hypocrisy over support for flag protests

Sinn Féin has accused Strabane DUP Councillor John Donnell of bare faced hypocrisy after he declared his support for those engaged in loyalist flag protests locally while at the same time seeking to have Donegal football team flags removed from the Tinnies sculptures in the town. Read full article


21 December, 2012

Mc Aleer welcomes ring fencing of £50m for A5 project

West Tyrone MLA Declan Mc Aleer has welcomed a commitment to ring fence £50 million of the A5 budget while a delay caused by the legal challenge is being dealt with. The assurance was given to the Finance Minister by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury. Read full article


18 December, 2012

Mc Aleer calls for Omagh protests to stop

West Tyrone MLA, Declan Mc Aleer has expressed astonishment at the PSNI's decision to deem last week's controversial flag protest in Omagh as 'non contentious' and for failing to stop Monday nights protest which was not filed for. He was speaking after raising his concern with the Parades Commission. Read full article


17 December, 2012

Sinn Féin challenge PSNI over John Street Incident

Sinn Féin members of the Omagh Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) met with the PSNI last Thursday following concerns reported to the party's office regarding the different approach adopted by PSNI when dealing with two recent incidents in the town. One involved a group of young people in John Street and the other an illegal loyalist parade and demonstration which took place in the town. Read full article


14 December, 2012

Mc Aleer delivers festive cheer to local posties

Declan Mc Aleer MLA during his visit to Omagh postal sorting office

Declan McAleer MLA visited Omagh Delivery Office today to pass on best Christmas wishes and encouragement to the postmen and women at their busiest time of year. Read full article


13 December, 2012

Safety concerns on Abercorn Bridge to be addressed

West Tyrone MLA Declan Mc Aleer has welcomed a commitment from Roads Service to address safety concerns relating to the Abercorn Bridge in Newtownstewart. Read full article


12 December, 2012

Mc Aleer welcomes progress on Arvalee new build

West Tyrone MLA Declan Mc Aleer has welcomed a renewed commitment from Education Minister John O Dowd to advance the Arvalee school replacement as a standalone project on the Lisanelly site. The Minister was responding to an oral question from Mr Mc Aleer during question time on Monday. Read full article


11 December, 2012

Sinn Féin welcomes delay of implementation of the new 'rota system' for home care provision in the Derg

Sinn Fein MLA Michaela Boyle, Councillors Ruairí McHugh and Maolíosa McHugh met with Maureen McKeague Manager of Derg Valley Care, on 30th November 2012, to discuss the imminent introduction of a "rota system" to home care provision in the Derg area. It has been argued by Derg Valley Care that the rota system is a necessary requirement to recontracting of caring services and must be implemented by the 14th Dec 2012. Read full article


11 December, 2012

Cllr Ruairi Mc Hugh welcomes resolution to Castlederg street lighting problem

Following recent 'light upgrading' works in the Castlefin Park area of Castlederg, Sinn Féin Cllr Ruairi Mc Hugh subsequently contacted by residents in a section of the estate complaining that the quality of lighting had actually deteriorated following the upgrade. Read full article


11 December, 2012

Ensure 'new farm maps' are scrutinised in detail

Sinn Féin Cllr Kieran Mc Guire has urged local farmers to scrutinise in detail their new farm maps which will soon be released by the Department of Agriculture. In order to meet the criteria set down by the EU Commission every new map must state the Maximum Eligible Area on which the Single Farm Payment for 2013 will be based. Read full article


11 December, 2012

Ballycolman Estate back alleyways undergoing major clean up

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Brian Mc Mahon says that the back alleyways in the Ballycolman Estate have been undergoing a major clean-up and de-weeding since last week and has commended Roads Service scheduling in the remedial actions in its programme of works as he says it is has been an ongoing issue of complaint for residents of the estate. Read full article


11 December, 2012

Sinn Féin in conact with statutory agencies over 'Plot Pad' issues

Strabane Councillor Karina Carlin says Sinn Féin has been making representations to various statutory agencies in relation to problems with the state of the 'Plot Pad'. Read full article


11 December, 2012

Vandalism attack on car at Kennedy's Row slammed

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Jay Mc Cauley has slammed the targeting of a woman's car in a vandalism attack at the top of Kennedy's Row in the early hours of Thursday morning. Read full article


10 December, 2012

Sinn Fein support McGeough release call

Local Sinn Féin Councillor Sean Clarke has supported the call for the release of Gerry McGeough, who is currently imprisoned in Maghaberry jail. Councillor Clarkes comments come as Mr McGeough's family launched a campaign seeking his release for Christmas. Read full article


10 December, 2012

Responses sought to Public Consultation

Sinn Féin Omagh Town councillor Sorcha McAnespy has called upon local people to have their input into the 'Transforming Your Care' proposals which were put forward under the Compton review into Helath and Social Care, commissioned by DUP minister Edwin Poots. Read full article


8 December, 2012

Condolences expressed to families of crash victims

Sinn Féin representatives Declan Mc Aleer, Cathal Mallaghan and Ann Marie Fitzgerald have expressed sympathy with the families of the 2 young people who lost their lives in a road accident between Carrickmore and Pomeroy on Saturday afternoon. Read full article


7 December, 2012

Unionist Protesters block main Hospital routes

Sinn Féin Omagh District Councillor Marty McColgan has condemned those behind the blocking of traffic at the swinging bars roundabout on Thursday evening. Read full article


6 December, 2012

Omagh Council call for release of Gerry McGeough, Martin Corey and Marian Price

Omagh District Council has supported the release of Gerry McGeough, Martin Corey and Marian Price. A Sinn Féin motion was presented to, and passed, at the monthly meeting of Omagh District Council on Tuesday night. Read full article


29 November, 2012

Roads Service prepares for Winter

With temperatures dropping below zero, Roads Service is busy planning for the icy conditions as we enter into the final weeks of the year and the beginning of 2013. This was the view of West Tyrone MLA Declan Mc Aleer following a DRD committee meeting with senior officials to discuss their winter readiness programme. Read full article


23 November, 2012

Single Farm Payments/LFACA dual claims must continue

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MLA Declan Mc Aleer has said that the Single Farm Payment / Less Favoured Areas Compensation Allowance dual use claims must continue for at least another year until CAP reform measures post 2013 are in place. Mr. Mc Aleer, who is a member of the Assembly's Agriculture committee, was speaking after the committee met with officials from DARD following the conclusion of a public consultation on the issue. Read full article


21 November, 2012

Sinn Féin supports retention of Education Maintenance Allowance

Sinn Féin MLA Barry McElduff has said today that the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) must be maintained if we are to encourage people to stay on in education. Read full article


20 November, 2012

Abercorn Bridge a matter of urgency

West Tyrone MLA Declan McAleer has questioned the Minister for Regional Development on what actions he intends to take as a matter of urgency to address the safety issues on the Abercorn Bridge, Newtownstewart. Read full article


20 November, 2012

Grocery Adjudicator needs real powers

West Tyrone MLA and member of the Assembly's Agriculture committee, Declan Mc Aleer is not convinced that the proposed Groceries Adjudicator will have sufficient powers to defend the rights of small suppliers. Read full article


20 November, 2012

Support required for parents of new born children with a cleft palate

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MLA Michaela Boyle has questioned the Health Minister on what support is given to parents of new born children with a cleft palate. Read full article


20 November, 2012

Israel needs to end its assault on Gaza

West Tyrone MLA Barry McElduff has called for an immediate end to hostilities between Israel and Palestine, and a peace deal to be negotiated immediately. Read full article


20 November, 2012

Boyle welcomes Fuel Saving Stamp Scheme for Strabane

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle has welcomed an initiative being undertaken by Strabane Community Project to establish a "Fuel Saving Stamps Scheme" within Strabane town. Read full article


19 November, 2012

Sinn Féin raises objections to Benefit appeals location

Sinn Féin councillor Marty McColgan has raised his objection to benefit appeals sessions being held in Omagh courthouse. He described the setting of the appeals as being 'totally inappropriate'. Read full article


13 November, 2012

Inflexibility of Minister a 'recipe for disaster'.

Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone Councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has criticised the inflexibility of DUP Minister Nelson McCasland in ruling out a six month delay in the implementation of the so called 'bedroom tax', which is due to be introduced next April. Read full article


12 November, 2012

MLAs Warm Up Winter for Older People on Stormont Steps!

Anne O'Reilly Chief Executive Age NI and Declan McAleer, SF launching Donate a Coat on the steps of Stormont to help raise awareness of the issues facing older people this winter.  Donate a Coat is part of Age NI's Spread the Warmth campaign, helping olde

MLAs gathered on the steps of Stormont last week to help warm up winter for older people by donating their much-loved winter coats to Age NI. Donated coats will go on sale at selected Age NI shops and on Age NI's eBay store later in the month. Read full article


12 November, 2012

A5 'essential economic lifeline for the West'

West Tyrone MLA Declan Mc Aleer has said that the construction of the A5 Western Transport Corridor is an essential economic lifeline for the west. He was speaking after the DRD Minister revealed that the financial benefits of implementing the entire A5 project would be in the region of £1.072 billion over the standard 60-year assessment period. Read full article


7 November, 2012

Sinn Féin seek legal advice on "abuse of power" by DUP Omagh Council Chairman

Sinn Fein forced the adjournment of last night's monthly meeting of Omagh District Council in protest at what they describe as an 'abuse of power' by DUP Chair Errol Thompson's over his refusal to allow debate on motions the party has submitted for consideration in the Council Chamber last night. Read full article


6 November, 2012

Sinn Féin welcome republican's release

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Declan McAleer has welcomed the release of Pádraic Wilson on bail. Read full article


2 November, 2012

Wanton Vandalism in Carrickmore Condemned

Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone Councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has slammed those behind the smashing of a number of windows in the canteen of the Dean Maguirc College in Carrickmore. Read full article


1 November, 2012

Simple measures to combat farm theft.

West Tyrone Sinn Féin councillor Peter Kelly has urged farmers to take precautions to prevent thief of farm machinery and equipment after he claimed such incidents seemed to be on the increase. Read full article


25 October, 2012

PSNI accused of 'minimalist' approach.

Sinn Féin west Tyrone councillor Frankie Donnelly has accused the PSNI of adopting a minimalist approach following the first public meeting of the Policing Committee of the Omagh PCSP held on Wednesday night Read full article


23 October, 2012

Protect pipes the message as winter approaches.

Sinn Féin councillor Sean Begley has endorsed a new campaign by NI Water which urges householders to take simple measures to protect water pipes over the winter months. Read full article


22 October, 2012

Youth impatient for Lisanelly Developments

Sinn Fein councillor Glenn Campbell has said pupils of local schools in the Omagh District remain enthused by the Lisanelly Educational Campus, but are keen to see more progress made. He was speaking after hosting a workshop on the issue as a part of the Local Democracy Week, held in Omagh College last week. Read full article


15 October, 2012

Usefulness of Hospital Liaison group questioned

Sinn Fein Omagh Town councillor Sorcha McAnespy has questioned the usefulness of the hospital liaison committee, a partnership between the Western Trust and Omagh District Council. Read full article


9 October, 2012

MLA's 'Walk a mile' in the shoes of blind people

Cathal O hOisín MLA, Michaela Boyle MLA and Declan Mc Aleer MLA with their 'sighted guides' after completing a mile in the shoes of blind people.

West Tyrone MLA's Michaela Boyle and Declan Mc Aleer walked a mile in the shoes of blind people at the Assembly on Tuesday when they took part in an event to raise awareness of the obstacles faced by blind and visually impaired people in society. Read full article


9 October, 2012

Welcome for formal adoption of road name

Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone Councillor Sean Donnelly has welcomed the decision to allocate a road name to a road linking Altamuskin and Aghnagar roads in Mid Tyrone. Read full article


9 October, 2012

Unscrupulous individuals selling lethal fireworks to young people

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Jay Mc Cauley says that those unscrupulous individuals profiting from the sale of illegal fire-works/bangers to local young people will bear ultimate responsibility if any injuries result from their reckless misuse. Read full article


9 October, 2012

Sinn Féin motion on marriage equality passed by Strabane District Council

A Sinn Féin motion was passed last night at Strabane District Council making it the latest council in Ireland to support the introduction of same-sex marriages. Read full article


8 October, 2012

Plight of local farmers raised at Stormont.

Cllrs Pete Kelly and Sean Donnelly met Minister O Neill to press the case for hard pressed farmers.

West Tyrone MLA and member of Stormont's DARD committee, Declan Mc Aleer, has welcomed the announcement by Minister Michelle O Neill that she intends to allocate an additional 19 million euros to the farming community by reducing the amount of modulation money taken from Single Farm Payment in 2013. Read full article


8 October, 2012

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP at Tory Party Conference

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP, Pat Doherty will address a fringe meeting at the British Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham tomorrow (Tuesday) morning. Read full article


5 October, 2012

Traffic calming consultation planned for Loughmacrory

Declan Mc Aleer with fellow Loughmacrory Community Development Association member, Sharon O Brien

West Tyrone MLA and Chairman of Loughmacrory Community Development Association, Declan Mc Aleer has welcomed confirmation from Roads Service that a consultation on traffic calming for the village will be carried out before the end of the year. Read full article


5 October, 2012

DUP Council Chair man retract offensive 'anti-woman' remar

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle has described remarks by the DUP Chair of Strabane District Council Thomas Kerrigan in which he stated that "God made man and he made woman as a helper' as not only grossly offensive but totally inappropriate given his position as first citizen of the District with a responsibility to represent all its people equally. Read full article


4 October, 2012

The Extension date of spreading slurry will give some relief to farmers

Derg Sinn Féin Councillor Kieran Mc Guire has warmly welcomed the decision by Environment Minister Alex Atwood to extend the spreading of slurry past the 15th of October when there is a reasonable excuse to do so given the condition of their land. Read full article


4 October, 2012

Mc Aleer urges farmers to maximise their chances in the Farm Modernisation Programme

West Tyrone MLA Declan Mc Aleer has urged farmers applying for the current tranche of the Farm Modernisation Programme to consider their applications carefully to ensure that they are awarded the maximum possible points across each of the four criteria. Read full article


4 October, 2012

Large numbers attend annual republican commemorative events in Strabane

Large numbers attended commemorative events held in Strabane this weekend in memory of local republicans listed on the West Tyrone Roll of Honour and Remembrance. Read full article


4 October, 2012

Strabane Sinn Féin calls for immediate release of Marion Price, Martin Corey and Gerry Mc Geough

Sinn Féin has submitted a motion to Strabane District Council calling for the immediate release of Marion Price and Martin Corey and Gerry McGeough. Read full article


3 October, 2012

Safety Issues raised on Altamuskin Road

Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone councillor Sean Donnelly has said he has serious concerns about safety issues on the Altamuskin road outside Sixmilecross. He was speaking after hosting senior Roads Service officials on the road. Read full article


28 September, 2012

Sinn Féin selects council replacement for MLA

Marty is congraulated on his co-option by Declan McAleer MLA. They are joined by fellow councillors Sean Clarke, Sean Donnelly, Frankie Donnelly, Anne Marie Fitzgerald and MLA Barry McElduff

Sinn Féin has selected former Omagh Town councillor Martin McColgan to replace Declan McAleer MLA who will step down as a Councillor in the coming weeks. The move is a part of a Sinn Féin commitment to end so-called double jobbing. Read full article


28 September, 2012

Welcome for Slurry Extension

Sinn Fein West Tyrone Councillor Peter Kelly has welcomed the decision by the Environment Minister to extend the spreading of slurry beyond the 15th of October as a 'practical decision which will aid farmers to spread slurry before the onset of winter'. Read full article


27 September, 2012

£10 million per month removed from A5 budget during delay

West Tyrone MLA Declan Mc Aleer has expressed his frustration that approximately £10 million each month is set to be taken from the pot earmarked for the A5 dualling project and re-profiled into other schemes. The withdrawal of the money is caused by delays to the scheme caused by a Judicial Review lodged by objectors to the plans. Read full article


25 September, 2012

Call for extension of slurry spreading deadline

Sinn Féin councillor Peter Kelly has said he will be in contact with the Environment Minister Alex Attwood to call for an extension to the deadline of October 15th for spreading slurry. Read full article


24 September, 2012

Local Towns Successful in Funding Bids

The towns of Fintona, Carrickmore and Gortin have been successful in securing significant village renewal funding. The investment of £190,000 in each town follows an application to the rural development programme to undertake various schemes in the towns involved. Read full article


21 September, 2012

Deadline approaching for community grant aid

Sinn Fein West Tyrone Councillor Ann Quinn has reminded local voluntary and community groups that Friday is the deadline for applications for the Councils capital aid and Community support grant aid. Read full article


20 September, 2012

NI Water to address Cannonhill sewage issue

West Tyrone MLA Declan Mc Aleer has welcomed a commitment from NI water to finally address the issue of sewage leakage onto driveways and footpaths in Cannonhill. Read full article


18 September, 2012

Rural Challenges Programme Now Open to Applications

Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone councillor Sean Clarke has urged local rural community and voluntary groups to prepare now if they wish to apply for the Rural Challenges programme. Read full article


17 September, 2012

Joint Oireachtas Committee Lends Support to A5 Project

Members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee

Councils from the North West have been given a commitment by the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement that it will champion the case for a Dual Carriageway connecting the North West to Dublin. Read full article


17 September, 2012

Beragh prioritised for traffic calming measures

Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone Councillor Sean Donnelly has welcomed the decision of DRD Roads Service to prioritise Beragh as an area for traffic calming measures. Read full article


14 September, 2012

Fears Housing Executive Review could cost jobs

Sinn Féin councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald said a review being carried out by the Housing Executive could see the erosion of local jobs from the Omagh Office of the executive. Read full article


11 September, 2012

Inspection of Bridge Welcomed

Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone Councillor Sean Donnelly has welcomed a commitment from DRD Roads Service to inspect the Bridge at Glenaness Road in Sixmilecross following serious concerns of the bridge structure, raised by Councillor Donnelly. Read full article


8 September, 2012

Omagh Traffic Lights failure could lead to serious accident - McColgan

Omagh Sinn Féin representative Marty McColgan has been in contact with DRD Road Service and the PSNI regarding the failure of the traffic lights at the County Hall junction on Saturday. Read full article


5 September, 2012

Pilot Hospital Bus Service Welcomed

Omagh Town Sinn Féin Councillor Sorcha McAnespy has welcomed a new pilot bus service servicing Altnagelvin and Enniskillen hospitals. Read full article


4 September, 2012

Minister fast tracks plans for new Arvalee School

West Tyrone MLA Declan Mc Aleer has welcomed a commitment by Education Minister John O Dowd to fast track a new build for Arvalee School on a section of the Lisanelly Educational campus site. Read full article


4 September, 2012

Farm Modernisation Programme Opens

Peter Kelly has reminded Farmers that Tuesday seen the re-opening of the Farm Modernisation Programme (FMP). Read full article


4 September, 2012

Welcome for Grass Cutting

Sinn Fein councillor Ann Quinn has welcomed confirmation from DRD Roads Service that Grass cutting will commence on the Verges of rural roads after the programme was initially delayed due to late growth. Read full article


3 September, 2012

Success of Strathroy Harps recognised by Council

The success of Strathroy Harps was recognised by Omagh Council when the team was hosted at a reception in the Council offices on Friday evening. Read full article


1 September, 2012

MLA expresses solidarity with Arvalee School Community

West Tyrone MLA and member of the Western Education and Library Board, Declan Mc Aleer has expressed his solidarity and support with the Arvalee school community as they begin the process of rebuilding their school after a devastating fire gutted their premises. Read full article


27 August, 2012

Successful Paintballing Fundraiser for Suicide Prevention

West Tyrone Ógra Shinn Féin raised £510 for PIPS (Public Initiative for the Prevention of Suicide) with a Paintballing and BBQ extravaganza on Saturday past (25th August) in AWOL, County Monaghan. Proceeds from the fundraiser will aid the awareness and support work delivered by PIPS. Read full article


21 August, 2012

£5.5 Million available through Farm Modernisation Programme

Sinn Féin Councillor Peter Kelly has called on the local farming community to prepare now for the opening of the latest Farm Modernisation Programme after the Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill announced it will open on the 4th September. Read full article


15 August, 2012

Dromore CCE Congratulated on Ulster Fleadh announcement

Councillor Ann Quinn has congratulated the local Dromore branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Éireann (CCE) after they were successful in their bid to host the Ulster Finals of the Fleadh Cheoil in 2013. Read full article


14 August, 2012

Welcome for Translink WiFi announcement

Sinn Féin councillor Sorcha McAnespy has welcomed the announcement that free Wi-Fi will soon become available on key Translink services in the north and including Bus and rail services to the capital, Dublin. The Company announced earlier this week that the service will go 'live' in the coming weeks. Read full article


31 July, 2012

Councillor Urges Motorists to be Aware of Risks Posed by Livestock on Rural Roads

West Tyrone Sinn Fein Councillor Glenn Campbell has urged motorists to be aware of the risks posed by livestock on rural roads. Read full article


31 July, 2012

Omagh District Council calls for Marriage Equality

Omagh District council have passed a motion calling for the 'same rights and entitlements to civil marriage for all citizens regardless of race, religion or sexuality'. Read full article


27 July, 2012

Sinn Féin call for retention of Strathroy Post Offices service

Sinn Fein Omagh town representative Martin McColgan has said that it is vital that services offered by the Post office are maintained in Strathroy. Read full article


27 July, 2012

Dromore Bank Closure 'devastating blow'.

West Tyrone Sinn Féin councillor Ann Quinn has said she will asking First Trust bank to reconsider their decision to close the bank in Dromore. Read full article


26 July, 2012

Welcome for planned Tummery roadworks

Councillor Ann Quinn has welcomed confirmation that Tummery Road in Dromore is due to undergo remedial works after the Department of Regional Development was successful in bidding for additional funding. Read full article


17 July, 2012

Inadequate response to safety issues at 'the Gap'

Sinn Féin has said there is an inadequate response from DRD Roads Service to a major safety issue on the Drumnakilly Road, just outside Carrickmore in Mid Tyrone. Read full article


16 July, 2012

Welcome for Sixmilecross Street Work

Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone Councillor Sean Donnelly has welcomed work improvements due to begin on Sixmilecross Main Street as long overdue. Read full article


4 July, 2012

Man in hospital following Fintona Crash

A 60-year-old man has been taken to hospital after an articulated lorry crashed off a bridge and into a river in Fintona.. Read full article


3 July, 2012

Immediate Action Needed to Address Safety Concerns on Tattyreagh and Altanaveragh Roads

Councillor Glenn Campbell has called on DRD Roads Service to address safety concerns on the Tattyreagh and Altanaveragh Roads

West Tyrone Sinn Fein Councillor has called on DRD Roads Service to take immediate action to improve safety at Tattyreagh cross roads. Read full article


2 July, 2012

Mc Guire welcome rewiring and refurbishment scheme for Gamble Park

Derg Sinn Féin Councillor Kieran Mc Guire has welcomed confirmation that Housing Executive homes at Gamble Park in Spamount are now scheduled to undergo a kitchen refurbishment and complete house rewiring scheme this November. Read full article


2 July, 2012

Mc Hugh welcomes commitment from Roads Service on Castlefin Park Footways.

Following a meeting with D.O.E. roads service officials last week Derg Sinn Féin councillor Ruairí Mc Hugh has given a cautious welcome to a commitment given to him by roads service to replace the remaining flagged foot paths in the park with tarred footpaths. Read full article


29 June, 2012

Tyrone Volunteers day launched

The Mayor of Dungannon and South Tyrone, Phelim Gildernew hosted the launch of Tyrone Volunteers Day in the Council office on Friday evening. The programme of commemorative events takes place on 13th July coinciding with the 31st anniversary of hunger striker Martin Hurson. Read full article


29 June, 2012

Welcome for Enniskillen Hospital Bus Link

Sinn Féin Omagh town councillor and West Trust Local Commissioning Group member Sorcha McAnespy has welcomed confirmation that Omagh is going to have an enhanced bus service to the new hospital in Enniskillen Read full article


27 June, 2012

Local man alleges PSNI Harassment

Sinn Féin councillor Peter Kelly has hit out at the PSNI after they detained a local Trillick man on Tuesday. Read full article


25 June, 2012

Sewer Improvement Work continues in Omagh

Omagh Sinn Fein councillor Sean Begley has welcomed the announcement that work to repair a collapsed sewer in Scarf's Entry car park is imminent. Read full article


19 June, 2012

New Chair of Arts and Culture Committee in Council outline priorities

Sinn Féin councillor Sorcha McAnespy has become the new chairperson of the Arts and Culture committee on Omagh District Council. Read full article


18 June, 2012

Proposal to implement hospital car parking charges criticised.

Sinn Féin councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has criticises the proposal to implement hospital car parking charges on the new hospital in Enniskillen. Read full article


12 June, 2012

Welcome as council assists in Trillick works ahead of Fleadh

The hills of Trillick will come alive to the sound of music next weekend as the Tyrone fleadh kicks off on in the town on Fri 22nd June. Local Sinn Féin councillor Peter Kelly said the event will be great boost for the village and has proved to be very popular in the area over previous years when the village hosted the Tyrone fleadh. Read full article


11 June, 2012

Sinn Féin end dual mandates

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams TD today announced that Sinn Féin would be bringing an end to dual mandates in the coming weeks. Read full article


8 June, 2012

Omagh Council back Sinn Féin motion on RPA Funding

Omagh District council has given its backing to a Sinn Féin motion calling for Environment Minister Alex Attwood to seek funds to aid councils implement the Review of Public Administration. Read full article


8 June, 2012

DUP Chairman snubs Sinn Fein

The newly elected DUP Chairman of Omagh District Council, Errol Thompson refused to shake the hand of Sinn Fein's Council group leader, Glenn Campbell at the Annual General Meeting on Thursday evening. Read full article


1 June, 2012

Welcome for reintroduction of Boiler Replacement Scheme.

Sinn Féin councillor Declan McAleer has welcomed the re-opening of the Boiler Replacement scheme. The scheme aims to replace old, inefficient boilers and will be open in the autumn. Owner occupiers earning less than £40,000 who have a boiler at least 15 years old can apply to have it replaced. Up to £1,000 can be granted towards the replacement. Read full article


29 May, 2012

Insurance Premiums must come down for young drivers

Sinn Fein councillor Glenn Campbell has said he hopes that new measures being brought in to improve driver safety will bring down the price of car insurance premiums, particularly for young drivers. Read full article


29 May, 2012

Public Talk on Gibraltar 3

Former Belfast City Councillor Joe Austin will be the main speaker at a talk which recalls events in March 1988 when three IRA Volunteers were killed without warning, by the British Army in Gibraltar. Read full article


22 May, 2012

Farmers still awaiting single farm payments.

Sinn Féin councillor Sean Donnelly has written to the Agricultural Minister Michelle O'Neill after he claimed some farmers in the area are still awaiting their single farm payments from 2011. Read full article


15 May, 2012

Traffic Accident highlights danger of road

Councillor Ann Quinn has extended her best wishes to a lorry driver who was hospitalised as a result of a road traffic collision just outside Dromore on Tuesday afternoon. She also said her thoughts are with the local farmer who was also involved in the accident on the A32 Dromore to Irvinestown road. Read full article


14 May, 2012

Sinn Féin delegation meets police chiefs over Tyrone arrests

Cllr Sean Clarke

A delegation from Sinn Féin met with senior PSNI commanders on Monday afternoon to highlight concerns relating to a number of search and arrest operations carried out at the weekend. Read full article


9 May, 2012

Fears over future of Omagh Jobs

There are fears that a 'review' within the Housing Executive will lead to Job losses in the Omagh area for the Housing Executive. Read full article


9 May, 2012

Sperrin Hikers salute the courage of the Loughgall Martyrs

Paul and Jay (centre) with a group of hikers who took part in Saturday's challenge.

A troupe of 150 hikers braved the elements on Saturday to climb the Sperrin Mountains in a 'Walk of Freedom' to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Loughgall Martyrs. Read full article


9 May, 2012

Mc Guinness addresses Loughgall commemoration

Platform party (l-r): seated: Alannah Campbell, Cathal Og Donnelly, Martin Mc Guinness MP, Liam Lappin, Colm Gildernew and Paul Kelly (standing)

Republicans assembled at the monument on Cappagh's Main Street on Tuesday evening to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Loughgall ambush. The commemoration was timed to coincide with the actual date and time of the ambush 25 years ago. Read full article


9 May, 2012

Memorial lecture recounts Loughgall and Clonmult ambushes

Over 250 people assembled in the Ryandale, Moy on Monday evening for the Loughgall 25th anniversary memorial lecture. Read full article


8 May, 2012

New Hospital Car Park Charge 'scandalous'

Sinn Feins Anne Marie Fitzgerald has described plans to introduce car parking fees at the new hospital in Enniskillen as 'scandalous'. Read full article


7 May, 2012

Hunger Strikers Remembered in Dromore on 31st Anniversary

Pat Doherty MP delivers main address at Hunger Strike commemoration in Dromore

Republican from across Tyrone gathered in Dromore on the 31st Anniversary of the death of Bobby Sands (Saturday 5th May) to commemorate the ten men who died on hunger strike in 1981. Read full article


7 May, 2012

New rules around licensed premises.

Sinn Féin Omagh Town councillor Sorcha McAnespy has reminded revellers that the rules around what is an acceptable form of identification has changed. Read full article


2 May, 2012

Publication of Irish language Survey welcomed

Sinn Féin Councillor Sorcha McAnespy has welcomed the publication of a new survey on attitudes towards the Irish language. The survey was carried out by the Department of Culture arts and Leisure, with respondents from across the north. Read full article


1 May, 2012

Dromore set to remember Bobby Sands.

Bobby Sands and the 1981 Hunger Strikers are set to be commemorated in Dromore on Saturday. The local Sinn Féin Cumann unveiled the plans for the annual parade earlier this week. Read full article


27 April, 2012

Dáil committee to visit West Tyrone

Members of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement will visit Omagh and Strabane on Thursday. Read full article


26 April, 2012

New DARD Telephone Numbers

Sinn Fein Mid Tyrone Councillor Sean Donnelly has said local people, particularly those involved in farming need to be aware that DARD's telephone numbers are changing. Read full article


24 April, 2012

Concern expressed over state of Mullinmore Road in Carrickmore

Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone Councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has said there is considerable concern amongst local people living on the Mullinmore road in Carrickmore at the poor state of disrepair that the road has fallen into. Read full article


23 April, 2012

All Ireland Presidential Elections Call

All Ireland Presidential Elections Call Sinn Féin Omagh District Councillor Peter Kelly has said the Irish Government should revisit the issue of votes for the Irish diaspora and those from the north who wish to cast a vote in future presidential elections. He was speaking after the French Presidential elections began on Monday. French citizens in Ireland are entitled to vote in the poll. Read full article


21 April, 2012

Hikers prepare for Sperrins Challenge

Republicans are preparing to scale the highest peaks of Counties Derry and Tyrone in a 12 mile trek over the Sperrin Mountains on Saturday 5th May to mark the 25th anniversary of the Loughgall ambush. On 8th May 1987, 8 IRA men and a civilian were killed in an SAS ambush in the Co. Armagh village. Read full article


17 April, 2012

Iarnród Éireann needs to reverse competition rule

Sinn Féin MLA Barry McElduff has called on Irish rail service Iarnród Éireann to open up a competition they are holding for tickets to the European soccer championships to Irish people from all of Ireland. Read full article


17 April, 2012

Welcome for Minister action on Single Farm Payments

Sinn Féin MLA Michaela Boyle has welcomed the announcement by Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill that she intends to speed up Single Farm Payments. Read full article


13 April, 2012

Programme of events launched to commemorate 25th anniversary of the Loughgall Martyrs

SF members and representatives of the Loughgall Martyrs families pictured at the launch of the commemorative programme of events.

Members of Sinn Féin along with representatives of the families of the Loughgall Martyrs gathered at the Republican monument in Cappagh on Thursday evening to launch a programme of events to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Loughgall ambush. Read full article


11 April, 2012

Moy Easter Commemoration

In Moy, the Easter Wreath laying cermony took place on Saturday evening. Read full article


9 April, 2012

Lynch addresses Castlederg Easter Commemoration

A strong crowd of local Republicans from the Aghyaran and Castlederg area assembled in Spring sunshine at 11am in Aghyaran graveyard on Easter Sunday for the annual commemoration of the 1916 Rising. Read full article


9 April, 2012

Easter commemoration in Killyclogher

Approximately 60 people attended the Easter Commemoration at the graveside of veteran Republican, Charlie Ferris in Killyclogher graveyard on Saturday evening. Read full article


9 April, 2012

Republicans remember Alice Milligan

On Saturday, Republicans assembled at the graveside of poet, playwright and Republican, Alice Milligan. The commemoration was convened by the Milligan/Harte Sinn Féin Cumann and was attended by Republicans from throughout the Omagh area. Read full article


9 April, 2012

Drumnakilly Martyrs remembered at Loughmacrory Easter commemoration

Several hundred people attended the annual Loughmacrory commemoration at the graveside of brothers Gerard and Martin Harte. Gerard and Martin were shot while on active service with their comrade Brian Mullin on Tuesday 30th August 1988. Read full article


9 April, 2012

Easter commemoration at Strathroy

The Easter Wreath Laying ceremony in Strathroy on Holy Saturday was the first event held at the republican monument since it underwent upgrading and maintenance recently. Read full article


9 April, 2012

Easter commemorations held in Dromore

On Easter Sunday Republicans from the Dromore and Trillick area gathered at the gravesides of Vol. Cathal Quinn and Cllr Patsy Kelly to commemorate Ireland's Patriot Dead on Easter Sunday. Read full article


9 April, 2012

Frank Ward Graveside Commemoration in Carrickmore

Report from the Carrickmore Graveside Commemoration on Easter Sunday Read full article


3 April, 2012

Young People Learn Suicide Prevention Skills

Some of the young people who completed the Mind Your Mate Training on Friday

Ógra Shinn Féin teamed up with PIPS (Public Initiative for the Prevention of Suicide) to deliver three suicide prevention training events across Tyrone in the past month. The most recent 'Mind Your Mate' training was organised in Omagh Sinn Féin Office last Friday (30th March). Read full article


2 April, 2012

Welcome for action on mobile roaming charges.

Sinn Féins Glenn Campbell has welcomed cuts in mobile phone roaming charges which are set to be introduced before the summer. Read full article


31 March, 2012

Gerry Kelly to address Tyrone County Easter commemoration

The MLA for North Belfast and Long Kesh escapee, Gerry Kelly will be the main speaker at this year's Tyrone County commemoration in Carrickmore on Easter Sunday. The county commemoration, along with over 40 local mobilisations are being organised by the Tyrone SF Commemoration committee. Read full article


23 March, 2012

Decision to keep Barracks open a waste of public money and resources - Sinn Féin.

Sinn Féin councillor Sean Donnelly has welcomed the decision to close the PSNI station in Fintona. The decision was revealed by PSNI district commander Pauline Shields at the last meeting of the Omagh DPP on Thursday. Read full article


23 March, 2012

Danny Morrison to address gathering in Greencastle

Danny Morrison pictured with local Republicans at the launch of the Hunger Strike 30th anniversary exhibition in Omagh last year.

The former Assembly member for Mid Ulster Danny Morrison will make a return journey to Greencastle on Friday evening as the guest speaker at a local launch of the book 'Tyrone's Struggle'. Morrison, who coined the phrase 'the Armalite and Ballot Box' Read full article


19 March, 2012

Sinn Féin Condemns Attack on Orange Hall

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor Glenn Campbell has condemned the arson attack on Augharonan Orange Hall on Garvallagh Road, Seskinore. Read full article


14 March, 2012

Concerns raise over Post Office' centralisation'

Sinn Féin councillor Glenn Campbell has raised concerns over the 'centralisation' of postal services to larger post offices throughout the Omagh District. Read full article


12 March, 2012

Drumlister Road in poor condition.

Sinn Féin councillor Sean Donnelly has called upon Roads Service to carry out essential road works on the Drumlister road, between Carrickmore and Sixmilecross. The local councillor said he has been contacted by local residents about the poor state of the road. Read full article


12 March, 2012

Many losing Employment Support Allowance because vital GP evidence not being secured

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle says that she believes that many people are losing their entitlement to Employment Support Allowance (ESA) because of the failure of Departmental decision makers to secure key GP medical evidence before making decisions. The local MLA has now written to DSD Minister Nelson Mc Causland calling upon him to investigate and address what she describes as 'a major flaw' in an ESA decision making process which is already flawed in so many other areas. Read full article


6 March, 2012

Shock following 'critical' accident

Omagh Town Sinn Féin councillor Sean Begley has said there is widespread shock after a pedestrian was knocked down on Sedan Avenue on Tuesday afternoon. Read full article


6 March, 2012

Bomb Hoax a 'moronic act'-Strabane Council Chair

Strabane Sinn Féin Council Chair Brian Mc Mahon has described the placing of an elaborate hoax device outside the local shop at the top of the Ballycolman Lane in the town earlier today as a 'moronic act' which led to widespread displacement and hardship to local residents, loss of business and wider disruption to community life in the area. Read full article


5 March, 2012

Omagh to Enniskillen Roadworks welcomed

Sinn Féin West Tyrone councillor Ann Quinn has welcomed the commencement of road Improvements on the Omagh to Enniskillen road. The roadworks, which began on Monday, are expected to take up to a year before their completion. Read full article


1 March, 2012

Farmers urged over Schmallenberg virus

West Tyrone Sinn Fein councillor Peter Kelly has urged farmers to be on alert for a new disease that can ravage sheep flocks. Read full article


29 February, 2012

Welcome for executive fuel payments.

Sinn Fein Mid Tyrone councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has welcomed a fuel payment provided by the executive in Stromont to those in receipt of benefits. The payments, which have been released within the past week, range from £75 - £100. Read full article


28 February, 2012

Representations being made following Ballycolyman issues survey-Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin Councillor Brian Mc Mahon has thanked residents of the old and new Ballycolman for taking the time to respond to an 'issues survey' that local party members have been conducting on a door-to-door basis in the area over the past fortnight saying that Sinn Féin has already made written representations to Roads Service, the Housing Executive and Council seeking progress on a wide variety of issues residents in both areas want to see addressed. Read full article


27 February, 2012

Post Office Outreach Proposal for Altamuskin welcomed

Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone Councillor Sean Donnelly has welcomed renewed efforts by the Post Office to establish an outreach service in the Altamuskin area. Read full article


26 February, 2012

Comhghairdeas Gaelphobal an tSratha Báin

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP MLA Michaela Boyle has extended a massive 'comhghairdeas' to Strabane's Irish language community in securing 1st place in the national Gór na nGael awards awarded each year to the organisation that has done most to promote and advance the Irish language. Read full article


24 February, 2012

Unadopted roads issue highlighted

Mid Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor, Declan Mc Aleer has called on Roads Service to take a more pro-active approach in dealing with housing developments and public areas which have not been adopted. Cllr Mc Aleer was speaking after figures released to West Tyrone MP, Pat Doherty in an Assembly question revealed that there are 60 unadopted roads in the Omagh District Read full article


22 February, 2012

Líofa 2015 Irish Language Campaign to be launched in Omagh

DCAL Minister Carál Ní Chuilín will join Omagh District Council Chairperson Frankie Donnelly for the local launch of the Líofa 2015 campaign. The event will take place in Omagh District Council Offices at 7pm on Wednesday 29th February. Read full article


21 February, 2012

Councillor Highlights 'Dire Condition' of Roads Approaching Fintona

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor Glenn Campbell has welcomed road works at junction of Edergoole and Loughmuck roads, but called for more improvements to roads approaching Fintona.

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor Glenn Campbell has welcomed road improvements at the junction of Edergoole and Loughmuck Roads, but has called for greater improvements on these and other roads that approach Fintona. Read full article


20 February, 2012

Doherty welcomes commitments from A5 contractor that local economy will be major beneficiary of construction work

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has welcomed written commitments he has received from Farrans and Graham, the appointed joint contractors for the Ballygawley to Omagh section of the A5, that it will be sourcing equipment, materials, subcontractors and construction workers locally when work is scheduled to start later this year and that the company anticipates that the vast majority of the money spent will go back into the local economy. Read full article


14 February, 2012

Fitzgerald challenges Minister on Omagh mental health proposals

Councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has lambasted Health Minister Edwin Poots after he revealed, in answer to an Assembly question from Pat Doherty MP that the provision of inpatient acute mental health care and addiction services proposed for the new Omagh hospital are currently under review by the Health and Social Care Board. Read full article


14 February, 2012

McElduff welcomes Omagh Hospital announcement

Sinn Féin's Barry McElduff MLA (West Tyrone) has welcomed the announcement today of £26 million funding for a new hospital in Omagh. Read full article


14 February, 2012

Omagh community call for progress on Derry Road development

(l-r) - Cllr Declan Mc Aleer, Siobhan Mc Dermott, Kieran Gallagher and Martin Mc Colgan

Representatives of Omagh community sector met with the Planning Minister, Alex Attwood in Stormont yesterday (Monday) to push for progress on the development of the Strathroy Link Road and the £350 million Opportunity Omagh development proposal on the town's Derry Road. The site was granted outline planning approval last year, while a reserved matters application for a Tesco store on the site is currently under consideration. Read full article


14 February, 2012

Sinn Féin MLA Michaela Boyle has welcomed the launch of the Children with Disabilities Strategic Alliance manifesto.

Sinn Féin MLA Michaela Boyle has welcomed the launch of the Children with Disabilities Strategic Alliance manifesto. Read full article


14 February, 2012

Sinn Féin MP welcomes A5 announcement

Sinn Féin MP for West Tyrone Pat Doherty today welcomed the announcement that the A5 project is to commence. Mr Doherty said that despite many people claiming the project was never going to happen, Sinn Féin never gave up on the A5 and today's announcement is a testimony to that work, particularly over recent months since the Irish government scaled back its funding. Read full article


14 February, 2012

Sinn Féin MP welcomes A5 announcement

Sinn Féin MP for West Tyrone Pat Doherty today welcomed the announcement that the A5 project is to commence. Mr Doherty said that despite many people claiming the project was never going to happen, Sinn Féin never gave up on the A5 and today's announcement is a testimony to that work, particularly over recent months since the Irish government scaled back its funding. Mr Doherty said: Read full article


13 February, 2012

Boyle questions Minister on Ballycolman sewage overflow.

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle has asked DRD Minister Danny Kennedy to establish whether any underlying infrastructure problems contributed to the sewage overflow which flooded gardens at the bottom of the Ballycolman Estate in Strabane last Thursday and, if so, provide details of how his Department will address these problems. Read full article


9 February, 2012

Progress made on Bus Shelter construction

Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone councillor Sean Donnelly has revealed that he is liaising closely with the Technical Service department within Omagh District Council regarding the construction of two bus shelters in the Mid Tyrone area. Read full article


8 February, 2012

Suicide Prevention Youth Events organised across Tyrone

Ógra Shinn Féin in Tyrone have teamed up with PIPS (Public Initiative for the Prevention of Suicide) to organise three suicide prevention training programmes. The 'Mind Your Mate' programmes are aimed at 16 - 24 year olds, and equip participants with the skills to look out for each other and to look after their own personal mental health. Read full article


7 February, 2012

Doherty calls for review of Credit Union proposals

The MP for West Tyrone, Pat Doherty has said that current proposals to change the way credit unions are regulated is causing a great deal of concern among its members. Read full article


7 February, 2012

Unionist politicians 'clutching at straws' in arguing for retention of Castlederg PSNI station-Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin Councillors from the Derg Electoral Area of Strabane District Council say that the case for the closure of Castlederg PSNI station is overwhelming and have accused some unionist elected representatives, who continue to argue that it should be retained on 'security grounds,' of clutching at straws. Sinn Féin councillors Ruairí Mc Hugh, Kieran Mc Guire and Maolíosa Mc Hugh have issued a joint statement fully backing the PSNI station closure prior to the issue being discussed at a public consultation meeting in the Derg Valley Leisure Centre at 8pm next Wednesday Night. Read full article


6 February, 2012

Issue of un-adopted private developments to be subject of DRD Committee Inquiry-Doherty

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty says that the Assembly's Committee for Regional Development has initiated an inquiry into the issue of 'Un-adopted Roads' and trusts that the findings and recommendations of this inquiry will be taken on board and auctioned by the Minister especially given the continuing situation whereby many homeowners are forced to wait an unsatisfactorily long number of years before the private developments which they moved into are finally officially adopted. Read full article


3 February, 2012

Donnelly calls for closure of Beragh police station

A public consultation was held in Beragh on Thursday evening regarding the future of Beragh police station. Read full article


3 February, 2012

New Directional signage to Sixmilecross

Mid Tyrone Sinn Féin councillor Sean Donnelly has welcomed a Roads Service commitment to erect new directional signage to the village of Sixmilecross. Read full article


31 January, 2012

Clarity sought on the future of mental health services in Omagh

Mid Tyrone Sinn Féin councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has said there is anger at apparent proposals to strip Mental Health services from the new Hospital in Omagh. She made the claims after meeting with Unison representatives during the week. Read full article


31 January, 2012

Caution urged over 'Pay Day Loans'

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor Glenn Campbell has urged people to read small print before considering a pay day loan.

Local Sinn Féin councillor Glenn Campbell has urged the public to be cautious of money lenders offering 'Pay Day Loans'. Read full article


30 January, 2012

Boyle asks Translink to establish Strabane to Altnagelvin Hospital service

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle has asked Translink to examine the case for establishing a direct bus service between Strabane and Altnagelvin hospital during a meeting held with senior company officials at its Bradley Way facility in the town last Friday. Read full article


30 January, 2012

Dromore resurfacing work 'imminent'

Sinn Féin West Tyrone councillor Ann Quinn has welcomed imminent remedial work to be carried out on Dromores Main Street. Read full article


30 January, 2012

Why are ESA benefit disallowance figures being withheld by DSD Minister?-Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle is questioning why Minister Nelson Mc Causland's DSD Department is continuing to withhold details of the number of people who have been disallowed Employment Support Allowance since the controversial private company Atos Orgin began carrying the 'Work Capability Assessment' contract on behalf of the Department as and from in June 2011. Read full article


24 January, 2012

'Fit-for work' assesment inaccuracies highlighted

Councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald calls on the British Government for a suspension of the 'Fit for Work' assessment following huge inaccuracies were detailed in a recent report by the Citizens advice bureau. Read full article


20 January, 2012

Councillor moves to highlight what switchover from analogue to digital TV entails for local householders.

Strabane Sinn Fein Councillor for the Glenelly area Michelle Mc Mackin has moved to highlight what the switchover from analogue to digital television scheduled for October 2012 will entail for local householders following a meeting with the body tasked with preparing for the switchover. Read full article


18 January, 2012

Lack of water supply affecting local families in Gortin area

Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone councillor Sean Clarke has said local families in Gortin and Greencastle are being put under serious pressure with water problems in the local area. Read full article


18 January, 2012

Issue of 'Uniting Ireland' centre stage in Derry next week

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty says that the issue of 'Uniting Ireland' will be centre stage at a major conference being organised by the party in Derry next week at which speakers will include Pearse Doherty TD, Ulster Unionist MLA Basil Mc Crea MLA, former Ulster Bank Chair George Quigley, former Donegal County Council Manager Michael Mc Loone, Martin Mc Guinness MP, and Human Rights and Equality campaigner Inez Mc Cormack and many more from public, community and civic society. Read full article


18 January, 2012

Aughabrack meeting on investment plans to extend 10Mb Wireless Broadband across Glenelly Area-Sinn Féin

Councillors Dan Kelly and Michelle Mc Mackin striving to get Glenelly online

Sinn Féin Councillors Dan Kelly and Michelle Mc Mackin are encouraging all interested parties to attend a meeting in the Community Hall in Aughabrack at 7pm on Wednesday 25th January to appraise members of the public of investment plans to extend 10Mb wireless broadband connectivity across the Glenelly Electoral Area. Read full article


17 January, 2012

Councillors meet Road Service on Health Centre Car Park 'Pay and Display' issue

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Jay Mc Cauley says that local councillors expressed strong concern to Roads Service at a site meeting on Friday called to discuss the 'knock on impact' of the re-designation of 53 car parking spaces at the Health Centre Car Park at Upper Main Street as Pay and Display from April 1st. Read full article


16 January, 2012

Preventing Suicide in the Community

28 people took part in a one day training programme on Saturday (14th January) in Omagh Sinn Féin Office that empowered participants with the skills to tackle suicide in the community. The course was provided by PIPS (Public Initiative for the Prevention of Suicide) and hosted by Ógra Shinn Féin. Read full article


12 January, 2012

McAnespy 'heartened' at Omagh Jobs Boost

Sinn Féin Omagh Town councillor Sorcha McAnespy has welcomed the creation of 21 new jobs in Omagh. Read full article


11 January, 2012

Boyle welcomes the securing of additional money for school budgets by Education Minister

Sin Fein West Tyrone MLA Michaela and Assembly Education Committee member Michaela Boyle has welcomed the confirmation given by Education Minister, John O Dowd that he has successfully negotiated substantial additional funding for the Education Budget. Read full article


3 January, 2012

Remedial action taken to reduce risk of Springhill Park flooding incidents.

Sinn Féin Councillor Jay Mc Cauley has welcomed action taken by a local landowner, the Rivers Agency, Roads Service and Water Service to reduce the risk of flooding to homes in Springhill Park. Read full article


2 January, 2012

Anger at 'Fly-tipping' at Strabane Cemetery

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Jay Mc Cauley has described a major incident of Fly tipping at Strabane Cemetery over Christmas as a totally insensitive act which distressed and angered people visiting the graves of loved ones. Read full article


1 January, 2012

NEW YEARS MESSAGE FROM WEST TYRONE MP MLA PAT DOHERTY

In a New Year's message, Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty says that in 2012 his primary focus will continue to be on delivering major strategic projects which have the potential to deliver thousands of jobs within the constituency despite facing into the most challenging economic conditions in generations. Read full article


22 December, 2011

Opening of Strabane Bus Depot facilities to be extended by 10 hours-Boyle

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle says that following extensive lobbying Translink have now confirmed that it will extend the opening hours of Strabane Bus Depot as and from 3rd January. Read full article


21 December, 2011

Sinn Féin welcomes pharmacies decision

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle has welcomed the decision by the High Court to reverse the cut to the North's Community Pharmacy budget. Her comments came after the Community Pharmacy Northern Ireland (CPNI) won a judicial review against the cut of £38m. Read full article


19 December, 2011

61 in Strabane face uncertain future as Housing Benefit cut by 50

Sinn Féin Councillor Karina Carlin says that the potential for homeless crisis in the District has been further highlighted following information obtained by the party that locally 61 single people in the 25-35 age bracket will be adversely affected by a 50% reduction in their Housing Benefit Rates as and from 1st January 2012. Read full article


19 December, 2011

MAJOR 'UNITED IRELAND' CONFERENCE IN JANUARY

West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty says that a major Sinn Féin conference themed 'Towards a New Republic', is to be held in Derry in the New Year and will provide an opportunity for people from a diverse range of backgrounds to voice their ideas, proposals or opposition to a United Ireland and to building a new national democracy based on equality and justice on the island of Ireland. Read full article


16 December, 2011

EXTENSION OF RATES RELIEF WILL BE BOOST FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has welcomed the decision by the Stormont Executive to levy 76 multinational retail outlets across the north an additional 15% in rates in order to subsidize lower rate bills for smaller businesses saying, Read full article


16 December, 2011

Strabane Community in shock as young girl mugged and robbed

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle says that the mugging and robbing of a young woman in Strabane yesterday afternoon has sent shockwaves through the local community. Read full article


14 December, 2011

Strabane Sinn Féin Festive Season Initiative

Sinn Féin activists are distributing thousands of leaflets throughout urban and rural areas of Strabane District highlighting contacts for relevant agencies that people may need to contact in the event of problems associated with severe weather over the Xmas and New Year holiday period as well as emergency contact numbers for local SF Elected Reps who can also be contacted to provide assistance over the period. Read full article


12 December, 2011

Call to be vigilant following attempt to gain entry to pensioners home.

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Jay Mc Cauley has called for the public to be vigilant and look out for their elderly neighbours following an incident which has now come to light whereby a male caller tried to trick his way into the home of an 81 year old pensioner in the Head of the Town area of the town on the fraudulent pretext of needing to read her meter. Read full article


12 December, 2011

Welcome for range of Executive Winter Fuel Payments

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle has described the range of Winter Fuel Payments announced by the Executive as a timely and welcome measure which hopefully will alleviate some of the hardship resulting from spiralling energy and home heating costs among the most vulnerable sections of our community including cancer sufferers. Read full article


12 December, 2011

Large crowd attend annual Jim Mc Ginn Commemoration

In spite of wet and bitterly cold weather a large crowd attended the annual Jim Mc Ginn Commemoration at Clady Bridge yesterday (Sunday 11 December) Led by the Strabane Memorial Flute Band, the Commemoration was addressed by local Sinn Féin MLA Michaela Boyle. content of speech below: Read full article


9 December, 2011

Welcome for executive fuel payment

Omagh District Councillor Declan McAleer has welcomed a one-off winter fuel allowance payment funded by the executive, which is set to benefit 250,000 people throughout the north. Read full article


6 December, 2011

Support For Rural Transport Welcomed

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has welcomed cross party support for a Sinn Féin motion to the Assembly yesterday calling on the retention of transport in rural areas for people attending hospital appointments. Read full article


2 December, 2011

Help prevent suicide in the community

Ógra Shinn Féin is hosting a training programme 'Preventing Suicides in the Community.' It will take place in Omagh Sinn Féin Office from 10am - 4pm on Saturday 14th January and will be delivered by PIPS. Read full article


2 December, 2011

Sinn Féin welcomes confirmation that Castlederg PSNI Station is in firing line for closure

Sinn Féin representatives have welcomed confirmation that Castlederg PSNI station is one of the 34 across the north that has been earmarked for closure as part of a plan to save £3.5 million per year from the Policing budget. Read full article


1 December, 2011

Annual Jim Mc Ginn Commemoration on Sunday 11th December

The annual commemoration in memory of IRA Staff Captain Jim Mc Ginn will be held on Clady Bridge at 3pm on Sunday 11th of December with local Sinn Féin Michaela Boyle MLA delivering the main address at the spot where Jim was killed in a premature explosion on the 15th December 1973. Read full article


30 November, 2011

Sinn Féin Support Trade Union's action on Public Sector Pensions

Sinn Féin came out in support of the Trade Union's Day of action (Wednesday 30th November). Elected representatives and activists were out on the picket lines and attended the main local rally at Omagh Courthouse. Read full article


24 November, 2011

Glen Road to be assessed for traffic calming

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Jay Mc Cauley says that the Roads Service Traffic Management Section have agreed to carry out a traffic calming assessment on the Glen Road in the town following representations he has made on behalf of local residents increasingly concerned about motorist and pedestrian safety Read full article


24 November, 2011

Three Rivers Project-Largest investment opportunity for Strabane and Lifford in generations

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has described the revised outline planning application submitted by Riverside Building & Development Limited to substantially increase the scale of the initial mixed-use development application between Strabane and Lifford with a projected investment of over £50 million as not only a major vote of confidence in the people of this area but representing the biggest opportunity for investment in this area for generations. Read full article


22 November, 2011

Council Chairs met to demand A5 project goes ahead as planned.

Strabane District Council Chairperson Brian Mc Mahon says that Mayors and Chairs of Councils along the A5 route met on Friday last to devise a lobby strategy to demand that the A5 project goes ahead as planned. Read full article


22 November, 2011

Strabane Oasis Dental Care capacity increased by 300

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle says that she has been assured that Oasis Dental Care in Strabane has been permitted to open its books for an additional 300 patients. This follows last week's reports that additional 257 patients were now on a waiting list for treatment as the local Oasis providers indicated that it already reached the 3,000 registered patient capacity awarded in the initial contract in its first 18 months of operation in the town. Read full article


22 November, 2011

Anti-Bullying Week crucial in bringing issue centre stage

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA and Assembly Education Committee member Michaela Boyle has praised the efforts of pupils and staff from 650 schools across the north who undertook a wide variety of activities as part of anti-bullying week which this year had a particular focus on the scourge of 'cyber bullying.' Read full article


18 November, 2011

Councils Demand North/South talks restore Certainty to A5 project.

Omagh District Council Chairman Frankie. Donnelly has covened a joint grouping involving Chairs/ Mayors of Councils along the A5 route including Monaghan,Omagh, Strabane, Derry, letterkenny and Donegal Councils. Read full article


17 November, 2011

Omagh Council in special meeting over flooding.

Sinn Féin West Tyrone councillor and chairman of Omagh District Council, Frankie Donnelly has revealed that there is to be a special meeting of the Planning committee of the council on Monday evening. The meeting will assess, and hear an update on, the progress being made by the various agencies and the practical support offered to date for those affected by the flooding. Read full article


16 November, 2011

Right turning lane improves safety at Creggan Crossroads - Fitzgerald

Sinn Fein Mid Tyrone councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has welcomed the recent completion of a right turning lane to Carrickmore at Creggan Cross roads by DRD Roads Service. Read full article


9 November, 2011

Sinn Féin demands A5 meeting with an Taoiseach

In a joint statement following media reports that the Irish government has withdrawn funding for the A5 Aughnacloy/Derry dual carriageway, Pat Doherty MP, MLA (West Tyrone) and Sinn Féin Donegal TDs, Pearse Doherty and Padraig MacLochlainn and Cavan-Monaghan TD, Caomhghín ÓCaolain have demanded a meeting with an Taoiseach to discuss the ramifications of such a decision. Read full article


8 November, 2011

Urgent investigation call following flooding.

Mid Tyrone Sinn Féin councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has called for an urgent investigation by Planning Service following serious flooding to a local family's street after a pool at a local sand pit burst its banks. Read full article


8 November, 2011

New Year homeless crisis looming in Strabane if DSD minister doesn't act now

Sinn Féin councillor and Strabane Council Chair Brian Mc Mahon is warning of a homeless crisis in Strabane and other urban areas across the north in the new year unless DSD Minister Nelson Mc Causland acts now to introduce practical measures to counter a British government directive to implement swinging cuts to housing benefit. Read full article


8 November, 2011

Debris from drinking sessions obstructing access to vital sewage pumping station work

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Jay Mc Cauley says that the debris left following weekend drinking sessions on the approach lane from O' Nolan Park to the Sewage Pumping Station in the town is frustrating the ability of NI water workers to carrying out required regular maintenance checks without incurring damage to vehicles and could even jeopardise their ability access the facility in cases of emergency. Read full article


7 November, 2011

Welcome for proposals to locate Public Sector Jobs in Omagh

Sinn Féin has welcomed proposals to develop on the former site of the PSNI site in Omagh. The proposals brought forward could see the location 150 public sector jobs on the site. Read full article


7 November, 2011

Sinn Féin supporting 'last resort' strike action by medical secretaries in Western Trust area

Sinn Féin MLA Michaela Boyle in West Tyrone has expressed her full support for strike action to be taken by medical secretaries in the Western HSC Trust area on Tuesday 8th November stating that it is fully justified as it is being undertaken as a last resort in their long running effort to secure parity of grading with other medical secretaries with comparable duties both within the Trust area and between this Trust area and other trust areas where the issue has been long addressed. Read full article


2 November, 2011

Motion Calling on Police Ombudsman's Immediate Resignation Secures Backing of Omagh District Council

At the November meeting of Omagh District Council, West Tyrone Sinn Fein Councillor Glenn Campbell proposed a Sinn Fein motion calling on Police Ombudsman Al Hutchinson to immediately resign following the latest critical report of the Ombudsman's office. Read full article


1 November, 2011

Sinn Féin councillor condemns arson

Mid Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has condemned an arson attack on bins belonging to the Dean Maguirc College in Carrickmore. Read full article


1 November, 2011

MLA warns of Major Scam attempt

Sinn Féin West Tyrone Sinn Fein MLA Michaela Boyle is warning people to be alert to a major scam that could leave you with a telephone bill of £315. Read full article


1 November, 2011

MLA issues appeal to protect Strabane Library Opening Hours

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle has called upon the community to demonstrate their support for the retention of existing level of services provided at Strabane Library by responding to an Opening Hours Review Consultation being currently undertaken by Libraries NI which is recommending the reduction of opening hours at the local facility from 52 down to 40 hours per week. Read full article


26 October, 2011

Flood Prevention is better than a cure - Donnelly

Mid Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor Sean Donnelly has welcomed a £1 million package from the Department of Agriculture to help those affected by floods throughout the north within the past number of days. The local councillor was speaking after visiting residents and the local GAA Club who were affected by the flood in Beragh. Read full article


21 October, 2011

Councillor Welcomes Decision to Save Fintona Library

Fintona Sinn Féin Councillor Glenn Campbell has welcomed Libraries NI's decision on Thursday (20th October) to retain Fintona Library. Read full article


18 October, 2011

Councillor calls for action in Fintona following floods

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor, Glenn Campbell has called for erection of flood barriers along the riverbank in Fintona following flooding on Monday. Read full article


18 October, 2011

Councillor expresses condolences to family of Kevan Hughes

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor, Glenn Campbell has said that the Dromore community is in a state of shock following the tragic death of Kevan Hughes. Read full article


17 October, 2011

Quinn alarmed at Flooded Roads

Dromore Sinn Féin councillor Anne Quinn has said lives are being put at risk with the flooding of a number of rural roads following large scale rainfall. Read full article


17 October, 2011

Mc Hugh encourages strong response to Clady post office re-opening consultation.

Read full article


17 October, 2011

Glebe Children's Play Area remedial work underway.

Read full article


11 October, 2011

Call for action on flooded road

Sinn Féin councillor Peter Kelly has said action must be taken to minimise flooding on the Galbally road; the main Dromore to Trillick road. He was speaking after extensive flooding on the road following heavy rain during the early part of this week. Read full article


11 October, 2011

Encouraging students to apply for Discount Card

Strabane Sinn Fein Councillor Karina Carlin has welcomed the launch of Translink's Student Discount Card. Read full article


11 October, 2011

Mc Guire welcomes temporary extension for slurry spreading‏

Derg Sinn Féin Councillor Kieran Mc Guire has welcomed the move by Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill to support a temporary change to the dates for spreading slurry until 31st October. Read full article


10 October, 2011

Small minority continue to show contempt for local community

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Jay Mc Cauley has accused a small number of young people of showing contempt for the local community following weekend incidents in which stones, eggs and other missiles were thrown at homes in the Chesnut Park, Bridge Street and Ballycolman Lane areas and after a number of tyres were set alight at the Plot Pad up against trees bordering Mourneside Health Centre. Read full article


5 October, 2011

Urban Development Grant Applications sought

Sinn Fein Omagh town councillor Sorcha McAnespy has urged groups and companies to apply for the Urban Development grant which has just been unveiled by the Department of Social development. Read full article


4 October, 2011

Tyrone rallies for the Peoples President

County Tyrone came out in force tonight as the Peoples President tour hit the town of Omagh. Over 500 people packed into the Strule Arts Centre with another 300 unable to fit into the town centre venue. Read full article


4 October, 2011

"Abandoning Smoke Control Zone would not impact on Fuel Poverty"

Statement from Sinn Fein grouping on Strabane District Council Read full article


3 October, 2011

Women in Local Councils Event held

Local Sinn Féin Omagh town councillor Sorcha McAnespy attended a 'Women in Local Councils' event hosted in Stormont by the Local Government Staff Commission on Tuesday 27th September. Read full article


1 October, 2011

Local councillor joins LCG.

Local Sinn Féin councillor Sorcha McAnespy has joined the Western trusts Local Commissioning Group, which covers the areas of Derry City Council; Fermanagh District Council; Limavady Borough Council; Omagh District Council; and Strabane District Council. Read full article


27 September, 2011

Call for action on steps in Fairview Gardens

West Tyrone Sinn Féin councillor Ann Quinn has said that broken steps in Fairview Gardens in Dromore, Co Tyrone 'constitute a serious risk to the health and safety of the residents' of the housing estate. Read full article


21 September, 2011

Calls for extention of Presidential election voting rights

Sinn Féin MLA Barry McElduff has called for the extension of voting rights in Irish Presidential Elections to all the people of Ireland. Mr McElduff was joined by an MLA from each other county in the North to call for this right. Speaking today at the Assembly Barry McElduff said: Read full article


21 September, 2011

Last call for community grant aid

The chairman of Omagh District Council's Development committee, Declan Mc Aleer has made a final call for local community and voluntary groups to apply for the Councils Community Support and Capital Grant aid. This Friday (23rd Sept) is the closing date for applications for Community Support Aid, while Capital grant applications will close at 5pm on Friday 30th September. Read full article


20 September, 2011

New Book to be officially launched

A new book 'Tyrones Struggle for Irish Freedom' is due to be officially launched in Omagh on Friday evening. Read full article


19 September, 2011

Martin McGuinness enters Presidential race

Sinn Fein councillor Ann Quinn has welcomed Martin McGuinness' entry into the presidential race in elections due to be held in October. Read full article


19 September, 2011

Doherty welcomes decision of Tesco to locate in Omagh

West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has welcomed news that Tesco has agreed to take the new superstore on the Opportunity Omagh development on the town's Derry Road. Read full article


16 September, 2011

Tyrone's fighting story brought to book

A decade of painstaking research by former POW, Gerard Magee has culminated in the production of 'Tyrone's Struggle for Irish Freedom', a monumental labour of love that has materialised in a full-colour, 230mm x 297mm hard back with 688 pages. Read full article


15 September, 2011

British army homecoming parade not needed

Sinn Féin Councillor Peter Kelly said that the proposed British Army 'homecoming' parade in Belfast is not needed. He said any such parade by the British Army would cause grave offense to the relatives of those killed by British Army actions, whether it was in Afghanistan, Iraq or Ireland. Read full article


14 September, 2011

Councilor Urges Minister to Reduce Rates for Small to Medium Sized Businesses

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor, Glenn Campbell, has called on the Minister for Finance and Personnel Sammy Wilson to take urgent action to support small to medium sized businesses who are struggling to survive in the current harsh economic climate. Read full article


13 September, 2011

"A President for all of the Irish Nation" Opinion Piece from Michaela Boyle MLA

As the Presidential Election draws near Michaela Boyle MLA sets her views on the nature of the office and the demand for the extension of voting rights to be extended to Irish citizens in the 6 counties and the Irish diaspora wordwide. Read full article


12 September, 2011

Sinn Fein urges Strabane Council to support Employment of Former POW's

Strabane Council's eight strong Sinn Féin grouping has put forward a motion for discussion at tomorrow evening's meeting of full Council (Tuesday 13 September) seeking support from the Council to recognise the important contribution that former political prisoners have made to the peace process and to assist in the creation of a society of equals by ensuring that former political prisoners are allowed to compete for employment on exactly the same terms as every other citizen. Read full article


12 September, 2011

United community response not vigilantism should be response to anti-social behaviour problem plaguing residents of Ballycolman and Bridge Street

Sinn Féin Strabane Council Chair Brian Mc Mahon says that a 'united community response' and not vigilantism is needed to address the ongoing anti-social behaviour problem plaguing communities in the Ballycolman and Bridge Street areas of the town. Read full article


12 September, 2011

Arson attack of recovering stroke victim's taxi heartless and cowardly

Strabane Sinn Féin Council Chair Brian Mc Mahon has described the arson of the taxi belonging to recovering stroke victim Jim Mc Daid at his Mount Sion home in the Ballycolman as a heartless and cowardly act. Read full article


9 September, 2011

Sinn Féin delegation to meet WELB Chief Executive Barry Mulholland on School Transport issues in Strabane and Omagh.

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle and party councillors from Strabane and Omagh are to scheduled to meet with WELB Chief Executive Barry Mulholland at 2pm today to discuss and seek progress on a range of school transport issues affecting children in different rural parts of the constituency. Read full article


7 September, 2011

Doherty welcomes ongoing commitment of Irish government's towards A5 dual carriageway

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has welcomed confirmation that the Irish government has already committed £19 million towards the A5 dual carriageway project and that it remains firmly committed to honouring its financial contribution to the overall project Read full article


7 September, 2011

Doherty welcomes ongoing commitment of Irish government's towards A5 dual carriageway

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has welcomed confirmation that the Irish government has already committed £19 million towards the A5 dual carriageway project and that it remains firmly committed to honouring its financial contribution to the overall project. Read full article


6 September, 2011

Social tariffs needed to cushion impact of spiralling energy costs

West Tyrone Sinn Fein MLA Michaela Boyle says that NIE plans to hike its prices by 30% and similar price hikes announced by Firmus Energy and Phoenix Gas will have serious impact on household budgets and will particularly affect the most vulnerable people in our society. Calling for the introduction of social tariffs to offset the spiralling costs of energy for hard pressed families she said, Read full article


5 September, 2011

Councillor Condemns Fly tipping in Drumannon

Sinn Fein Omagh town councillor Sorcha McAnespy has called for an end to fly tipping in Drumannon Rise in the Town. Read full article


31 August, 2011

Councillor accuses PSNI of cynical policing

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Jay Mc Cauley has accused the PSNI of 'cynical policing' after the head of the town constantly saturated with jeeps from Tuesday until Saturday of last week. Read full article


30 August, 2011

DETI Minister must intervene to save Jobs

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP Pat Doherty has said the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster must intervene to save over 200 Jobs at Omagh Meats. Mr. Doherty made the call following claims that 200 jobs were under threat at the Omagh Meats plant. The revelations came as a third of the workforce, numbering 70 people were involved in a strike over restructuring. Read full article


30 August, 2011

Strabane community in shock following vicious and frenzied assault

Strabane Sinn Féin Council Chair Brian Mc Mahon says the local community remains in a state of shock following the vicious and frenzied assault in Carlton Drive at the weekend which has left a local man with serious head injuries. Read full article


24 August, 2011

Call to apply for Uniforms Grant

Sinn Fein Omagh town councillor Sorcha McAnespy has called for local families to apply for the uniform grant scheme. Additionally the scheme also includes Free School Meals. Read full article


23 August, 2011

Sinn Féin seeking concrete assurances about respite care provision at Beltany House and Shepards Way

Sinn Féin is seeking concrete assurances from the Western Health & Social Care Trust that it will not use a review of adult learning disability respite services as a mechanism to close, or reduce further, its residential respite facilities at either Beltany House in Omagh or the Shepards Way Cottages at Dungiven Road in Derry. Read full article


19 August, 2011

Electricity price increase will affect the most vulnerable in society

Omagh District Councillor Declan Mc Aleer has said that any increase in electricity prices would affect the most vulnerable in society. Read full article


19 August, 2011

£4.4 million investment in broadband

Mid Tyrone Councillor Sean Clarke has called on the British Government to increase their level of funding for broadband provision in the north of Ireland, placing priority and focussing particularly on rural areas with little to no coverage. Read full article


16 August, 2011

Exam Results due this Week

Thousands of teenagers across the North will, on Thursday receive their summer exam results. On Thursday A Level results will be revealed whilst the GCSE results are expected a week later. Read full article


15 August, 2011

Tens of Thousands March to Remember 1981 Hunger Strike

Over 20,000 people marched in Camlough on Sunday to mark the 30th anniversary of the 1981 Hunger Strike. Read full article


12 August, 2011

Patrick Shanaghan remembered

The late Mary Shanaghan, mother of Patrick pictured beside Patrick's square on the Remembering Quilt, which is currently on display in Aghyaran hall.

On Friday evening, Republicans from Tyrone and Donegal assembled at the Aghyaran graveside of Sinn Féin member, Patrick Shanaghan who was ambushed and murdered by Unionist paramilitaries on 12th August 1991. Read full article


12 August, 2011

Poor condition of Dromore Roads highlighted

Ann is picture here at the junction of Dooish Road.

Sinn Fein west Tyrone Councillor Ann Quinn has written to Roads Service about the bad condition of a number of Roads in Dromore. Read full article


9 August, 2011

Fitzgerald welcomes announcement of Hospital funding

Local Sinn Fein councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has give a guarded welcome to the announcement of £75 million of funding which will be made available for the first phase of construction on a new local hospital in Omagh. Read full article


9 August, 2011

McElduff Welcomes Poots announcement on new Omagh Hospital

I welcome today's announcement by Health Minister Edwin Poots MLA on the new Local Enhanced Hospital for Omagh. I would like to see further clarification around the completion of the £190million project and crucially a commitment from Minister Poots about the range and profile of services which will be provided in the new hospital. Read full article


9 August, 2011

Safety improvements of Ligford and Spout Road-Sinn Féin

Strabane Sinn Fein Councillor Jay Mc Cauley has welcomed steps to be taken by Roads Service to introduce traffic and pedestrian warning signage and road markings on the Ligford Road and Spout Road following representations he made about safety concerns on stretches of both roads Read full article


2 August, 2011

South Armagh venue for Sunday's National Hunger Strike Commemoration

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle has called upon republicans from throughout West Tyrone to attend the National Hunger Strike Commemoration being held in Camlough, South Armagh this Sunday 14 August. She said, Read full article


2 August, 2011

Pádraig Ó Seanacháin 20th Anniversary Commemorative Events

Clár Imeachtaí

In what was a one of the most glaring cases of collusion between loyalist death squads and the British Crown Forces, Sinn Féin member Paddy Shanaghan was shot dead on the 12th August 1991 a short distance from his home near Killen, outside Castlederg. So much so in fact that in May 2001, the European court indicted the British government for its role in his killing. Read full article


1 August, 2011

Apply for EMA - Fitzgerald

Local Sinn Fein councillor Anne Marie has called upon those staying on at school to post 16 level to apply for the Educational Maintenance Allowance. Read full article


31 July, 2011

Dromore and Tattyreagh in State of Shock following Tragic Death of Aidan Mullan

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor Glenn Campbell has expressed his condolences to the family of Tattyreagh man Aidan Mullan who died tragically in Dublin yesterday. Read full article


30 July, 2011

Palpable sense of loss at Mill devastation

Sinn Féin Councillor and Chair of Strabane District Council Brian Mc Mahon says that there is a palpable sense of loss in the local community at the devastation caused to Herdman's Mill in Sion Mills in what is suspected to have been an arson attack early this morning. Read full article


29 July, 2011

Councillor condemns arrest of young woman

Sinn Féin Councillor Declan Mc Aleer has criticised the PSNI arrest and detention of a young woman in Mullaghmore housing estate, Killyclogher on Wednesday morning. Read full article


29 July, 2011

Fitzgerald welcomes new safety features

Sinn Fein mid Tyrone councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has welcomed the installation of new safety measures around the Dean Maguirc College. Read full article


26 July, 2011

Sinn Féin call for immediate release of Brendan Lillis

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Karina Carlin has called for the immediate release of seriously ill prisoner Brendan Lillis, currently being held in Maghaberry Prison. Read full article


26 July, 2011

New Build for Strabane Campus of NWIFHE is a priority for Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle says that her party is continuing to prioritize the lobby for a new build for the Strabane Campus of the North West Institute of Further and Higher Education (NWIFHE) as an expanded and vibrant FE sector is an essential building block in the regeneration of the local economy. Read full article


26 July, 2011

Community Call in Sixmilecross

Mid Tyrone Sinn Fein councillor Sean Donnelly is calling upon the local community in Sixmilecross to assist him in locating a site for a bottle bank in the village. Read full article


25 July, 2011

20mph speed limit for Lambrook and Drumannon

Omagh Town Sinn Féin councillor Sorcha McAnespy has welcomed the D.R.D.'s proposal to implement 20mph speed limit for the Drumannon and Lambrook area. Read full article


19 July, 2011

Welcome for Freeze on tuition fees

Sinn Féin councillor Glenn Campbell has welcomed the freeze on tuition freezes announced by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Stephen Farry. Councillor Campbell reiterated his party's call for the scrapping of tuition fess but said he nonetheless welcomed the freeze on current tuition fees. Read full article


14 July, 2011

Sinn Féin accuses Hussey of selective condemnation

Castlederg Sinn Fein Councillor Ruairí Mc Hugh has hit out at Ulster Unionist party Councillor Derek Hussey for engaging in 'selective condemnation' of certain incidents in the area over the 12th period while ignoring others emanating from within the community he represents. Read full article


12 July, 2011

Balanced approach needed for BBC broadcasting

Sinn Fein mid Tyrone councillor Sean Clarke has said the BBC should be more balanced in its coverage of commemoration events in the north. Read full article


12 July, 2011

Caution urged after Skimming Device discovery

Sinn Fein Omagh Town councillor Sorcha McAnespy has called upon members of the public to be cautious when using bank machines. Her call comes after it was revealed a cash machine in Omaghs market street had been fitted with a skimming device. Read full article


6 July, 2011

Station Centre a hub of the Community - McAnespy

Sinn Fein Omagh Town councillor Sorcha McAnespy has described Omagh Station centre as a hub of the community. She was speaking following a visit to the centre earlier this week when Sinn Féin Education minister John O'Dowd visited the centre on Wednesday. Read full article


6 July, 2011

Disabled Parking Provision Sixmilecross

Mid Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor Sean Donnelly has welcomed the announcement that DRD Roads Service will provide a disabled parking bay in Main Street Sixmilecross. Read full article


5 July, 2011

Sinn Fein Minister Visits Omagh Show

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O'Neill was present in Omagh on Saturday to attend the Omagh Show. Read full article


4 July, 2011

Change in Adria site planning designation now accepted -Doherty

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has welcomed the 'agreement in principle' by the Planning Service to change the designation of the Adria site in Strabane from industrial use only to enable mixed use development Read full article


4 July, 2011

Owners of girls bikes found in Sion Mills sought

Sinn Féin Councillor Brian Mc Mahon says that for the second week running the owners of Childrens bicycles are being sought this time after two girls bikes were found abandoned and taken in for safe keeping by a resident in Sion Read full article


29 June, 2011

Strule Arts Centre lift accolade

Councillor Sorcha McAnespy has congratulated the Mangement and Staff of the Strule Arts Centre following the announcement that they had lifted their first ever charter from The Arts and Disability Forum. Read full article


28 June, 2011

Republicans to commemorate Martin Hurson's 30th Anniversary.

Republicans from Tyrone and neighbouring counties are expected to converge in Galbally on Wednesday 13th July to mark the 30th anniversary of the death on hunger strike of Martin Hurson. Read full article


28 June, 2011

Non-farming rural dwellers rights must be upheld in PPS 21 Review

Glenelly Sinn Féin Councillor Dan Kelly says that the in the long awaited review of Rural Planning Policy PPS 21 the 'unfinished business' of non-farming rural dwellers must be addressed. He said, Read full article


21 June, 2011

Crime Awareness Day due to be held in Carrickmore

Sinn Féin councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has urged members of the mid Tyrone community to benefit from a Crime awareness day to be Held in Carrickmore Milestone Centre on Thursday 23rd June. Read full article


21 June, 2011

Mc Mahon welcomes provision of right hand turning lane at Brookvale

Sinn Fein Councillor Brian Mc Mahon has welcomed plans by Roads Service to install a right hand turning lane at Brookvale on the Melmount Road saying that the road safety feature is long overdue given that a number of serious accidents have occurred at the spot. Read full article


21 June, 2011

Fountain Park car attack slammed

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Jay Mc Cauley says has hit out at those behind an attack on the car of a resident of Fountain Park in the town asking what can be achieved by such activity. Read full article


20 June, 2011

"Stand by me" campaign launched

Sinn Féin MLA Michaela Boyle has welcomed a new 3-Year campaign launched today by Mencap campaign entitled "Stand by me" to highlight hate crime directed against people with learning disabilities. Read full article


16 June, 2011

Tory cuts to Winter Fuel Payments must be vigorously opposed

Sinn Fein is encouraging the community to sign the Age Sector Platform's online petition against the disastrous decision by the British Government to introduce cuts to the value of Winter Fuel Payments. Read full article


15 June, 2011

Boyle welcomes expansion of Small Business Rates Relief Scheme

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle says the wheels are now firmly in motion at the Assembly Executive to extend the Small Business Rates Relief Scheme for a further three years and to increase by over 50% the numbers of businesses eligible for such relief under the scheme. Read full article


15 June, 2011

London conference to mark the 30th Anniversary of the Hunger Strike

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has announced that, as part of the events taking place to mark the 30th Anniversary of the 1981 Hunger Strikes, Sinn Fein will be hosting a major half-day conference this Saturday 18th June in London, at the city's Irish Centre in Camden. Read full article


14 June, 2011

McAnespy welcomes Ashbourne Close works

Councillor McAnespy at the area set to be re-developed by the council

Sinn Fein Omagh town councillor Sorcha McAnespy has welcomed work due to take place on recreational lands at Ashbourne Close in Omagh. She was speaking as Omagh District council awarded the contract for the works which will transform a piece of undeveloped ground in the Ashbourne close area. Read full article


11 June, 2011

Fitzgerald welcomes Carrickmore road works.

Mid Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has welcomed the resurfacing of a section of the Drumnakilly road in Carrickmore. Read full article


10 June, 2011

Sinn Féin councillor elected Chair of Planning Committee.

Sinn Féin west Tyrone councillor Glenn Campbell has been elected as the new chair of Omagh District Councils planning committee. Speaking earlier this week following his election councillor Campbell said one of his priorities for the incoming year was ensuring the needs of the rural community are met. Read full article


7 June, 2011

Volunteer Danny Mc Cauley Remembered

Republicans from throughout Strabane and Donegal gathered on Friday evening to mark the 20th Anniversary of the death of Vol. Danny Mc Cauley, West Tyrone Command Óglaigh na hÉireann. Read full article


7 June, 2011

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Jay Mc Cauley has praised NI Water staff for their 'thorough manner' in which they responded to representations he made about long standing problems with sewers at Barrack Street and Bridge Street.

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Jay Mc Cauley has praised NI Water staff for their 'thorough manner' in which they responded to representations he made about long standing problems with sewers at Barrack Street and Bridge Street. Read full article


7 June, 2011

Vandalsim to Derg Play park attack on local community

Castlederg Sinn Fein Councillor Ruairí Mc Hugh has hit out at those responsible for the destruction of equipment in the play park at Hillview Park in the town yesterday describing it as an attack against the local community. Read full article


1 June, 2011

Students urged to claim TV License refund

Sinn Féin Omagh Town councillor Sorcha McAnespy has reminded Students moving back home for the summer holidays that they could be eligible for a refund on the final quarter of their annual TV Licence. Read full article


26 May, 2011

Education Minister visits Lisanelly development site

Education Minister, John O'Dowd, has visited the site for the development of the new shared educational campus in Omagh. Speaking after his meeting with the Campus Project Board Mr O'Dowd said: "The proposed shared campus at Lisanelly is a unique project that offers the opportunity to develop a magnificent educational campus for all the children and young people of Omagh. Read full article


25 May, 2011

BT should be more responsive to needs of customers-Sinn Fein

Sinn Fein mid Tyrone councillor Sean Donnelly has said BT must do better to respond to the needs of their customers. He was speaking after people in the Mid Tyrone area were left without a phone service when the lines were brought down by the high winds this week. Read full article


24 May, 2011

New Chairman elected on Omagh District Council

Sinn Féin councillor Frankie Donnelly has been elected as the new chairperson on Omagh District Council. He was elected at the AGM in the council on Tuesday night; it was the first meeting of the council since the elections. Read full article


24 May, 2011

Good news for 'St Dympna's Seven'

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty says that approval has now been given for additional mobile to be provided for St Dympna's Primary thus alleviating concerns that seven children enrolled for the Dromore School in September would have to be turned away due to insufficient accommodation. Read full article


24 May, 2011

Councillors Raise Concern at Proposed Swimming Pool Closure

Omagh District Councillors Glenn Campbell and Declan Mc Aleer have raised concerns about the impact of the proposed closure of Omagh's swimming pool for approximately 18 months while the Leisure Centre undergoes major refurbishment. Read full article


21 May, 2011

A5 decision must not be made on party political interest - Doherty

Sinn Féin MLA, who is also the deputy chair of the Regional Development Committee, Pat Doherty, has stated that any decision on the future of the A5 by the new Regional Development Minister must not be made on party political considerations. Read full article


18 May, 2011

Sinn Féin condemn attack on Ballycolman couple

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MLA Michaela Boyle has asked those responsible for a brutal attack on a man and woman in the Ballycolman Estate in Strabane last night to explain what has been achieved by their actions. Read full article


17 May, 2011

7m investment to develop Strategic Business Park in Strabane culmination of long-term lobby battle-Doherty

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has welcomed confirmation that Planning Permission has been granted for an 11.5 hectares site on lands at Melmount Road in Strabane for the development of a major Invest NI business park. The local MP is now looking forward to the speedy acquisition and development of the site. Read full article


16 May, 2011

Acid attack on car condemned

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Jay Mc Cauley says a weekend attack on the car of a long-term resident of Townsend Street in the town has disgusted the local community. Read full article


16 May, 2011

Radiotherapy unit back on track-Boyle

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle says that the plans for the Radiotherapy Unit at Altnagelvin are now firmly back on track. Read full article


9 May, 2011

Anne Marie Fitzgerald comments following her re-election to Omagh District Council

I would like to sincerely thank everyone who voted for me in the election. It is a honour and a privilege to be re-elected to the council to represent the people of Carrickmore and Creggan. It is humbling to receive such an endorsement by the electorate. Read full article


3 May, 2011

Gorse fires diverting vital resources - Sinn Fein

Outgoing Vice Chairperson of Omagh District Council and local councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has said gorse fires in the Tyrone locality and across the six counties are diverting the vital resources of the emergency services. Read full article


26 April, 2011

Pearse Doherty TD addresses Tyrone County Easter Commemoration in Carrickmore

A large crowd of Tyrone republicans descended on Carrickmore on Easter Sunday to mark the 95th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising. The County commemoration was the culmination of over 40 local graveside and wreath laying ceremonies throughout the O'Neill County. Read full article


26 April, 2011

McColgan calls for Increased Funding for Surestart

The Chairman of LAST Surestart in Omagh, Councillor Marty McColgan has said that when the Assembly is back up and running he will be lobbying the new Education Minister to roll out the Surestart project into more areas. Read full article


23 April, 2011

Sinn Féin women 'take to the streets'

Female activists occupy leading position on the Sinn Féin team

On Saturday afternoon, the Vice Chair of Omagh Council, Anne Marie Fitzgerald, Cllr Sharon O Brien and Omagh Town candidate, Sorcha Mc Anespy lead a team of female SF activists through Omagh Town Centre to meet and greet shoppers. Read full article


19 April, 2011

Potential Asbestos Dumping needs to be dealt with Immediately - McColgan

Sinn Féin Councillor for Omagh Town Martin McColgan has appealed to anyone planning to dispose of rubbish to do so in a responsible manner. Cllr McColgan was speaking after receiving reports that sheets of asbestos had been dumped near Cappagh church, a popular local beauty spot. Read full article


13 April, 2011

Passport Fees decision ill thought out

Sinn Féin councillor Peter Kelly has said the decision by the Department of Foreign Affairs to re-introduce passport fees for citizens aged 65 and over from 11th April is ill thought out. He hit out at the move and has called upon Foreign Affairs Minister Eamon Gilmore to immediately reverse the decision. Read full article


13 April, 2011

All Ireland Double for Tyrone Musicians

Dromore Sinn Féin councillor Ann Quinn has congratulated the all Ireland winning Dromore instrumental group in their recent success at the scór All Ireland finals in Killarney in Co. Kerry at the weekend. She also extended her hearty congratulations to the Killyclogher ballad group who took the top accolade in the ballad group section at the event. Read full article


12 April, 2011

Mc Guire Disappointed at Housing Executive budget allocation

Derg Sinn Fein Councillor Kieran Mc Guire has expressed his sheer disappointment at the budget the Housing Executive has been allocated this year again to do essential maintenance work. Read full article


12 April, 2011

Chairman reflects on a 'hectic but rewarding' year in office

During the final monthly meeting of this term of Omagh District Council, the outgoing chairman, Cllr Declan Mc Aleer looked back on what he described as a 'hectic but genuinely rewarding year' Read full article


12 April, 2011

Chairman hosts reception in honour of community groups

Cllr Mc Aleer along with representatives of some of the community organisations in the Omagh District.

The Chairman of Omagh District Council, Declan Mc Aleer has hosted a reception in honour of all groups within the Omagh District Council area who received Community Support Grant Aid during 2010. Read full article


11 April, 2011

Donegal T.D to address Tyrone County Easter commemoration

A scene from last years Easter re enactment at Carrickmore

The newly elected T.D. for South west Donegal, Pearse Doherty will be the main speaker at this year's Tyrone County commemoration in Carrickmore on Easter Sunday. Read full article


11 April, 2011

Councillor Supports Lily Campaign

Sinn Fin councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has called upon local republicans to wear an Easter Lily in the run up to the 95th Anniversary of the Easter Rising of 1916. Read full article


2 April, 2011

Sinn Féin representatives condemn killing of PSNI Officer in Omagh

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has condemned the killing of the young PSNI officer after a bomb exploded under his car at Highfield Close off the Gortin Road in the town today Read full article


31 March, 2011

'Stay Farm Safe' campaign launched

Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone representative Sean Donnelly has welcomed the launch of the 'Stay Farm Safe' campaign by the Health and Safety executive. Read full article


29 March, 2011

McHugh Welcomes Castlefinn Road Works

Derg electoral area Sinn Féin Councillor Ruairí Mc Hugh has welcomed the start of works by Roads Service to extend the footway on the Castlefinn road, he said: Read full article


28 March, 2011

Sinn Féin says case for closure of Castlederg PSNI station substantiated following 'Revelations' contained in Freedom of Information Response

Sinn Féin says that the case for the closure of Castlederg PSNI station has been firmly substantiated following revelations contained in a Freedom of Information Request response. Read full article


28 March, 2011

DRD Roads Service urged to act on Letfern Road

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor Glenn Campbell stands in one of a number of potholes close to Sacred Heart Primary School in Tattyreagh.

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor, Glenn Campbell, has urged DRD Roads Service to carry out extensive repairs on the Letfern Road in Tattyreagh. According to Cllr Campbell, there is an abundance of potholes from the junction of Tattyreagh Road up to Sacred Heart Primary School. Read full article


28 March, 2011

DRD Roads Service urged to act on Letfern Road

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor Glenn Campbell stands in one of a number of potholes close to Sacred Heart Primary School in Tattyreagh.

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor, Glenn Campbell, has urged DRD Roads Service to carry out extensive repairs on the Letfern Road in Tattyreagh. According to Cllr Campbell, there is an abundance of potholes from the junction of Tattyreagh Road up to Sacred Heart Primary School. Read full article


25 March, 2011

Sinn Féin set ambitious plans as Election Campaign begins

The West Tyrone Local Government and Assembly candidates joined by Donegal Teachtaí Dála Pearse Doherty and Padraig MacLochlainn

West Tyrone Sinn Féin has launched their candidates for forthcoming Assembly and Local Government elections due to be held on May 5th. The launch took place in the Mellon Country Inn on Thursday evening and was addressed by the partys newly elected TDs in Donegal, Padraig MacLochlainn and Pearse Doherty. Read full article


25 March, 2011

Rural issues take centre stage as White paper is launched.

Rural issues have taken centre stage earlier this week as a white paper was launched seeking the address the imbalance in provision of services in rural areas throughout the north of Ireland. Read full article


24 March, 2011

Ba chóir go raibh Gaeilgeoirí ó Thuaidh ábalta an Daonáirimh a líonadh as Ghaeilge

Ag labhairt inniu dúirt Cathaoirleach an Choiste Cultúir, Ealaíon agus Fóillíochta Barra Mac Giolla Dhuibh CTR; "Tá sé go hiomlán do-ghlactha nach bhfuil an cheart ag Gaeilgeoirí anseo an fhoirm daonáirimh a líonadh isteach i dteanga s'acu féin. Read full article


23 March, 2011

Mc Guire welcomes Rural White paper

Derg Sinn Féin Councillor Kieran Mc Guire has welcomed the launch by Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA of the Rural White paper which sets out a vision for the development of rural areas throughout the north over the next 10 years. Read full article


20 March, 2011

Tyrone hikers salute the courage of the Hunger Strikers

Frankie Pearson, John Coyle and Noel Allen on the Sperrins mountain climb.

A troupe of 100 hikers braved the elements on Saturday to climb the Sperrin Mountains in a 'Walk of Freedom' to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the 1981 hunger strike. Read full article


16 March, 2011

Hunger Strike exhibition launched in Omagh

Members of the Hurson family at the launch on Monday evening.

The Weir café in the Strule Arts Centre, Omagh was packed to capacity on Monday evening for the Tyrone launch of the National Hunger Strike exhibition. The launch was chaired by the vice chairperson of Omagh District Council, Ann Marie Fitzgerald and addressed by former Assembly member for the constituency, Danny Morrison. Read full article


16 March, 2011

Newly Elected Donegal TDs to speak at West Tyrone Sinn Fein Election Campaign Launch

Sinn Féin will formally launch its Assembly and local government election campaign for West Tyrone at a major event to be held in the Mellon Country Hotel this Thursday 24 March (beginning at 7.30 pm). Read full article


15 March, 2011

Secure Your Right to Vote in May 5th Elections-Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin is urging everyone of eligible voting age to ensure that they are in a position to exercise their right to vote in the Assembly and Council Elections being held on Thursday 5th May and in the Referendum being held on the same day. Read full article


15 March, 2011

Doherty welcomes transfer of Lisanelly/St Lucia for Education Village Campus

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has welcomed confirmation from the Office of First and Deputy First Minister that it has now agreed arrangements for the transfer of former British army military sites across the north Read full article


15 March, 2011

Sinn Féin officially announces four candidates for the Mourne Electoral Area.

Sinn Féin has officially announced its full panel of candidates to contest the Mourne Electoral Area (Strabane town and Sion Mills) of Strabane District Council in the local elections to be held on Thursday 5th May. Read full article


15 March, 2011

Council chair broadcasts St Patrick's greetings to France

The Chairman of Omagh District Council, Declan Mc Aleer went live on the airwaves at the weekend to transmit a message of goodwill to the people of L'Hay Le Roses. The town, which is a suburb of Paris is twinned with Omagh and held celebrations on Saturday to mark St Patrick's Day. Read full article


14 March, 2011

Rockstown Road Carrickmore in dire state - Sinn Féin

Sinn Fein mid Tyrone Councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has said the Rockstown road in Carrickmore is in a very poor state following a visit to the road over the weekend. Read full article


8 March, 2011

Danny Morrison to launch Hunger Strike commemorative Exhibition in Omagh

The former Assembly member for Mid Ulster and current secretary of the Bobby Sands Trust, Danny Morrison, will officially launch the National Hunger Strike exhibition in the Strule Arts Centre on Monday evening at 8pm. Speaking ahead of the launch, Mr Morrison said.... Read full article


8 March, 2011

Rates levy will boost town centre traders in Omagh and Strabane District - Doherty

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty believes that proposed new legislation contained in the Assembly Executive Budget which would see large out-of-town shopping developments subsidising lower rates bills for smaller businesses is a necessary measure in helping to regenerate our town centres and in helping to create a more level playing field in terms of competition. Read full article


8 March, 2011

Boyle heralds success of Rural Childcare Programme

Sinn Féin West Tyrone Assembly Election Candidate Cllr Michaela Boyle has heralded the success of the "Promoting Accessible Rural Childminding" Project funded by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's (DARD) Rural Childcare Programme in reaching the milestone of having created over 100 new registered childminders and up to 400 new childcare places in rural areas throughout the north since it began 15 months ago. Read full article


8 March, 2011

Sinn Féin announces Kelly and Mc Mackin as candidates for Glenelly Electoral area

Sinn Féin has announced that Dan Kelly and Michelle Mc Mackin will be the party candidates contesting the Glenelly Electoral Area of Strabane District Council in the local elections to be held on Thursday 5th May. Read full article


7 March, 2011

State visit of British Queen Premature - Adams

Responding to the announcement the Britain's Queen Elizabeth has accepted an invitation from President McAleese to visit Ireland Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said: Read full article


7 March, 2011

Calls to retain Phone Box

Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone Councillor Sean Clarke has called upon BT to retain a phone box currently in Greencastle. Read full article


4 March, 2011

Councillor Praises Fintona Community On Their Support For Fintona Library

Speaking after a public consultation meeting on the future of Fintona Library at Fintona Golf Club on Thursday night (03/03/11), West Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor Glenn Campbell said, Read full article


3 March, 2011

Tyrone Republicans remember Cappagh shooting victims

On Wednesday evening, several hundred Tyrone Republicans assembled on Cappagh Main Street to commemorate the lives of John Quinn, Malcolm Nugent, Dwayne O Donnell and Tommy Armstrong. Read full article


2 March, 2011

Tyrone Republicans prepare for mountain challenge

West Tyrone Republicans are preparing to scale the highest peaks of Counties Derry and Tyrone in a 12 mile trek over the Sperrin Mountains to mark the 30th anniversary of the 1981 hunger strike. One of those organising the gruelling challenge is the chairman of Omagh SF Comhairle Ceantair, John O Brien. According to Mr O Brien Read full article


2 March, 2011

Camlough Road in need of Comprehensive inspection - Fitzgerald

Mid Tyrone Councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has called on Roads Service to carry out a comprehensive inspection of Camlough road, just outside Carrickmore. She was speaking as Road Service workers were carrying out much needed remedial work on the road. Read full article


2 March, 2011

Proposals will drive people into the poverty trap

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP Pat Doherty has said new proposals by the British department for Work and Pensions will force those most vulnerable in our society into the poverty trap. Read full article


2 March, 2011

Chairman calls for young people to consider careers through Irish medium

The Chairman of Omagh District Council has urged young people to consider career opportunities which are now open to them through the medium of Irish language. Read full article


28 February, 2011

Strabane Shooting indiscriminate and reckless

Strabane Sinn Fein councillor Brian Mc Mahon has described a shooting in the Ballycolman Estate area of the town on Saturday evening as completely indiscriminate and reckless. Read full article


28 February, 2011

Ballycolman car owners picking up tab for vandalism.

Strabane Sinn Féin representative Stevie Dunnion says that a number of car owners in the Ballycolman Estate have had to pick up the repair bill tab after the bodywork of their cars were scored in what appears to be random vandalism. Read full article


28 February, 2011

Wheelchair access ramp provided for 'pensioner bungalows' in Ballycolman

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Brian Mc Mahon has welcomed the construction of a purpose built ramp to allow for a row of 'pensioner bungalows' in the Ballycolman to become wheelchair accessible. Read full article


28 February, 2011

St Patrick's Days celebrations unveiled in Omagh.

Vice chairperson of Omagh District council Anne Marie Fitzgerald today unveiled a comprehensive programme of events in the Omagh District area to celebrate St Patrick's Day which will take place on 17th March. Read full article


27 February, 2011

Omagh fire tragedy home to be finally demolished-Begley

Omagh Sinn Féin councillor Seán Begley has confirmed that the Omagh Fire tragedy home is to be finally demolished. Read full article


23 February, 2011

No Sign of Sixmilecross

Sinn Féin mid Tyrone representative Sean Donnelly has called upon Roads Service to erect better signage to the village of Sixmilecross . Read full article


22 February, 2011

Local people frustrated at pothole frequency

Sinn Fein mid Tyrone councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has said that local people in the Mid Tyrone area are frustrated at the frequency if potholes in the local area. Read full article


22 February, 2011

Republicans prepare to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Cappagh shootings

Mid Ulster MLA and Dungannon Mayor Michelle O Neill has called on Republicans to mobilise for a series of events to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the UVF shooting of 4 local men in Cappagh on 3rd March 1991. Cllr O Neill said Read full article


21 February, 2011

Welcome for Housing Executive investment.

Sinn Féin councillor Marty McColgan has welcomed the investment of just under £0.5 million in works programmes for Housing Executive homes in the Omagh area. Read full article


17 February, 2011

MP Welcomes EMA Retention

West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has welcomed the retention of the Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA). The local MP and MLA questioned the Minister on the floor of the Assembly in Belfast on Tuesday. Read full article


15 February, 2011

Strabane public meeting on Altnagelvin Radiotherapy Unit

A large turnout is expected at a public meeting being organised by Sinn Fein to discuss concerns over the operational funding of the planned state-of-the-art Radiotherapy Unit at Altnagelvin Hospital. Read full article


15 February, 2011

Call for Rural Development Programme Applications

Trillick councillor Peter Kelly has called on the local community to submit their applications for the latest round of the Rural Development Programme. Applications are now being accepted for the programme. Read full article


14 February, 2011

All Ireland Presidential Elections Long Overdue.

Omagh District Sean Begley has said All Ireland presidential elections are long overdue. He was speaking following comments made by Fine Gael that if they formed the next government in the 26 counties they would hold a referendum on the issue of All Ireland presidential elections. Read full article


14 February, 2011

Councillor 'bitterly disappointed' at Roads Service response

West Tyrone Councillor Glenn Campbell has said DRD Roads Service's response to his call for action on a number of rural roads is bitterly disappointing. Read full article


11 February, 2011

Student Fees should be scrapped - not doubled - Campbell

Sinn Féin Omagh District Councillor Glenn Campbell has said students fees should be scrapped and not doubled. He also criticised UUP Minister for Employment and learning, Danny Kennedy for considering raising student fees to from £3,000 to £6,000. On Tuesday Danny Kennedy failed to rule out the move in an assembly debate on the issue. Read full article


9 February, 2011

Pre School Funding Increase Welcomed

Sinn Féin West Tyrone councillor Frankie Donnelly has welcomed an increase in funding for private and voluntary pre schools in the north. Read full article


8 February, 2011

DEL Minister urged to follow Gilderdnew example on Student Loans

Sinn Féin Cllr Ruairi Mc Hugh has urged Employment and Learning Minister Danny Kennedy to follow Michelle Gildernew's lead, as she announced a freeze on Student Fees for those attending the Agricultural Colleges. Read full article


8 February, 2011

€3.8 million windfall for Donegal/Strabane projects illustrate the merits of joined up approach

Sinn Féin says that the merits of the increasingly joined up approach being undertaken between Donegal and Strabane District Councils has been clearly illustrated as major projects in both areas secure a €3,8 million windfall of EU Interreg funding. Read full article


8 February, 2011

Councillor Raises Concerns on Killadroy Road

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor Glenn Campbell has called on DRD Roads Service to review its approach to the gritting of Killadroy Road in Eskra following several accidents during icy conditions. Read full article


7 February, 2011

Concern at lack of disabled parking bays in Sixmilecross

Photo: Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone Councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald, local MP Pat Doherty and Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone Representative Sean Donnelly on Main Street in Sixmilecross

Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone representative, Sean Donnelly has said he is concerned at the lack of disabled parking bays in the Main Street of Sixmilecross. Read full article


6 February, 2011

Sion Mills Bomb Hoax heartless

Sinn Féin Cllr Brian Mc Mahon has described as 'heartless' whoever was behind the hoax bomb call that forced residents of Marshalls Row and Churchside Court in Sion Mills out of their homes overnight on Friday night and into Saturday. Read full article


3 February, 2011

Chair of CKS Inter agency groups hails investment.

Sinn Féin Omagh Town councillor, and chairman of the CKS Inter Agency group, Sean Begley has welcomed the investment of over £1 million in the Culmore / O'Kane area of Omagh Town. Read full article


3 February, 2011

Sinn Féin hits out at callous sentence imposed on Strabane single mother.

Sinn Féin Cllr Michaela Boyle, the Chair of Strabane District Council has hit out at the 3 months custodial sentence imposed on Strabane single parent Alison Hewitt at Derry Court yesterday afternoon. Read full article


3 February, 2011

Chairman concerned about pedestrian safety on Farmhill Road

Cllr Mc Aleer highlighting the dangers posed to pedestrians using the Farmhill Road, Killyclogher.

The Chairman of Omagh District Council, Declan Mc Aleer has expressed his deep disappointment at the refusal of Roads Service to accede to a request for a new footway along Farmhill Road in Killyclogher. Read full article


1 February, 2011

Spout Road to be opened to traffic before end of February-Sinn Fein

Read full article


1 February, 2011

Strabane Public meeting on Altnagelvin Radiotherapy Unit funding issue

Sinn Féin is organising a public meeting in Strabane to facilitate the discussion of concerns being expressed at pronouncements by Assembly Health Minister Michael Mc Gimpsey that he does not have the money to staff the new state-of-the-art Radiotherapy Unit at Altnagelvin Hospital which is scheduled to open in 2015 with work commencing on its construction in 2011. Read full article


1 February, 2011

Invitations for Community Support Grant aid

Local Sinn Féin councillor Sharon O'Brien has said local community and voluntary groups should avail of Omagh District Councils Community Support Grant Aid scheme. Read full article


31 January, 2011

Sadness at death of swine flu victim

Sinn Féin councillor for Mid Tyrone Anne Marie Fitzgerald has expressed her sympathies to the family of Josephine Murray, who died after contracting swine flu. Read full article


26 January, 2011

Chairman welcomes DSD Minister to Omagh

The Chairman of Omagh District Council, Declan Mc Aleer officially welcomed the Minister for Social Development, Alex Attwood to Omagh on Wednesday afternoon to perform the official opening of the Riverside Walk. In welcoming the Minister, Cllr Mc Aleer said: Read full article


25 January, 2011

SDLP in disarray over Southern election

Sinn Fein MP Pat Doherty has claimed the SDLP are in 'disarray' when it comes to their approach to the upcoming General election in the south. Mr Doherty said: Read full article


25 January, 2011

Sinn Féin secures support of Strabane District Council for Altnagelvin Raditherapy Unit Motion.

Sinn Féin secured cross party support of Strabane District Council for a motion calling upon Health Minister Michael Mc Gimpsey to ring-fence the finance to staff and resource the new build Radiotherapy Unit at Altnagelvin hospital which is scheduled to open in 2015 Read full article


21 January, 2011

'Anti-social Behaviour must stop' - Cllr Mc Hugh

Commenting on recent anti-social and anti-community incidents in Castlederg, local SF Councillor Ruairí mc Hugh has appealed to those young and not so young people involved to reflect on the consequences of their actions, he said, Read full article


18 January, 2011

Mc Gill welcomes additional £2 million investment in rural broadband

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MLA Claire Mc Gill has welcomed the announcement by Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA of a further £2million investment in rural broadband through the Next Generation Broadband Network. Read full article


18 January, 2011

Where is SDLP corporate donor list?

Sinn Féin MP Pat Doherty has accused the SDLP leader Margaret Ritchie of back tracking on a promise to publish the details of the SDLP corporate donors and accused the party of 'once again joining with the unionists in keeping party donations secret'. Mr Doherty said: Read full article


18 January, 2011

Strabane Council Chair condemns Orange Hall attacks

The Sinn Féin Chair of Strabane District Council Cllr Michaela Boyle has described weekend attacks on orange halls at Strawletterdallon, near Newtown and other parts of Tyrone as 'purely sectarian.' Read full article


18 January, 2011

Sinn Féin encouraged by Fine Gael and Labour assurances on A5 dual carriageway

Sinn Féin encouraged by Fine Gael and Labour assurances on A5 dual carriageway Speaking following a meeting in Dublin with the Labour Party spokesperson on Transport, Pat Doherty MP MLA said Read full article


18 January, 2011

Council Chairs sympathise with families following Michaela's funeral

The Chairs of Tyrone's 4 Councils have expressed their sorrow and sympathy with the Harte and Mc Areavey families after attending the wake and funeral of Michaela who buried following requiem mass at Ballymackilroy on Monday. Read full article


14 January, 2011

OMAGH'S FIRST SANTA RUN RAISES MONEY FOR DESERVING CHARITIES

Cllr Mc Aleer presenting the cheque to representatives of the chosen charities.

A massive total of £1,000 was raised as a result of Omagh's first Santa Dash that took place in Omagh town centre on Saturday 11 December. Read full article


14 January, 2011

Bi-lingual traffic signs consultation welcomed.

Sinn Féin Omagh Town councillor Marty McColgan has welcomed the opportunity to engage with DRD Roads Service on the issue of bi lingual signage. The DRD minister, Conor Murphy announced that the issue would be the subject of a public consultation, which will end on 11 March 2011. Read full article


13 January, 2011

Doherty welcomes Translink Engagement.

West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has welcomed an engagement with Translink officials at their offices in Omagh. Read full article


12 January, 2011

Councillor Urges Engagement with Public Consultation on Fintona Library

West Tyrone Sinn Féin representative has called on the people of Fintona to fully engage with the public consultation on the future of Fintona Library. Read full article


12 January, 2011

Sinn Féin engages Fianna Gael and Labour on A5 Dual Carriageway commitment

Sinn Féin's Pat Doherty has welcomed a written response he received from Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny TD outlining his party's commitment towards the A5 Dual Carriageway project and later today the West Tyrone MP will be accompanied by party colleague and Donegal County Council Deputy Mayor Pádraig Mac Lochlainn when they meet with Labour Party Transport Spokesperson Joe Costello TD Read full article


11 January, 2011

Tyrone Council Chairs express sympathy with the Harte and Mc Areavey families.

The Chairs of Tyrone's four Councils have expressed sympathy with the Harte and Mc Areavey families on the tragic death of Michaela. Read full article


11 January, 2011

Doherty expresses sympathy to Harte and Mc Areavey families

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty says that the emerging terrible circumstances surrounding the death of Michaela Harte has compounded the deep sense shock and sorrow that was felt throughout Tyrone, Ireland and further afield as news of her death first become known Read full article


11 January, 2011

Gildernew expresses sincere condolences to Harte family

Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP, Michelle Gildernew has expressed her heartfelt condolences to the family of Tyrone Manager Mickey Harte on the sudden death of his daughter Michaela whilst on honeymoon. Read full article


10 January, 2011

Attack on pensioner couple thuggish and cowardly-Doherty

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has described an attack on the home of a pensioner couple in Townsend Street in Strabane last night as thuggish and cowardly. Read full article


10 January, 2011

Council Chairman hosts Ward sisters

Cllrs Declan Mc Aleer and Ann Marie Fitzgerald pictured with the Ward sisters at the Council reception.

The Chairman of Omagh District Council, Declan Mc Aleer has called on everyone from Tyrone and beyond to vote for the Ward sisters who will take part in the All Ireland Talent Show which will be broadcast on RTE 1 next Sunday evening at 6.30pm. Read full article


8 January, 2011

Call for Immediate Action from Housing Executive at Fintona Estate

West Tyrone Sinn Fein Councillor Glenn Campbell has called for immediate action from Housing Executive to address damage caused by burst pipes at Mc Caughey Terrace, Fintona. Read full article


6 January, 2011

Britvic move 'devastating' - Begley

Sinn Fein councillor Sean Begley has said the loss of nine jobs in Omagh is another blow for the local economy. Read full article


4 January, 2011

"Voluntary effort shines through winter crisis"

Opinion piece: from Sinn Féin Strabane District Council Chair Cllr Michaela Boyle Read full article


4 January, 2011

VAT increase will hit least well off and will depress economic growth further-Sinn Féin

Strabane Sinn Fein Cllr Brian Mc Mahon says that the VAT increase will hit least well off and will depress economic growth further. Read full article


4 January, 2011

"New Evidence a 'crucial development' in Maureen Mc Ginley case"-Doherty

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has described, as a 'crucial development,' new evidence that has been brought forward in the case of how Strabane pensioner Maureen Mc Ginley sustained 34 rib fractures following her death at Altnagelvin hospital in January 2007. Read full article


1 January, 2011

NEW YEARS MESSAGE FROM WEST TYRONE MP MLA PAT DOHERTY

Speaking in his New Year's Message, Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty said that with major challenges undoubtedly lying ahead in the coming year as a result of swinging cuts imposed on the Assembly Executive budget by the Tory led British government Read full article


29 December, 2010

Lack of Communication Compounds Misery of Fintona Residents with No Water

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor Glenn Campbell has said that lack of communication from various agencies has compounded the misery experienced by many without heating and water over the Chrismas period. Read full article


28 December, 2010

Don't forget your shovel...

Members of Sinn Féin and Ógra Shinn Féin supported by Strathroy Community Association worked voluntarily to clear the area around the pensioner houses and gritted the local shop in Strathroy. Read full article


28 December, 2010

Emergency plan needed to deal with burst pipes and no heat or water- Strabane Council Chair

Cllr Michaela Boyle, the Sinn Féin Chair of Strabane District Council says that it is imperative that the Minister of Social Development Alex Attwood implements an immediate emergency plan to deal with the growing number of tenants who have no heat or water in their homes and whose homes are now flooding due to burst pipes. Read full article


22 December, 2010

Begley expresses concern over use of section 24 by the PSNI

Sinn Féin Councillor Sean Begley has said he is very seriously concerned over what he believes is excessive use of Section 24 of the 'Justice and Security Act 2000'. His comments come after a report to the Policing Board had identified a huge jump in the use of Section 24 powers. Read full article


21 December, 2010

Welcome for RTE provision in the North

Sinn Féin Omagh Town councillor Marty McColgan has welcomed the news that RTE1, RTE2 and Irish language station TG4 will be available to freeview viewers in the north from 2012. Read full article


17 December, 2010

Large turnout to remember Jim Mc Ginn

Several hundred republicans assembled in Cloughfinn on Sunday 12th December and paraded the short distance to Clady Bridge to remember Staff Captain Jim Mc Ginn, West Tyrone Command, Óglach na hÉireann who was killed in a pre-mature explosion at the spot on the 15th December 1973 Read full article


16 December, 2010

EMA Allowance Should Continue - Campbell

West Tyrone Sinn Féin councillor Glenn Campbell has said that the Educational Maintenance Allowance given to post 16 students should continue in the north of Ireland. His call comes after the British Tory party announced that it is to axe the incentive to post 16 students in England. Read full article


16 December, 2010

Loughmacrory transforms into Winter wonderland

Loughmacrory was transformed into a winter wonderland at the weekend as almost 2000 people descended on the Lough to take part in a unique Christmas celebration. Read full article


15 December, 2010

Doherty welcomes budgetary green light for Altnagelvin Radiotherapy unit

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has welcomed the financial commitment given in the draft budget delivered by Finance Minister Sammy Wilson in the Assembly to go ahead with the planned Radiotherapy Cancer Unit planned for completion at Altnagelvin hospital by 2015. Read full article


14 December, 2010

Strabane District Council seeking concrete assurances from Irish government on A5 Dual Carriageway Funding

Strabane District Council has supported a call from Sinn Féin Cllr Jarlath Mc Nulty to write to Irish government Transport Minister Noel Dempsey seeking concrete assurances that Read full article


14 December, 2010

6 month old child was living in squalor- Kelly

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor Peter Kelly has said there must be greater co-operation between statutory and voluntary agencies as well as social services following a case where a local family with very young children and a 6 month baby were living in squalor for over a year. Read full article


13 December, 2010

Fitzgerald accuses NIW of 'passing the buck'

Families in parts of Mid Tyrone have spent up to one week without water as the fall out of the recent cold snap continues. Read full article


11 December, 2010

Chairman pays tribute to the work of Ramona House

Council Chairman, Declan Mc Aleer makes a presentation to Frances Hosey, Manager of Ramona House accompanied by members of staff and service users.

The Chairman of Omagh District Council has held a reception to pay tribute to the staff and Service users of Ramona House for the excellent work they have carried out during the seven years since the facility first opened its doors in 2003. Read full article


4 December, 2010

Loughmacrory lights up for Christmas

Cllr Declan Mc Aleer with the carol singers at the Loughmacrory lights switch on.

The village of Loughmacrory radiated with the sights and sounds of Christmas on Friday evening at the annual switch on of the Christmas lights. Read full article


2 December, 2010

Joint liaison needed to aid carers.

Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone councillor Sean Clarke has said their must be a stronger liaison between the Roads Service and Western health and Social Care Trust with regard to carers accessing the properties of those availing of home help. Read full article


1 December, 2010

Poots Must Implement RPA - Donnelly

Sinn Féin Councillor Frankie Donnelly has said the recent announcement from Edwin Poots that councils will assume new power over planning seeks to divert attention from Mr Poots' responsibilities. Councillor Donnelly who is the chairperson of the Planning committee on Omagh District council said the possibility of councils getting greater planning powers was no substitute for implementing RPA in full. Read full article


1 December, 2010

Sinn Féin President Launches Cross border Initiative

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has launched a major initiative aimed at highlighting and resolving many problems associated with the border. Entitled 'Bridging the Border-Reconnecting Communities', the initiative Read full article


30 November, 2010

Sinn Féin motion calls for Neighbourhood Renewal funding to be secured

A Sinn Féin motion calling on the Social Development Minister to "bring forward proposals to secure Neighbourhood Renewal funding beyond March 2011" will be debating in the Assembly Chamber this afternoon. Read full article


30 November, 2010

Welcome for Cold Weather Benefits

Mid Tyrone Sinn Féin councillor and Vice chairperson of Omagh District Council Anne Marie Fitzgerald has said those entitled to cold weather benefits should receive a payment of £25 in the coming days. Read full article


29 November, 2010

Bizarre Roads Service 'directive' will affect most vulnerable

Sinn Féin mid Tyrone councillor Sean Clarke has criticised a Road Service 'directive' effectively banning officials from depositing piles of grits on rural roads and villages. Read full article


28 November, 2010

Adams to address major Uniting Ireland Rally

The chairs of Tyrone's 4 Council will be in attendance at the Uniting Ireland rally on Monday evening.

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams, alongside newly elected TD for Donegal south-west Pearse Doherty, will launch a cross border initiative "Bridging the Border-Reconnecting Communities" at a Uniting Ireland Rally on Monday 29th November in the Westenra Arms Hotel in Monaghan town at 7.30pm on the 90th Anniversary of the partition of Ireland. Read full article


25 November, 2010

Cllr Larry Mc Lernon - 'The Hippy On The Bike'

Cllr Larry Mc Lernon is extremely well known in the Dungannon area for his tireless work as a welfare rights advisor. He was recently selected by Sinn Féin to defend his seat on Dungannon Borough Council. This week, he spoke to Lisa Ross of the Dungannon Martyrs Sinn Féin Cumann about his life and his hopes for the future. Read full article


24 November, 2010

Gildernew unanimously selected to contest Assembly election

The successful candidates get down to business after being nominated.

Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has been unanimously selected by party members to contest the forthcoming Assembly election, which is scheduled for May 2011. Read full article


23 November, 2010

Calls for maintenance of Moneygar road following removal of illegal waste

Sinn Féin west Tyrone councillor Peter Kelly has called upon DRD Roads Service to ensure the Moneygar road, in Trillick remains fit for purpose following a deterioration of the Road surface in recent weeks. Read full article


23 November, 2010

Tyrone Republicans honoured at dinner dance

Veteran republican James Mc Elduff receives a presentation from Kerry North TD Martin Ferris and Pat Doherty MP at the West  Tyrone Sinn Féin dinnerdance.

Republicans from throughout West Tyrone and Donegal converged in the Mellon Country Hotel on Saturday night for the annual West Tyrone Sinn Féin dinner dance. During the evening presentations were made to 4 lifelong Republican activists: James Mc Elduff (Loughmacrory), Tommy Mc Namee (Glenelly/Omagh), Patsy Mc Garvey (Aghyaran/Derg) and Sean Harte (Canada, formerly Loughmacrory). Read full article


16 November, 2010

Fallen tree blocks Old Mountfield Road

Motorists had a lucky escape on Tuesday evening when a fallen tree blocked the Old Mountfield Road for several hours. One of the first on the scene was the chairman of Omagh District Council, Declan Mc Aleer. Read full article


15 November, 2010

Adams initiative shows great leadership - McColgan

Sinn Fein group leader on Omagh District Council, Martin McColgan has welcomed an initiative from Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams that will see him stand for the parliament in the 26 counties in the next general election. Read full article


15 November, 2010

Traffic calming proposals to be unveiled.

Sinn Féin councillor for West Tyrone Frankie Donnelly has called upon local people in the Drumquin area to have their input into a consultation process about traffic calming measures in the area. Read full article


12 November, 2010

Sinn Fein seeking meeting with Principal Planning Officer over Adria Site future

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has requested a meeting with the DoE's Principle Planning Officer Dr Chris Boomer to press for a change in the zoning of the Adria factory site in Strabane from industrial use only. Read full article


9 November, 2010

Increase of student fees will create two tier system - Mc Hugh

Sinn Féin Councillor Ruairi Mc Hugh has supported students at a recent protest at Stormont regarding the prospect of increased student fees for higher level education. Read full article


7 November, 2010

MP lobbying for relaxation off Strabane town centre parking enforcement arrangements in run up to Christmas .

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty is lobbying DRD Minister Conor Murphy for a relaxation of parking enforcement arrangements in Strabane town centre in the run up to Christmas in an effort to boost town centre business. Read full article


4 November, 2010

Council launches District Towns Action Plans.

The Chairman of Omagh District Council, Declan Mc Aleer hosted an event on Thursday evening to launch the council commissioned District Town Action Plans for Carrickmore, Dromore and Fintona. Read full article


3 November, 2010

Father and son praised for intervening in serious Halloween night attack

Cllr Michaela Boyle, the Sinn Féin Chair of Strabane District Council has praised a father and son from Strabane for their intervention in preventing serious injury to three young people who were being attacked by a large crowd of other young people in the garden of their St Mary's Drive home in trouble which is believed to have spilled over from a Halloween bonfire in the grounds of the nearby derelict Adria factory site. Read full article


1 November, 2010

Farm Modernisation to tackle disadvantage in the agriculture sector.

West Tyrone Sinn Féin councillor Peter Kelly has urged local farmers to apply for the Farm Modernisation Programme which opened in October. The programme will be open for applications from now until 4pm on Friday 26th November. Read full article


1 November, 2010

Derg Sinn Fein councillors welcome planned Road Safety Measures

Derg Sinn Fein Councillors : Ruairi Mc Hugh & Kieran Mc Guire have welcomed the commitment by DRD Roads Service to again invest heavily in the Derg electoral area Speaking as Roads Service launched their Local Transport & Safety Measures Draft Programme 2011 - 2013 Read full article


27 October, 2010

Questions remain following damning Ombudsman's Report into death of John Brady

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty, responding to the findings of the Police Ombudsman's Report into the death of Stranane man John Brady while in custody ar Strand Road PSNI station in Derry last October, said, Read full article


25 October, 2010

Act Responsible call in lead up to Halloween.

Omagh Town Sinn Féin Councillor Martin McColgan has called upon people throughout the Omagh District to be responsible in the lead up to Halloween. Read full article


21 October, 2010

Irish Language Bursary Awards presented at Council reception

The Chairman of Omagh District Council's Public Services Liaison Committee, Frankie Donnelly performed the annual presentation of the Irish Language Bursary Awards. Read full article


20 October, 2010

Sinn Féin welcomes council decision to appoint GAA Development officer.

The chairman of Omagh District Council, Declan Mc Aleer has welcomed the decision by Omagh Council to appoint a GAA Games Development officer for the district. The initiative is a joint partnership between Omagh District Council and Tyrone County board. Read full article


19 October, 2010

Some clarification on Out of Hours, more required-MC GILL

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Claire Mc Gill has welcome clarification received from the Health & Social Care Board that patients from Strabane District can be still seen by a doctor at Strabane Health Centre during the Out of Hours 12 midnight to 8 am shift Read full article


19 October, 2010

Sinn Féin to commemorate 20th anniversary of Tommy Casey

Tommy Casey is commemorated on the Remembering Quilt which will be on display in Kileenan chapel from 6pm on Tuesday 26th October

This Tuesday evening will mark the 20th anniversary of the death of Tyrone Sinn Féin activist, and father of 11 children, Tommy Casey. Tommy was shot dead by Loyalist gunmen after arriving at a neighbour's house on 26th October 1990. Read full article


19 October, 2010

Local community groups to benefit from grant aid.

Local West Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor, Ann Quinn has welcomed Omagh District Councils allocation of over £27,000 in grant aid towards Christmas events in the district. The grant aid applies to Christmas 'switch on' events as well as aid for particular initiatives or events. Read full article


18 October, 2010

DUP call to end funding for Catholic schools 'sectarian', says Sinn Féin

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has described DUP leader Peter Robinson's call for an end of funding for church schools as little more than a thinly disguised sectarian attack on Catholic education, parents and children. Read full article


18 October, 2010

Mc Gill seeks meeting with DETI Minister on 'hit and miss' broadband' service in rural West Tyrone

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Claire Mc Gill is seeking a meeting with DETI Minister Arlene Foster to seek progress on the provision of telephone line broadband to all rural parts of the constituency. Read full article


18 October, 2010

High number of DLA claimants reflects high level of social deprivation.

Sinn Fein Councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has said recent reports that West Tyrone ranked 3rd in the table of highest claimants for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) reflect the high level of social deprivation in the constituency. Read full article


15 October, 2010

Councillor Comments on Online Bullying

Councillor Campbell was speaking after it was reported that an estimated third of all children will have been bullied at some time whilst using social networking sites on the Internet. Read full article


15 October, 2010

Clarke to press PSNI over high number of complaints

Sinn Féin Councillor and Omagh DPP member Sean Clarke has said the PSNI must address huge issues of discipline within the PSNI following the publication of figures which details consistent complaints against officers. Read full article


14 October, 2010

Brown Bin scheme set to be extended to 2,500 Omagh households

Sinn Féin councillor Frankie Donnelly has welcomed the enhancement of Omagh District Councils recycling initiative by providing over 2,500 homes in rural areas of the Omagh District with a brown bin. Read full article


14 October, 2010

Sinn Fein publish alternative economic proposals to deal with current economic difficulties

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty says his party today set out a series of proposals to deal with the current economic difficulties which clearly shows that there is an alternative to the Tory approach of trying to cut a way out of recession Read full article


14 October, 2010

Mayor hosts ceremony to commemorate death of Cllr Martin Mc Caughey.

Dungannon SF Councillors pictured at the civic commemoration.

On Wednesday evening, the Mayor of Dungannon Council, Michelle O Neill hosted a civic ceremony to commemorate the death of Cllr Martin Mc Caughey. Martin was killed on active service with Vol Dessie Grew on 9th October 1990. Read full article


13 October, 2010

Campbell highlights Need for Greater Engagement with Youth

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor, Glenn Campbell, has highlighted the need for elected representatives to have greater engagement with young people. He was speaking after representing Sinn Féin along with Council Chairman Declan Mc Aleer at an event to mark Local Democracy Week in Omagh. Read full article


12 October, 2010

Revulsion at attack on Strabane pensioner

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Brian Mc Mahon says that there is revulsion in the local community at a weekend attack which saw a garden ornament thrown through the window of pensioner Ellen Mc Gillicuddy's bedroom while she slept in her Ballycolman Estate home. Read full article


12 October, 2010

Tyrone stars honoured at joint council reception

On Saturday evening several hundred Tyrone Gaels converged on Kelly's Inn, Garvaghey to celebrate another successful year of Gaelic games in the county. The event was jointly organised by the chairs of Tyrone's 4 Councils - Read full article


7 October, 2010

Strabane/Lifford Road Development Planning approval -

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty says that the granting of Planning Service approval for a 23.5 acre mixed use development project between Strabane and Lifford has now unlocked the potential for biggest economic investment in the area for generations. Read full article


6 October, 2010

Donnelly hails Broadband advances

Sinn Féin councillor Frankie Donnelly has hailed the extension of broadband service to many parts of rural Tyrone who were previously unable to access internet facilities. Read full article


5 October, 2010

Sinn Féin meet Health & Social Care Board on removal of Out of Hours care from Strabane.

Sinn Fein's West Tyrone MLA Claire Mc Gill and Council Chair Michaela Boyle have met with Health and Social Care Board officials to press local concerns about the Board's decision to transfer of the Out of Hours care from Strabane to Derry as and from the 31st September. Read full article


1 October, 2010

Welcome for Customer care register

Sinn Fein mid Tyrone councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has urged older citizens or those with a disability to join the customer care register, which is being rolled out by NI Water. Read full article


29 September, 2010

Tyrone Councils to honour GAA success

The chairs of Tyrone's 4 Councils are to jointly host a reception in recognition of another successful year for Gaelic games in the county. Read full article


28 September, 2010

RAAD SHOULD GO AWAY AND STAY AWAY-DOHERTY

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty says that the self-styled vigilante group Republican Action Against Drugs should 'go away and stay away.' He make his comments at the annual commemoration which was held in Strabane earlier today in memory of republican dead from the local area. Read full article


27 September, 2010

Praise for Organisers of Drumragh 10k and 5k Fun Run/Walk

West Tyrone Sinn Fein Councillor, Glenn Campbell, has praised the organisers of the 1st Annual Drumragh 10k and 5k Fun Run/Walk which took place on Saturday 25th September. Read full article


21 September, 2010

Welcome for Dromore public toilet refurbishments.

West Tyrone Sinn Féin councillor Ann Quinn has welcomed the refurbishment of the public toilets in the town. She was speaking as the public facilities, on the Omagh road in Dromore were undergoing a programme of refurbishment works. Read full article


21 September, 2010

Aghyaran a step closer to full Broadband coverage - Mc Guire

Sinn Fein Councillor Kieran Mc Guire has announced that the work has now started on the provision of Broadband in the Aghyaran area, Cllr Mc Guire said : Read full article


21 September, 2010

Republican commemorative events in Strabane

Cllr Michaela Boyle, the Sinn Féin Chair of Strabane District Council, is encouraging a strong turnout at events planned in the town this weekend in memory of republican dead from the local area. She said Read full article


17 September, 2010

Limited Edition Print marks Joe McGarrity's 1916 Role

Sinn Fein in Carrickmore has commissioned a limited edition print aimed at raising public awareness about the role of local Republican Joe McGarrity in Irish Republican history. Read full article


14 September, 2010

Safety Concerns raised on Seskinore Road

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Councilor Glenn Campbell has raised a number of concerns in relation to road safety and footpath provision on the Carnalea Road in Seskinore. Read full article


13 September, 2010

Original water tap reinstated at Strabane Graveyard

Cllr Michaela Boyle, the Sinn Féin Chair of Strabane District Council, has thanked the Council's Technical Services Department for positively responding to requests to re-install a water tap at its original location in the lower part of the of Strabane Graveyard. Read full article


13 September, 2010

Call to protect the Rights of Farmers

Sinn Fein councillor Peter Kelly has called upon the European Commission to protect the rights of farmers against big supermarket retailers. His call follows a vote on the issue in the European Parliament. Read full article


9 September, 2010

Anger at latest Strabane pipe bomb attack

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty says that there is considerable anger in the local community in Strabane at the latest pipe bomb attack on a car parked outside a family home on the Ballycolman lane in the town. Read full article


9 September, 2010

First council meeting for new Councillor

Glenn Campbell was unveiled as the newest councillor in the Omagh District when he took part in his first full council meeting as a Sinn Fein representative on Tuesday night. Read full article


8 September, 2010

Donnelly welcomes Western Trust Commitment

Sinn Féin councillor Frankie Donnelly has welcomed the news that the Western Trust have agreed to buy a specially adopted wheelchair for Drumquin girl Demi-Lee Hackett. Read full article


6 September, 2010

ETA Ceasefire renews hope for progress in Basque Country.

Sinn Féin Omagh District Councillor Marty McCoglan has said the announcement by Basque independence group ETA of a ceasefire renews hope for progress in the Basque country. He also said that unless the Spanish government seized upon the initiative that the progress would be lost. Read full article


6 September, 2010

Miraculous Escape as tree falls on Family Car

A Gortin family had a miraculous escape when a tree fell on their car on Sunday afternoon. Read full article


5 September, 2010

Lough Sunday success 'surpassed all expectations'

Children enjoying a boat trip during 'Lough Sunday' (Photo courtesy of Julie Gallagher photography)

The Chairperson of Omagh District Council, Declan Mc Aleer and Loughmacrory based Councillor, Sharon O Brien have paid tribute to the organisers of the inaugural 'Lough Sunday'. The initiative which was taken by Loughmacrory Community Development Association, Read full article


3 September, 2010

Doherty welcomes planning permission for 11.5 hectre Strabane Business Park

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has welcomed confirmation that Planning Permission has been granted for an 11.5 hectares site on lands at Melmount Road in Strabane for the development of a major Invest NI business park. The local MP is now looking forward to the speedy acquisition and development of the site. Read full article


29 August, 2010

Drumragh GFC clubrooms officially opened

Participants prepare to take part in the bike challenge in aid of Drumragh GFC.

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Cllr, Glenn Campbell and the chair of Omagh District Council, Declan Mc Aleer attended the official opening of Drumragh Sarsfields GFC clubrooms on Saturday morning. Read full article


27 August, 2010

Council chairman performs official opening of newly refurbished Hospital Road Community Centre.

On Friday afternoon, the Chairperson of Omagh District Council, Declan Mc Aleer performed the official re-opening of the newly refurbished Hospital Road Community Centre. The community centre is one of three council run facilities in the town and the £1 million refurbishment has provided multi purpose rooms and facilities which enable local groups to avail of a wide range of activities and services. Speaking at the launch, Cllr Mc Aleer said: Read full article


25 August, 2010

NIE Energy Contact Centre officially opened in Omagh

The Chairperson of Omagh District Council, Declan Mc Aleer was among the guests who welcomed Minister Arlene Foster to the official opening of the NIE Energy Contact Centre at Bankmore Business Park, Omagh. The centre currently employs 35 people and complements the other centres in Belfast and Ballymena. Speaking at the launch, Cllr Mc Aleer said: Read full article


24 August, 2010

Dromore Main Street In bad state of disrepair - Cllr Quinn

Sinn Fein west Tyrone councillor Ann Quinn has written to Roads Service highlighting her concerns regarding the poor state of the road surface on Dromore Main Street as well as Church Street in the town. Read full article


23 August, 2010

Winter Fuel Payment reports 'worrying'.

Sinn Féin Omagh District Council Vice chairperson Anne Marie Fitzgerald has described as 'worrying' reports that the winter fuel payments may be cut for thousands people by the British Government. Read full article


19 August, 2010

Campbell Urges Students to Avail of Careers Advice and Consider All Options

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor Glenn Campbell, has urged students who have received their A-Level results to consider all options available and urged those finding it difficult to decide on their next step to avail of the support available. Read full article


17 August, 2010

Large Tyrone contingent at Hunger Strike Parade.

A large number of Tyrone Republicans made their way to Bellaghy on Sunday for the annual Hunger Strike rally. The commemoration marked the 29th anniversary of the Hunger Strikes of 1981. Read full article


17 August, 2010

SF will oppose SDLP Special Branch Plans

Sinn Fein councillor Sean Clarke has said that his party will actively oppose SDLP leader Margaret Ritchie's plan for a Special Branch to operate within the PSNI. Read full article


16 August, 2010

Martin McGuinness Speaking at Hunger Strike Commemoration

Full Text of the speech delivered by Martin McGuiness at the National Hunger Strike Commemoration in Bellaghy, Co Derry on 15 August 2010. Read full article


13 August, 2010

Sinn Féin opposed to proposed bus operator licensing changes

Sinn Féin councillor Kieran Mc Guire says that proposals put out for consultation by the Department of Environment seeking to change bus operating licensing would, if implemented, have an adverse impact on the sustainability of community transport. He said, Read full article


12 August, 2010

Sinn Féin seeking One-Stop-Shop for Border Area Welfare Queries

Strabane Sinn Féin Council Chair Michaela Boyle has called for the creation of a one-stop-shop to deal with welfare rights queries from members of the public who live along the border. She said, Read full article


11 August, 2010

Republicans to mobilise for Hunger Strike Commemoration

Republicans from across Ireland and beyond will converge on the south Derry village of Bellaghy on Sunday for the annual Hunger Strike Commemoration. Read full article


10 August, 2010

Sinn Féin to co-opt new councillor on to District Council

Glenn Campbell and Barry McElduff MLA

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Barry McElduff has stepped down from Omagh District Council after 10 years on the local government scene. Mr McElduff formally handed in a letter of resignation to the Omagh District Council offices on Monday 2nd August and was accompanied by Dromore native Glenn Campbell who will fill the vacant Sinn Féin seat on the council. Read full article


9 August, 2010

Tamlaght Road meeting 'Positive'

Sinn Fein Omagh town councillor Sean Begley has described as 'positive', a meeting with representatives of NI Water and local residents on the Tamlaght road area of Omagh. The meeting was to ally fears of further disruption in the area as work continues on the sewerage system upgrade in the area. Read full article


5 August, 2010

Mc Aleer encourages uptake of Warm Homes Scheme

Cllr Mc Aleer pictured holding application forms for the Warm Homes scheme.

The Chairperson of Omagh District Council, Declan Mc Aleer has called on people to apply for the Warm Home Scheme which is funded by the Department for Social Development. Read full article


4 August, 2010

Meeting set to allay further disruption fears.

Sinn Féin Omagh town councillors Sean Begley and Martin McColgan have said there will be a meeting with representatives of NI Water in the Tamlaght road of Omagh to ally fears further disruption fears as work on the sewerage system continues in the area. Read full article


3 August, 2010

Sinn Féin welcomes announcement to develop Long Kesh site

A delegation from West Tyrone Ógra Shinn Féin visited the H-Blocks before work commenced on the demolition of a number of building within the site

Sinn Féin councillor Sean Clarke has welcomed the news that an application is to proceed to see the development of a conflict resolution centre on the former Long Kesh Prison site, as well as the retention of the listed buildings. Read full article


29 July, 2010

£350 million development proposal for Omagh given green light

West Tyrone MP, Pat Doherty and the chair of Omagh District Council, Declan Mc Aleer have welcomed the decision by Planning Service to issue a 28 day notice of opinion to approve a £350 million multi use development site on the Derry Road, Omagh. Read full article


28 July, 2010

Fitzgerald Welcomes IT training for Tyrone farmers

Mid Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has welcomed a new scheme to provide IT training for low-paid workers in rural parts of Co Tyrone. The scheme was launched by Department of Agriculture and Rural Development minister, Michelle Gildernew earlier this week. Read full article


26 July, 2010

Bellaghy venue for August 15 National Hunger Strike Commemoration

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has announced that the venue for the 2010 National Hunger Strike Commemoration will be the town of Bellaghy in South Derry on Sunday 15th August Read full article


26 July, 2010

Campbell Commends Organisers of Tattyreagh 5 Mile Road Race

West Tyrone Sinn Féin representative, Glenn Campbell, has commended the organisers of the first Tattyreagh 5 Mile Road Race. Read full article


25 July, 2010

Hundreds take part in 'Cairn Sunday'

Cllr Sean Clarke and Cllr Declan Mc Aleer at the summit.

The Chairperson of Omagh District Council, Declan Mc Aleer and Mid Tyrone Cllr, Sean Clarke were among several hundred participants who took part in this years 'Cairn Sunday'. Read full article


22 July, 2010

Community groups urged to prepare for Council financial assistance

The chairman of the Omagh District Council's Development committee, Sean Begley has called upon local community and voluntary groups to begin preparing their applications for the Councils Community Support and Capital Grant aid. Read full article


20 July, 2010

Angling Association launched in Loughmacrory

Cllr Mc Aleer pictured with the Angling committee, representatives of Loughmacrory Community Association and Loughs Agency.

Monday the 19th of July saw the official 'launch' of the newly formed Loughmacrory and Murrrins District Angling Association (LAMDAA). Omagh District Council Chairman, Cllr Declan McAleer and the LAMDAA Committee members, along with representatives of the Loughmacrory Community Development Association (LCDA) and the Loughs Agency, celebrated the first fishing season under the new club during Angling Awareness Month 2010. Read full article


18 July, 2010

Doherty condemns Glebe shooting.

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP MLA Pat Doherty has condemned the shooting of a taxi driver in the Glebe last night. Read full article


14 July, 2010

Tyrone's Republican dead remembered.

Caoimghin Ó Caolain TD

Hundreds of Republicans assembled on Main Street, Cappagh on Wednesday evening to mark Tyrone Volunteers Day. The annual commemoration coincides with the anniversary of the death of Tyrone Volunteer, Martin Hurson who died on hunger strike on 13th July 1981. Read full article


13 July, 2010

Battles of letter box and garden gate no joke for postal staff

Sinn Féin councillor and Chairperson of Strabane District Council Michaela Boyle has lent her support to a campaign by the Post Office to encourage dog owners to be vigilant as to the whereabouts of their pets when postmen and women call. Read full article


13 July, 2010

Twelfth can't be used to disguise hooligan actions

Sinn Féin Councillor Brian Mc Mahon says that the community in the Carlton Drive area are angered at the hooligan actions of small number of young people in the area yesterday. Read full article


13 July, 2010

Campbell Calls For Erection of Crash Barriers on Fintona Road

West Tyrone Sinn Féin representative, Glenn Campbell, has called for crash barriers to be erected on the Dromore Road approach to Fintona town.

West Tyrone Sinn Féin representative, Glenn Campbell, has called upon DRD Road Service to take preventative action along a stretch of the Dromore Road on the approach to Fintona town. Read full article


12 July, 2010

Attacks on buses in Strabane roundly condemned

Sinn Féin has described stone attacks on three Donegal bound buses on the Strabane by-pass earlier today as a sickening and deplorable act. Read full article


9 July, 2010

Mc Aleer calls for additional bin collection service

SF Reps Declan Mc Aleer and Glenn Campbell graphically demonstrate the frustration felt by many traders over the proliferation of cardboard.

The chairperson of Omagh District Council, Declan Mc Aleer has called for the introduction of an additional bin collection service to cope with the proliferation of cardboard which is generated by local businesses in the town. Read full article


9 July, 2010

Dromore Barracks Demolished

Sinn Féin councillor for West Tyrone, Ann Quinn has welcomed the demolition of the former RUC and PSNI barracks in Dromore. Read full article


8 July, 2010

Decision to scrap section 44 vindicates Sinn Féin's concerns.

Sinn Fein councillor Marty McColgan has said the decision to scrap powers given to the PSNI under section 44 has vindicated Sinn Fein's stance on the issue. Read full article


8 July, 2010

Sinn Féin welcome cuts in EU mobile roaming charges

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Represenative Glenn Campbell has welcomed reduction in mobile roaming charges.

Sinn Féin west Tyrone representative Glenn Campbell has welcomed cuts in EU mobile phone roaming charges which came into effect on 1st July. Read full article


7 July, 2010

Safety First on the Farm this summer

With the summer holidays upon us Sinn Fein west Tyrone Councillor Peter Kelly has called upon those living on farms to put safety first this summer. Read full article


6 July, 2010

Drumnakilly bridge work welcomed.

Mid Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has welcomed the reconstruction of Drumnakilly Bridge between Carrickmore and Omagh. Read full article


5 July, 2010

No viable alternative to Income Support will disadvantage those who are most vulnerable - Mc Guire

Derg Sinn Féin Councillor Kieran Mc Guire, has stated that the proposed phasing out of Income Support will affect those who are most in need of support and has raised concerns of the capacity of the Social Security offices to carry out such a task. Read full article


5 July, 2010

Local bank worker jobs must be protected-Doherty

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty says that ordinary bank workers should not have to pay the price for the reckless actions of banking institution bosses. Read full article


5 July, 2010

McElduff urges McGimpsey to announce start date for new Omagh Hospital

Sinn Fein MLA Barry McElduff is seeking an urgent meeting with the Minister for Health Michael McGimpsey to establish the timeframe for the new Omagh Hospital start date. Read full article


5 July, 2010

Doherty welcomes 'Stop and Search' ruling

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has welcomed this week's decision by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) to reject the British government's final appeal over the use of Stop and Search powers under Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000, and he has called for their immediate suspension. Read full article


2 July, 2010

Resource Pack launched to highlight dangers of alcohol abuse.

Cllr Mc Aleer pictured with some of the participants who took part in the Breakthru project.

The Chairman of Omagh District Council, Declan Mc Aleer attended the launch of a photographic resource pack which was commissioned by Breakthru to highlight the dangers posed to young people by alcohol abuse. Read full article


2 July, 2010

Tyrone Volunteers Day 2010 launched

The 4 chairs of Tyrone's Council's: Cllr John Mc Namee (Cookstown DC); Cllr Declan Mc Aleer (Omagh DC); Cllr Michelle O Neill (Dungannon Borough Council); Cllr Micheala Boyle (Strabane DC).

The 2010 Tyrone Volunteers Day was officially launched on Friday 2nd July. The launch, which took place at the Republican monument on Cappaghs Main Street was performing by the Sinn Féin chairpersons of the four District Councils in Tyrone. Read full article


1 July, 2010

Bilingual Education - The Best Possible Start In Life

Opinion piece by Councillor Declan McAleer Read full article


28 June, 2010

Pat Doherty Addressed Gaughan / Stagg Commemoration

Pat Doherty yesterday addressed the Michael Gaughan and Frank Stagg commemoration in Ballina, Co Mayo. This is the full text of his speech. Read full article


24 June, 2010

British Queen not welcome in Ireland - Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin councillor Sean Clarke has said the British Queen should not be welcomed in any part of Ireland. His comments follow the Taoiseach Brian Cowen's welcome for a visit to Ireland by the Queen of England, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the British Army. Read full article


22 June, 2010

New Play area unveiled by Education Minister in Carrickmore.

A new Play area has been unveiled by Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane during a visit to the Naíscoil Colmcille An Charraig Mhór. Read full article


21 June, 2010

COUNCIL CHAIR TO HOST BLOOMING GREAT TEA PARTY

Chairman of Omagh District Council Declan Mc Aleer has invited members of the public to attend a Blooming Great Tea Party in the Strule Arts Centre on Wednesday afternoon. The event will run from 11am until 3pm and people are free to drop in at any stage during the afternoon. Read full article


21 June, 2010

French delegation participate in Omagh Midsummer carnival

Cllr Declan Mc Aleer pictured with Mayor, Madame Annie Recoux on one of the floats at Fridays carnival.

Thousands of people took to the streets of Omagh on Friday evening to celebrate the 11th annual Mid summer carnival. This year's event was made extra special by the participation of a delegation from Pont Remy in Northern France. The delegation was in the district to mark the 10th anniversary of the signing of a twinning charter with Drumquin. Speaking at the carnival, the chair of Omagh DC, Declan Mc Aleer said: Read full article


21 June, 2010

Pont Remy delegation hosted in Omagh Council

Cllr Mc Aleer pictured with Mayor, Madame Annie Recoux, Cllr Frankie Donnelly and representatives of Drumquin Development Association.

On Friday, the Chairperson of Omagh District Council, Declan Mc Aleer hosted a delegation from the village of Pont Remy in Northern France to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the signing of the twinning charter between Pont Remy and Drumquin. During the reception, Cllr Mc Aleer said: Read full article


17 June, 2010

Saville vindicates Bloody Sunday families Campaign - McColgan

Sinn Féin councillor Marty McColgan has welcomed the findings of the Saville Report into Bloody Sunday in 1972; that the 14 people shot dead on the streets of Derry were unarmed, posed no threat and were completely innocent. Read full article


16 June, 2010

Marie Curie Blooming Great Tea Party launched in Omagh DC

The Chairperson of Omagh DC, Cllr Declan Mc Aleer hosted the launch of Marie Curie Blooming Great Tea Party fundraising initiative in the council chamber this morning. The event was attended by Marie Curie volunteers from throughout Counties Tyrone and Fermanagh. Speaking at the launch, Cllr Mc Aleer said: Read full article


16 June, 2010

Exhibition of Townlands Unveiled

Omagh District council vice chairperson Anne Marie Fitzgerald has commended local schools for their work and input into a local place names project which was unveiled at the Strule Arts Centre on Monday. Read full article


15 June, 2010

Gortmore Park residents mark 60th anniversary

Cllr Declan Mc Aleer

The recently elected chair of Omagh District Council, Declan Mc Aleer was one of the speakers at the launch of the 60th anniversary celebrations at Gortmore Park on Saturday afternoon. Hundreds of neighbours and former residents, some of whom travelled from afar as Read full article


15 June, 2010

DUP Slammed for RPA Failure

Sinn Féin councillor Sean Begley has slammed the DUP for voting against council reforms which would have seen 26 local government authorities being reduced to 11 in time for the next council elections scheduled for 2011. Read full article


11 June, 2010

Loughmacrory PS celebrates Green Flag award

Cllr Mc Aleer pictured with school staff and pupils in the recently completed garden.

It was a case of 'back to school' for the newly elected chair of Omagh District Council, Declan Mc Aleer when he returned to St Teresa's Primary School, Loughmacrory for his first civic engagement. Cllr Mc Aleer is a past pupil of the school. Read full article


10 June, 2010

Local Schools congratulated on health promotion success

Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone Councillor Sharon O'Brien has congratulated 12 local schools who received awards at the annual Health Promoting Schools Award Ceremony, held recently in the Fir Trees Hotel, Strabane. Read full article


9 June, 2010

Omagh benefits from £2 million investment in Sewer Replacement Scheme

Local Sinn Féin councillor Sean Begley has welcomed the commencement of a £2 million project of sewer replacement in Omagh. Read full article


8 June, 2010

Sinn Féin takes top posts on Omagh District Council.

Declans McAleer pictured with his wife, Geraldine and children Tárlach and Rioghnach

The Sinn Féin party have secured the positions of Chair and vice chair of Omagh District Council. Read full article


7 June, 2010

Sinn Féin councillor express condolences to family of road victim.

Sinn Féin councillor Frankie Donnelly has extended condolences to the family of Michael Nugent (21) following the death of Mr. Nugent in a car accident early on Sunday morning. Read full article


7 June, 2010

Further Rural Development Programme Funding measures open for application

Sinn Féin has called upon as many groups and individuals as possible throughout Omagh and Strabane to apply for funding from the latest Rural Development Programme Funding Measures which open for application today Monday 7 June. Read full article


4 June, 2010

Omagh District Council Support calls for Israeli ambassador ban.

A Sinn Féin motion calling upon the Dublin government to expel the Israeli ambassador in Dublin has received cross party support in Omagh District Council when the issue came before the June meeting held on Tuesday evening. Read full article


3 June, 2010

'Outrageous' attack on family cars in Eskra.

Sinn Féin councillor Frankie Donnelly has hit out after attacks on cars belonging to a local Eskra family on Wednesday night. Read full article


2 June, 2010

Strabane protest in response to attacks on aid flotilla

Sinn Féin and Ógra activists took part in a well attended protest in Strabane town centre today, Wed 2nd June. Read full article


2 June, 2010

Sinn Féin expresses sympathy on the death of Donald Mc Elduff

SF have expressed sympathy with the family of Donald Mc Elduff who died on Wednesday afternoon.  Donald was the father of West Tyrone MLA, Barry Mc Elduff (above)

West Tyrone Sinn Féin constituency manager, Cllr Sean Begley has expressed his party's sympathy with the family of Donald Mc Elduff (75), who passed away in Craigavon Area hospital on Wednesday afternoon after a protracted illness. Read full article


2 June, 2010

Call for reversal on courtroom ban on Irish

Sinn Féin councillor Marty McColgan has called for the reversal of a 270 year old ban on the use of the Irish Language in courtrooms here. His comments come after a Belfast court rejected a legal bid to overturn the ban. Read full article


31 May, 2010

Doherty leads tributes to latest road traffic victim

Cathal Mc Namee who was killed in a traffic accident at Mullaghmore on Saturday afternoon.

West Tyrone MP, Pat Doherty has led tributes to the family of Omagh man, Cathal Mc Namee (31) who died tragically as a result of a car accident in Mullaghmore, Co Sligo on Saturday afternoon. Read full article


28 May, 2010

People of Trillick 'delighted' with townland signs - Cllr Kelly

Cllr Pete Kelly pictured with his neighbour, Douglas Armstrong at one of the recently erected signs in Trillick.

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor, Pete Kelly has welcomed the erection of road and townland signs in the Trillick area. Read full article


27 May, 2010

Airtricity move good for costumers.

Sinn Fein's Declan McAleer has said the decision by energy giants, Airtricity to enter the market in the north of Ireland is 'good news for customers' Read full article


26 May, 2010

McGimpsey challenged on Omagh hospital plans.

Health minister Michael McGimpsey was today challenged on his plans for a New hospital in Omagh when the healthcare liaison committee, including members of Omagh District Council and the Western Trust met with him. Read full article


25 May, 2010

Begley welcomes Culmore improvements

Sinn Féin councillor Sean Begley has welcomed the news that Culmore Park in Omagh will benefit from an upgrade on and additional street lighting in the area. Read full article


21 May, 2010

Condemnation following 'petty sectarian harassment'.

Sinn Féin has hit out angrily at the PSNI after the party claimed a local republican was pursued and detained by members of the PSNI in Omagh after attending a local funeral last Monday. Read full article


15 May, 2010

Tyrone Republicans in state of shock at the passing of party colleague

Committed Republican - Liam Coyle lays a wreath on behalf of Sinn Féin during the annual Easter commemoration in Carrickmore last month.

West Tyrone Sinn Féin members are coming to terms with news of the sudden death of one of their members, Liam Coyle. Read full article


12 May, 2010

Doherty welcomes advance towards all-Ireland energy prices

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has welcomed proposals by Energy Regulators North and South to harmonise energy prices through the introduction of an all-Ireland retail energy market. Read full article


2 May, 2010

Blanket denial of proxy/postal applications west of the Bann

Omagh Sinn Fein Councillor Seán Begley and the party's West Tyrone Director of Elections, has expressed deep concern about he claims to be the blanket denial of postal and proxy vote applications by the Electoral Office in areas West of the Bann. Read full article


2 May, 2010

Proposal to re-deploy Planning Staff ill-conceived-Doherty

Pat Doherty MP pictured at the DOE Planning Office, County Hall, Omagh.

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Pat Doherty has described proposals by Environment Minister Edwin Poots to redeploy 269 posts within the Planning Service as an ill-conceived move. Read full article


27 April, 2010

Action call for Carrickmore Roads.

Mid Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has called upon roads service to take immediate action on roads around the town of Carrickmore. Read full article


26 April, 2010

Fire starters condemned

Sinn Féin councillor Sean Clarke has condemned those behind recent gorse fires in the Mid Tyrone over the past week. A number of fires were started deliberately in Mountfield, Creggan and Greencastle. Read full article


23 April, 2010

Fahy slams Nationalist 'vote splitters'

Pat Doherty MP pictured with his Election Agent, Pat Fahy.

Veteran Civil Rights campaigner and well known human rights lawyer, Pat Fahy has issued a statement this week calling on Republicans and Nationalists to unite behind Sinn Féin in the upcoming Westminster election. Read full article


23 April, 2010

Welcome for Stormont probe on insurance

Sinn Fein councillor Frankie Donnelly has welcomed a Stormont probe into the high cost of insurance in the North. Read full article


23 April, 2010

Doherty welcomes extension of free school meals for working families

West Tyrone Sinn Fein MLA Pat Doherty has welcomed the decision by the Minister of Education Caitríona Ruane to extend the free school meals scheme that will make many more children eligible for a free nutritional meal during school hours. Read full article


22 April, 2010

Lisnafin Shooting condemned

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Michaela Boyle says that so-called punishment shootings and attacks are not the way to resolve social problems within the community. She was speaking following last night's attack on a man at a flat in the Lisnafin Park area of the town in which he sustained bullet shot wounds to both legs. Read full article


21 April, 2010

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Youth Election Broadcast 2010

West Tyrone Ógra Shinn Féin have launched a youth election broadcast today (21/04/10) for the upcoming Westminster Election on May 6th. Read full article


20 April, 2010

Ballycolman arson attempted murder

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Brian Mc Mahon says that if initial indications are correct that the fire which gutted two homes in the Ballycolman Estate in the early hours of this morning was an act of deliberate arson, then the individual or individuals involved are responsible for attempted murder Read full article


20 April, 2010

Fitzgerald welcomes Mephedrone ban.

Sinn Féin councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has welcomed a ban on synthetic stimulant mephedrone. The ban on the substance came into effect earlier in the week and has seen the drug and its related compounds now classified as Class B substances. Read full article


17 April, 2010

Adams addresses public meeting in Omagh.

Gerry Adams MP surrounded by party activists and well wishers upon his arrival to Omagh on Friday.

Speaking at the latest of Sinn Féin's 'townhall' meetings in the Strule Arts Centre in Omagh last night the Sinn Féin President said ...... Read full article


14 April, 2010

Clarke condemns ATM raid as an 'attack on the Greencastle community'

Cllr Sean Clarke pictured at the scene of the latest ATM theft in Greencastle.

Mid Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor Sean Clarke has strongly condemned the gang who robbed an ATM machine from Costcutters shop in Greencastle, Co. Tyrone at approximately 5am on Wednesday morning. Read full article


13 April, 2010

One week left to register.

West Tyrone Sinn Fein director of elections Sean Begley has called upon people who have yet registered for the election to do so before next Tuesday. Read full article


13 April, 2010

Warning after spate of robberies.

Sinn Fein councillor Sean Clarke has called upon local farmers to ensure their properties and machines are securely stored after a recent spate of robberies in the Gortin area. Read full article


13 April, 2010

Sinn Féin 'looking forward' to West Tyrone election 'battle'

Pat and Gerry finalising notes in advance of the Public meeting in the Strule Arts Centre on Friday evening.

As the Westminster election campaign moves into top gear, Sinn Féin are busily preparing for the visit to Omagh tomorrow (Friday) of Sinn Féin President, Gerry Adams. Mr Adams will host a meeting with party activists in the Sinn Féin office followed by a public engagement in the Strule Arts Centre. All members of the public are invited to attend the meeting which commences at 8pm. Read full article


9 April, 2010

Adams to address public meeting in Strule Arts centre

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams will address a public meeting in the Strule Arts Centre, Omagh on Friday 16th April at 8pm. Read full article


8 April, 2010

Doherty addresses Drumboe commemoration

Senator Pearse Doherty

Republicans from Donegal and Strabane turned out in large numbers at the annual Drumboe Easter Commemoration on Sunday at which Donegal Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty delivered a rousing address in which he said that now was the time for Irish people to stand up for themselves, to stand up for each other, to stand by the Republic. Read full article


8 April, 2010

Postal/Proxy vote applications close next Thursday 15th April

Sinn Féin West Tyrone Director of Elections Councillor Seán Begley is urging all eligible voters to secure their right to vote. Cllr Begley made the appeal following today's announcement that Thursday 6th May will be the date of the Westminster Election poll. Read full article


5 April, 2010

Republican monument unveiled in Dunamore

Several hundred people gathered at Dunamore graveyard on Easter Sunday afternoon for the Easter commemoration and unveiling of the newly constructed Republican monument. Read full article


5 April, 2010

Drumnakilly Martyrs remembered at Loughmacrory Easter commemoration

In one of the biggest crowds witnessed in recent years, several hundred people attended the annual Loughmacrory commemoration at the graveside of brothers Gerard and Martin Harte. Gerard and Martin Read full article


5 April, 2010

Mc Elduff addresses Aghyaran Easter commemoration

A hundred strong crowd of local Republicans from the Aghyaran and Castlederg area assembled in Spring sunshine at 12pm in Aghyaran graveyard on Easter Sunday for the annual commemoration of the 1916 Rising. Read full article


5 April, 2010

Easter commemorations held in Dromore and Trillick

On Easter Sunday Republicans from the Dromore and Trillick area gathered at the graveside of Vol. Cathal Quinn to commemorate Ireland's Patriot Dead on Easter Sunday. Read full article


5 April, 2010

Republicans remember Vol Dan Mc Anallen at Eglish commemoration

Republicans assembled on Easter Sunday morning at the graveside of Vol Dan Mc Anallen to mark the 94th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising. Read full article


5 April, 2010

Huge crowds mobilise for Tyrone County commemoration

In one of the largest mobilisations for many years hundreds of Republicans descended on Carrickmore for the main County commemoration. Read full article


5 April, 2010

Easter commemorations held at Edendork and Galbally

On Saturday evening, a graveside commemoration was held at the Republican plot in Edendork. Jimmy Taggart chaired the proceedings, while Dungannon- based Sinn Féin Councillor, Larry Mc Lernon read the Easter Proclamation. Read full article


5 April, 2010

Coalisland Republicans commemorate the Easter Rising

Several hundred Republicans braved the rain to take part in the County commemoration in Coalisland. A colour party made up of Ogra Sinn Féin members led the parade. Read full article


5 April, 2010

Campbell addresses Easter commemoration in Drumragh.

This years Easter commemoration was held at the graveside of Colm Grimes. Also remembered were local people Kevin Kearns, Benny Livingstone, Lawrence and Mary O' Hagan, Jimmy Hynes and all other Republicans from the area. Read full article


5 April, 2010

Republicans remember Alice Milligan

On Saturday, Republicans assembled at the graveside of poet, playwright and Republican, Alice Milligan. Read full article


5 April, 2010

Easter commemoration in Killyclogher

Approximately 60 people attended the Easter Commemoration at the graveside of veteran Republican, Charlie Ferris in Killyclogher graveyard Read full article


29 March, 2010

Easter Lily launched in Omagh

Cllr Clarke accompanied by members of the Tyrone SF Commemoration Committee at the Easter lily launch in Omagh on Wednesday.

Preparations for Easter commemorations continued apace on Wednesday when the Vice Chair of Omagh District Council, Sean Clarke hosted a local launch of the Easter lily. Read full article


24 March, 2010

Minister signs design contract for the Lisanelly Shared Educational Campus

Minister Caitriona Ruane during a visit to Lisanelly in June 2008.

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, today signed a £3.2million contract with Bovis Lend Lease to begin the design of the proposed Shared Education Campus in Omagh. Read full article


23 March, 2010

Tyrone Republicans prepare for Easter

Members of the Tyrone SF Commemoration Committee busily preparing for Easter.  L-R Sean Donnelly, Barry Mc Nally and Stan Corrigan.

The Tyrone Sinn Féin Commemoration committee went online this week as Republicans prepare to embark on a robust programme of activities to mark the 94th anniversary of the Easter Rising (www.tyronecommemorations.com). Read full article


23 March, 2010

Community shocked and sickened at assault in Strabane.

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Brian Mc Mahon said that the daylight assault and attempted robbery of a 67 year old woman on the Melmount Road area of the town on Saturday afternoon had shocked and sickened the entire community. Read full article


23 March, 2010

Home Help Cuts to feature prominently at Strabane Public meeting

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Claire Mc Gill believes that concerns surrounding increasing cuts to home help provision will feature prominently at a public meeting she has arranged for Strabane next week at which representatives of Patient and Client Council (PCC) will be present to listen to, and to take on board, the views of the local community about the delivery of health and social care services. Read full article


21 March, 2010

Doherty welcomes launch of Liverpool Easter Lily campaign.

West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has welcomed the launch of this year's Liverpool Easter Lily Campaign, which was held on Sunday in St Michael's Irish Centre in Liverpool. Read full article


19 March, 2010

Doherty advises holiday travellers to get passports in order now

West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has advised those who are planning to travel abroad on summer holidays to ensure now that their passports are in order. This warning comes at a time of growing industrial action in the public service in the 26 counties, including the Passport Office. Read full article


16 March, 2010

Doherty reiterates call for full cross border public inquiry into Omagh bomb

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has re-iterated his call for a full cross border public inquiry into the Omagh bomb. He was speaking following today's publication of a report by the NI Affairs Committee report which is calling for a new investigation to be set up to examine whether vital intelligence was withheld which could have prevented the bomb and whether enough was done to apprehend those responsible. Read full article


16 March, 2010

Home Help Cuts to feature prominently at Strabane Public meeting

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Claire Mc Gill believes that concerns surrounding increasing cuts to home help provision will feature prominently at a public meeting she has arranged for Strabane next week at which representatives of Patient and Client Council (PCC) will be present to listen to, and to take on board, the views of the local community about the delivery of health and social care services. Read full article


16 March, 2010

Mc Aleer supports call for increased mental health provision for offenders

Councillor Declan Mc Aleer

Commenting in response to a report from the Criminal Justice Inspection which highlights the inadequacy of services for people with mental health problems who are imprisoned, local Councillor Declan Mc Aleer said: Read full article


16 March, 2010

Mc Guinness to address Carrickmore Easter Commemoration

Martin Mc Guinness pictured during a visit to Omagh.

Sinn Féin's chief negotiator and Joint First Minister, Martin Mc Guinness has been confirmed as the main speaker at this years Tyrone County commemoration in Carrickmore. Speaking ahead of a robust programme of events to mark the 94th anniversary of the Easter Rising, Chairperson of the organising committee, Sean Begley said: Read full article


15 March, 2010

Comhghairdeas Chloe

Chloe with mentor, Dana after winning the All Ireland talent show.

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty says that Chloe Coyle's triumph in Sunday night's All Ireland Talent Show was evidence that this incredible young talent had not only just captured the hearts of people of her native Tyrone but also the hearts of people the length and breadth of Ireland. Read full article


10 March, 2010

Doherty welcomes Assembly vote on policing and justice transfer

Local Sinn Féin MP, Pat Doherty has welcomed the vote in favour of the transfer of policing and justice powers from Britain to the Six Counties. Read full article


9 March, 2010

McAleer relieved as proposed merger plans shelved.

Sinn Féin mid Tyrone councillor Declan McAleer has said he is relieved that plans to merger 15 volunteer centres throughout the north have been shelved. Read full article


8 March, 2010

Mid Tyrone experiences power cuts

The loss of electricity on Sunday night has drawn an angry response from NIE costumers in Mid Tyrone. According to Mid Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor Sharon O'Brien it had been the latest interruption in electricity supply since before Christmas. She Read full article


5 March, 2010

No excuse for the retention of Diplock Courts - Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin councillor Sean Begley has said there is absolutely no excuse for the retention of non jury, Diplock courts. The local elected representative said that the criminal justice system needed to move forward in line with huge developments in the peace process. Read full article


5 March, 2010

Concerns raised over poor state of Kildrum Road

Ann Quinn has raised her concerns over the poor state of the Kildrum road in Dromore. He flagged her concerns following representations from local residents who live on the road. Read full article


4 March, 2010

Clarke says no one should fear Bill Of Rights

Sinn Fein's Sean Clarke has said no one has anything to fear from a Bill Of Rights as a motion on the issue came before the monthly meeting of Omagh District Council on Tuesday evening. The motion called for 'the introduction of a robust, enforceable Bill of Rights that will provide right-based protection for all the people of the North of Ireland'. Read full article


3 March, 2010

McColgan Welcomes passage of Basque motion.

An Ógra Shinn Féin protest in support of Self Determination for the Basque People in Omagh

Sinn Féin councillor Marty McColgan has welcomed the passage of a motion at Omagh District Council which 'condemns the repressive measures by the Spanish state against Basque political youth organisation, Segi' and calls for 'an end to repressive measures against the pro independence movement in the Basque country' Read full article


2 March, 2010

Kelly welcomes commitment to hill farmers in latest round of Farm Modernisation Scheme.

Trillick Hill farmer,  Cllr Pete Kelly has welcomed the Agriculture Ministers commitment to small farmers in the latest round of the Farm Modernisation Scheme.

Sinn Féin Councillor Peter Kelly has welcomed Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew's commitment to help smaller farm businesses working in challenging conditons. The commitment came as the Agriculture and Rural Development Minister announced the criteria for Tranche Two of the Farm Modernisation Scheme (FMS). Read full article


2 March, 2010

Doherty welcomes £25 boost to farmers in disadvantaged areas.

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP and Assembly Agriculture Committee member Pat Doherty says that the issuing of of £25 million payments under the 2010 Less Favoured Area Compensatory Scheme will be a welcome boost to farmers in disadvantaged. He said, Read full article


2 March, 2010

Campbell Calls For Better maintenance of Housing Executive Estates

West Tyrone Sinn Fein representative Glenn Campbell has called for a joined up approach between Housing Executive, Omagh District Council and DRD Road Service to ensure the housing estates in the Omagh district are properly maintained. He was speaking after a visit to O'Brien Park in Clanabogan Read full article


1 March, 2010

ATM's are a lifeline for rural communities - Doherty

West Tyrone MP, Pat Doherty has highlighted the importance of Automatic Telling Machines (ATM's) to small businesses and people living in rurally dispersed areas. Speaking ahead of a motion in the Assembly calling for the continued exemption of rates for ATM's located in rural areas, Mr Doherty said.... Read full article


26 February, 2010

Patients also need additional protection from behaviour of heavily intoxicated people at Altnagelvin A&E- Mc Gill

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Claire Mc Gill is pressing for additional protections to be afforded to patients at Accident & Emergency Departments to combat the disruptive and abusive behaviour they often have to endure at the hands of heavily intoxicated patients. Read full article


26 February, 2010

Doherty heralds Ministerial Planning Approval for massive Business Park in Strabane.

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty says that confirmation from Environment Minister Edwin Poots that he is to grant planning approval for the development of an 11.5 hectre Business Park in Strabane as the removal of the last major obstacle in the way of delivering this much needed economic development project for the District. Read full article


26 February, 2010

Doherty protests to Scottish Justice Minister over commemoration detentions.

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has protested to the Scottish Justice Minister Kenny Mc Askil about the two hour detention of four people at Edinburgh Airport and the similar detention of two people at Cairnryan Ferry Port as they returned home from a weekend of commemorative events to mark the 25 Anniversary of the killing of three young IRA volunteers by the SAS in Strabane Read full article


24 February, 2010

Carrickmore street theatre to re live events of Easter 1916

Dublins GPO, focal point of the Easter Rising 1916.

The Tyrone Commemoration Committee has this week announced their intention to roll out a robust programme of events to mark the 94th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising... Read full article


24 February, 2010

Anger as Shooting range approval proposed.

There is outrage in Drumquin after Planning Service have recommended an approval to a shooting range in the kirlish area of the village. The application will come before the planning meeting of Omagh District Council on Monday evening with a proposed approval for the application despite objections of local people and community representatives. Read full article


23 February, 2010

Public urged to attend Carrickmore DPP meeting

Mid Tyrone Councillor, Ann Marie Fitzgerald has called on members of the public to attend Thursday evenings meeting of Omagh DPP which will be held in the Milestone Centre, Carrickmore, commencing at 7.30pm. Read full article


23 February, 2010

Thousands commemorate deaths of Strabane IRA volunteers

Karina Carlin (nee Breslin), Antoinette Brennan (nee Devine), Pat Doherty MP and Martin Mc Guinness MP.

Several thousand people turned out at a commemoration parade in Strabane yesterday to mark the 25th anniversary of the deaths of local IRA Volunteers Charlie Breslin (aged 20), and brothers Michael Devine (aged 22) and David Devine (aged 16) who were summarily executed by British State Forces Read full article


20 February, 2010

Excess of 500 attend Irish Unity Conference in London

West Tyrone MP, Pat Dohertys Speech to the Irish Unity conference in London Read full article


18 February, 2010

Bill Of Rights motion to come before Omagh District Council.

A motion will come before the Omagh District Council in the coming weeks which will call for 'the introduction of a robust, enforceable Bill of Rights that will provide right-based protection for all the people of the North of Ireland'. Read full article


18 February, 2010

Ritchie needs to provide clear reassurance about Strabane Social Security Agency

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has expressed concern at the response of Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie to a question he submitted seeking re-assurance that there will be no reduction in the level of front line or back office services currently being provided at the Social Security Agency office at Urney Road in Strabane. Read full article


16 February, 2010

Jobs at the heart of £20 million Irish Language investment - McElduff

Sinn Féin chair of the Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee Barry McElduff MLA has said that yesterdays announcement by the British Government of a £20 million investment in Irish language projects will have tangible economic benefits throughout the community. Read full article


16 February, 2010

Doherty seeks timescale from DETI Minister over acquisition of industrial land for Strabane Business Park

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has cautiously welcomed the response from DETI Minister Arlene Foster to a written question he submitted in which he sought a timescale for the completion of the acquisition of 11.5 hectres of land at Melmount Road , Strabane, for the development of a business Park. Read full article


16 February, 2010

Drumrallagh residents deserve to be left in peace.

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Jarlath Mc Nulty has called on the small group of young people who are making life a misery for residents of Drumrallagh Estate to catch themselves on. Read full article


16 February, 2010

Doherty keynote speaker at major London Conference on Irish unity

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty will be speak at a major conference on Irish Unity being held at Congress House in London on Saturday 20 February. Read full article


15 February, 2010

Progress on Irish Language - Adams

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams in his Blog 'leargas' (www.leargas.blogsport.com) has revealed that the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure,' Nelson McCausland, has committed to bringing forward a draft strategy on minority languages to the Executive by the end of March, one element of which will be "to enhance and protect the development of the Irish language as set out in Section 28D of the 'NI (St. Andrews) Act 2006'." Read full article


15 February, 2010

Progress report from North South Ministerial Council until December 2009

There have been 14 meetings of the NSMC in Sectoral format and 1 in Institutional format since the NSMC Plenary meeting on 8 July 2009. Read full article


14 February, 2010

Arsonists target Barnardos clothes bank in Loughmacrory

Cllr Sharon O Brien pictured at the charity clothes bank which was targetted on Saturday afternoon.

Mid Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor Sharon O Brien has strongly condemned the arsonists who set fire to a charity clothes bank in Loughmacrory village on Saturday afternoon. According to the Loughmacrory based Councillor..... Read full article


11 February, 2010

Sinn Féin welcome decision on Long Kesh listed buildings

Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone Councillor Sean Clarke has welcomed the decision to retain the listed building status of Long Kesh. Edwin Poots revealed that there will be no change to the listed buildings status to some structures in the Long Kesh site. Read full article


10 February, 2010

'Breast feeding welcome here' scheme operating in Omagh

Sinn Fein Omagh District councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has welcomed the news that 31 local businesses are currently participating in the 'Breast Feeding Welcome Here' scheme in Omagh. Read full article


9 February, 2010

Doherty welcomes Hillsborough Castle Agreement

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty in welcoming the Hillsborough Castle Agreement said.... Read full article


9 February, 2010

McColgan welcomes policing and justice powers devolution powers

Sinn Féin Omagh Council group chairperson Martin McColgan comments on the Hillsborough deal which will see the devolution of policing and Justice powers to the Assembly in April. Read full article


5 February, 2010

Mc Aleer welcomes imminent relief for Omagh NHS Dental Patients

In April 2008 Councillor Mc Aleer highlighted the plight faced by many NHS dental patients.

Omagh District Councillor Declan Mc Aleer has welcomed the announcement that a new dentist opening in Omagh will cater for NHS patients. Read full article


5 February, 2010

Big Freeze over for Strabane NHS Dental Patients

Sinn Féin Councillor Michaela Boyle is confident that no one in Strabane District will be any longer be forced to suffer in agony without access to dental treatment with the two new Oasis Dental Care Practices at John Wesley Street opening for business this week signalling the end of the Big Freeze for Strabane NHS Dental patients. Read full article


4 February, 2010

Mc Nulty praises Roads Service response to footpath/pothole damage caused by ice and snow

Bridge Street footpath under repair.

Sinn Féin Councillor Jarlath Mc Nulty has praised Roads Service for moving swiftly to begin the task of repairing the substantial damage that has been caused to roads and footpaths throughout Strabane District during the prolonged period of ice and snow. He said... Read full article


4 February, 2010

Electoral Office Registration and Photo ID Clinic coming to town

Sinn Féin Councillor Michaela Boyle says that people who are not yet registered to vote or who have not yet secured an Electoral Office Photo ID Card have a golden opportunity to do both at the same time in Strabane later this month. She said... Read full article


2 February, 2010

Cllr has been lobbying for action on Drumlegagh Road School bus crash route

The Chair of Strabane District Council, Sinn Féin Councillor Kieran Mc Guire has revealed that he has been lobbying to have the Drumlegagh Road , the scene of yesterday's school bus crash, gritted for some considerable time. He said, Read full article


2 February, 2010

Mc Aleer welcomes home improvement plans

Councillor Declan Mc Aleer pictured at the entrance to Buchanan Villas, Killyclogher.

Mid Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor, Declan Mc Aleer has welcomed the Housing Executive plans to commence a number of important home improvement schemes in the 2010/11 financial year. Councillor Mc Aleer was speaking following a meeting of the Public Services Liaison Committee at Omagh District Council on Monday evening. Read full article


28 January, 2010

Gortin Traffic concerns allayed

Sinn Féin mid Tyrone councillor Sean Clarke has welcomed action from Roads Service aimed at alleviating traffic concerns in Gortin on mart days. Read full article


26 January, 2010

Doherty 'still' hopeful of talk's breakthrough

Speaking from the talks at Hillsborough Castle on Tuesday afternoon, West Tyrone MP, Pat Doherty said Read full article


26 January, 2010

Sinn Féin engaged with Roads Service on Spout Road subsidence

Sinn Fein representatives in are continuing to engage with Roads Service in relation to problems arising from the major subsidence of the Spout Road outside Strabane following heavy rain late last year. Read full article


26 January, 2010

Hundreds attend tribute to Charlie Love

The sun shone brightly on the "Head of the Town" in Strabane on Sunday as hundreds gathered to pay special tribute to the memory of local teenager Charlie (Cha) Love who was tragically killed while attending the 18th Anniversary Bloody Sunday commemoration on Sunday 28th January 1990. Read full article


25 January, 2010

Trillick Health Centre opens

West Tyrone Sinn Féin councillor Peter Kelly has welcomed the opening of new Trillick Health Centre. Situated in the centre of the village the long awaited state of the arts building has opened within the past number of weeks. Read full article


23 January, 2010

Campbell calls on people to have their say on Town Regeneration.

West Tyrone Sinn Féin representative Glenn Campbell has called upon local people from, the Carrickmore, Omagh, Dromore and Fintona areas to have their say on the regeneration of their towns. Read full article


22 January, 2010

Stop and Search deemed an 'abuse of power'

Sinn Féin Omagh town councillor Sean Begley has condemned the recent upsurge in the number of stop and searches by the PSNI under section 44 of the 'Prevention of terrorism Act'. Read full article


20 January, 2010

Proposal to redevelop St Julian's Road ground to go before council.

A proposal, which if passed would see the redevelopment of the St. Julian's road football grounds will go before the meeting of the Omagh District Councils Development Committee in February. Read full article


19 January, 2010

Doherty meets Goggins to raise concerns over British army training exercises in Tyrone.

West Tyrone MP, Pat Doherty held a face to face meeting with British Security Minister, Paul Goggins on Tuesday to discuss the issue of British army training manoeuvres in the skies above parts of West and South Tyrone. Read full article


19 January, 2010

Platform Piece: From Pat Doherty MP MLA

Pat Doherty MP in conversation with his namesake Pat Doherty, Divisional Roads Manager, at the announcement of the A5/N2 preferred route in July.

A5 DUAL CARRIAGEWAY ESSENTIAL In recent months, some unionist politicians have been challenging the need for the announced A5 dual carriageway advocating instead that a widening of the existing single carriageway from Derry to Aughnacloy would suffice. Read full article


14 January, 2010

Stop and Search Powers 'illegal'

Omagh Sinn Féin Councillor and member of Omagh DPP, Marty McColgan, has welcomed a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights that police powers to stop and search people without grounds for suspicion are illegal. Read full article


13 January, 2010

Huge investment in the water system needed - Kelly

Sinn Fein's Peter Kelly has called for a major works program to commence on the rural water network. Read full article


13 January, 2010

Thousands attend funerals of Killyclogher road crash victims.

Speaking after attending the funerals of both young men killed in a horrific road traffic accident near Omagh last Thursday, local Councillor Declan Mc Aleer said: Read full article


7 January, 2010

Fitzgerald expresses sympathy with families of Omagh crash victims.

Mid Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor, Ann Marie Fitzgerald has expressed sympathy with the families of the North's latest road victims. Read full article


6 January, 2010

Strabane to host Republican youth weekend, 19th-21st Feb 2010

Republicans from across the island of Ireland will descend on the county Tyrone town of Strabane on Sunday 21st February, to mark the 25th anniversary of the deaths of IRA volunteers Charles Breslin, and Brothers Michael and David Devine. Read full article


5 January, 2010

Sinn Féin welcomes 'cold weather payments'

Sinn Féin councillor Sean Begley has welcomed an announcement from the Department of Social Development that they will pay a 'cold weather payment' to low income families throughout the north. Read full article


5 January, 2010

NEW YEARS MESSAGE FROM WEST TYRONE MP MLA PAT DOHERTY

In a New Year's message, Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty says that the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether or not the DUP has got the stomach for political arrangements based on partnership and equality. Speaking about the current political situation he said ..... Read full article


4 January, 2010

Emotive Ballymurphy Massacre Talk Inspires Support for Campaign

Relatives of those murdered in the Ballymurphy Massacre from the 9 - 11 August 1971, recently addressed a public meeting in the Omagh Strule Arts Centre. Read full article


2 January, 2010

Councillors commend 'Lough 5' organisers

l-r: Councillor Sharon O Brien, daughter Fiadhnait (age 8) and Cllr Declan Mc Aleer proudly display the medals they received for taking part in the inaugural 'Lough 5' community fun run/walk on New Years eve.

Mid Tyrone Councillors Sharon O Brien and Declan Mc Aleer have paid tribute to the organisers of the inaugural 'Lough 5' community fun run. The 5 mile run/walk, which took place on New Years Eve..... Read full article


1 January, 2010

New Year Message From Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams

New Year Message From Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams Read full article


31 December, 2009

Doherty highlights rural roads and water supply crisis

West Tyrone MP, Pat Doherty has made representation to NI Water and DRD Roads Service following the cold snap which has left many householders stranded without water and blocked in by heavy snowfall and ice. Read full article


23 December, 2009

McElhills to hold talks with Housing Executive over future of blaze house

THE family of Arthur McElhill are to enter into negotiations with the Housing Executive in a bid to finally dispose of 4 Lammy Crescent. Read full article


22 December, 2009

Sinn Fein welcomes £1 million Rural Development Christmas boost for local economy-

Sinn Féin says that agreement to issue letters of offer for over £1 million in Rural Development Programme (RDP) grant assistance was made at a meeting of the Northwest Local Action group at the Fir Trees Hotel last Wednesday. Read full article


22 December, 2009

Sinn Féin urges victims and their relatives to apply to £1.8 Million Memorial Fund.

Sinn Féin MLA Claire Mc Gill has encouraged conflict victims and victim's relatives who may be eligible for financial assistance from the Memorial Fund to ensure they apply. £1.8 million has been made available to the Memorial Fund this week by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister. The West Tyrone MLA said: Read full article


22 December, 2009

Don't miss out on winter fuel payment - Begley

Sinn Féin Omagh town councillor Sean Begley has called upon people to ensure that they don't miss out on the Winter Fuel Allowance (WFA). Read full article


21 December, 2009

Something a little different this Christmas.

Some of the gifts available at the Abhaile Aris Siopa in Omagh

For a treasure trove for that unique Christmas gift take a trip to the Abhaile Aris Siopa on James Street, Omagh. Opening Hours: Tuesday 22 December (9.30am - 5.30pm); Wednesday 23rd December (9.30am - 5.30pm) and Christmas Eve (10am - 2pm). Read full article


20 December, 2009

Public inquiry needed to satisfy community confidence

UNCERTAINTY remains into how the Lammy fire, which wiped out a family of seven, was allowed to happen. Log on to www.ulsterherald.com/lammyinquiry/ for full story and video. Read full article


16 December, 2009

Doherty confident over establishment of Ryan Commission type inquiry in the north.

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty says that he is confident that an appropriate inquiry and redress mechanism will be established for victims of child abuse in the north in line with the Ryan Commission in the South following a reply from Health Minister Michael Mc Gimpsey to representations he made to the Office of First and Deputy First Minister on the issue in October. Read full article


15 December, 2009

Beware of lottery Scam - McColgan

Sinn Féin Councillor Marty McColgan has advised people to be aware of a scam notifying people of windfall winnings in the 'El Gordo Spanish Lottery'. Read full article


15 December, 2009

Doherty pays Christmas visit to Omagh sorting office.

Pat Doherty receives a gift from Omagh Sorting Office Manager, Paul Devlin during his visit.

West Tyrone MP, Pat Doherty dropped in with the staff of Omagh sorting office on Friday as they prepared to deal with the Christmas deluge of letters and parcels. The MP was accompanied on his visit by sorting office Manager, Paul Devlin. Read full article


14 December, 2009

Ballymurphy Massacre Families to speak in Omagh

Families of some of the 11 civilians murdered by the British Army in Ballymurphy between 9 - 11 August 1971 are set to speak in Omagh. The Public Talk will take place in the Omagh Strule Arts Centre at 7pm on Friday 18th December. Read full article


12 December, 2009

McElduff labels McCausland a 'Philistine'

To understand why Barry Mc Elduff labels DUP Minister Nelson Mc Causland a 'Philistine' over his attitude towards his portfolio of Culture, Arts and Leisure in the Assembly, click: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeKVXPljesk Read full article


11 December, 2009

Welcome for executive fuel payment

Omagh District Councillor Declan McAleer has welcomed a one-off winter fuel allowance payment funded by the executive, which is set to benefit 250,000 people throughout the north. Read full article


11 December, 2009

Campbell backs campaign to help Carers in the North

West Tyrone Sinn Féin representative Glenn Cambpell has backed an ongoing campaign by Carers Northern Ireland for the financial support offered to Carers to be improved. Read full article


10 December, 2009

Questions over Omagh Fire Tragedy Demands Public Inquiry - Doherty

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has called for a full Public Inquiry into the failure of statutory agencies to recognise the danger signs that should have been apparent prior to the Omagh Fire tragedy. Read full article


7 December, 2009

Doherty welcomes inclusion of "Social Clauses" in A5 Dual carriageway contract.

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has given a warm welcome to the incorporation of Social Clauses into the contracts that have been announced for the construction of the A5 Dual Carriageway between Derry and Aughnacloy which is scheduled to commence in 2010. Read full article


6 December, 2009

Clarke invites public to community engagement meeting in Gortin.

As part of a Community Engagement Initiative in West Tyrone, Sinn Féin will be holding the latest in an ongoing series of public meetings in the Owenkillew Community Centre, Gortin on Wednesday 9th December at 8pm Read full article


1 December, 2009

Doherty meets DRD Minister on Strabane pedestrian/cycle Bridges Project

Pat Doherty MP pictured with DRD Minister Conor Murphy.

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP MLA Pat Doherty has welcomed the continued commitment of DRD Minister Conor Murphy towards the "Bridges Project" in Strabane following a meeting he held with the Minister at Stormont yesterday to discuss progress on the issue. Read full article


1 December, 2009

Those behind Strabane pipe bomb attack completely misguided

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has described those who carried out the pipe bomb attack at Courtrai Park in Strabane in the early hours of yesterday morning as completely misguided individuals who are driven by a blind adherence to militarism and not the interests of Irish Republicanism. Read full article


1 December, 2009

Doherty re-selected as candidate for West Tyrone

Sinn Féin MP MLA Pat Doherty has been re-selected to contest the West Tyrone Constituency at the Westminster Election scheduled for next May. Read full article


30 November, 2009

Ógra Shinn Féin take to Omagh Streets in Basque Solidarity.

Ógra Shinn Féin took to the streets of Omagh over the weekend in solidarity with the 34 young Basque activists arrested in the past week. Read full article


26 November, 2009

Meeting to discuss needs of former political prisoners.

Republican ex Prisoners group, Abhaile Aris, has organised an information evening to discuss the legal and social obstacles which former political prisoners face in trying to re integrate into the community. Read full article


25 November, 2009

Mc Colgan welcomes 'Ringmaster' initiative.

Omagh Town Councillor Martin McColgan has called upon businesses in the Omagh district to register with a new safety initiative aimed at reducing theft in the district. Read full article


24 November, 2009

Crucial meeting with Ministers about case of Maureen Mc Ginley

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty will accompany family members of deceased Strabane pensioner Maureen Mc Ginley to a meeting with NIO Minister Paul Goggins and Health Minister Michael Mc Gimpsey at Stormont today Read full article


24 November, 2009

Doherty questions rationale of PAC decision

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has questioned the rationale of the decision by the Planning Appeals Commission to retain the designation of the Adria site at Beechmount Avenue for "industrial use only" in it decision to refuse an appeal lodged to develop the site for a mixed use development. Pat Doherty said... Read full article


24 November, 2009

Mc Gill deeply concerned about industrial relations at Omagh Rivers Agency

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MLA Claire Mc Gill has expressed deep concern that there has been a major deterioration in industrial relations between management and staff based at the Rivers Agency Regional Office in Omagh after figures she has obtained indicate high levels of staff leaving and out on stress related sick leave. Read full article


24 November, 2009

Councillor urges checks on electrical equipment

Sinn Féin Councillor, Anne Marie Fitzgerald, has appealed to users of life supporting electrical equipment to register immediately with NIE, to avoid experiencing difficulties during power failure or planned interruption of supply. Read full article


23 November, 2009

Tribute to Ivan Barr and Charlie Mc Hugh a memorable occasion

Photo of Terry Boyle and Cllr Jarlath Mc Nulty with painted portraits of Ivan and Charlie

Over 300 people attended a tribute function in memory of deceased Strabane District Sinn Féin Councillors Ivan Barr and Charlie Mc Hugh at the Mellon Country Hotel on Saturday night. Read full article


23 November, 2009

Hundreds attend funeral of Winnie Harte.

The funeral cortege pauses at the graveside of Winnie's sons, Vol.  Gerard and Martin Harte.

West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty and Deputy First Minister Martin Mc Guinness were among the mourners at the funeral of Winnie Harte who passed away at her Loughmacrory home on Friday. Read full article


21 November, 2009

Doherty pays tribute to Winnie Harte (1934 - 2009)

Martin Mc Guinness pictured with Winnie at the 2008 West Tyrone Sinn Féin dinnerdance

Sinn Féin MP, Pat Doherty has expressed sympathy with the Harte family on the death of their mother, Winnie who died this morning after a short illness at her home in Loughmacrory, Co. Tyrone. Read full article


19 November, 2009

New Rural Community Transport Services Available from 1st December

Transport Minister Conor Murphy and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew, announced the introduction of two new rural transport schemes. Read full article


18 November, 2009

53 seeking water mains connection in West Tyrone - Mc Gill

Map outlining location of households in West Tyrone seeking a water mains connection

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Claire Mc Gill has disclosed information that 53 out of 300 residences across the six counties seeking a water mains connection are located in West Tyrone. Read full article


18 November, 2009

Rural community groups to benefit from Christmas grant aid

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor Ann Quinn has welcomed Omagh District Councils allocation of almost £30,000 in grant aid towards Christmas events in the district. Read full article


17 November, 2009

Sinn Fein will block DUP gerrymander attempt.

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty says that the attempt by DUP Environment Minister Edwin Poots to hold the entire process of local government reform to ransom by trying to gerrymander an electoral boundary affecting his own constituency will not work. Read full article


16 November, 2009

Doherty condemns British army 'war games'

West Tyrone MP, Pat Doherty has hit out at the British army for carrying out air manoeuvres which has angered local people in Mid Tyrone. According to the MP "Between Thursday and Sunday of last week, the British Army engaged in what they referred to as 'training exercises' in the skies above Counties Tyrone and Fermanagh. Read full article


13 November, 2009

Comprehensive approach by Executive must challenge levels of child poverty - McGill

Sinn Féin MLA and spokesperson on poverty, Claire McGill, has stated that the latest report by the Joseph Rowntree foundation highlights the need for a comprehensive approach by the Assembly and the Executive to tackle child poverty. Read full article


11 November, 2009

BBC's Poppy Wearing Policy Offensive to Majority of Nationalists and Republicans

West Tyrone Sinn Féin representative, Glenn Campbell, has challenged the BBC's compulsory poppy wearing policy/directive to its presenters, branding it "offensive to the majority of nationalists and republicans in the north". Read full article


11 November, 2009

Opinion Piece from Pat Doherty "An Education system where all children can realise their full potential"

"The media spotlight is presently on the plight of those pupils who will be sitting the unregulated tests. I wish them all well and hope they understand that they are unique valued individuals regardless of what their test results are. Read full article


10 November, 2009

McColgan welcomes King James' Bridge footbridge.

Sinn Féin Omagh town councillor Martin McColgan has welcome a footbridge over the King James bridge in the town. Read full article


9 November, 2009

Doherty welcomes progress on Strathroy Link Road

Pat Doherty MP in conversation with his namesake Pat Doherty, DRD Western Divisional Roads Manager.

West Tyrone MP, Pat Doherty has welcomed news that the Strathroy Link road has been included in the draft local transport programme for the Omagh district. He described this as a 'key milestone' on an important strategic project which will connect the community of Strathroy and Gortview with their natural hinterlands on the Derry Road. Read full article


8 November, 2009

Mc Aleer highlights pedestrian safety issues in Beragh

Sinn Féin Councillor, Declan Mc Aleer has highlighted the dangers posed to pedestrians due to the absence of a footbridge linking Beragh Main Street and Cooley Road. Read full article


3 November, 2009

Sinn Féin encourages over 60s to ensure full benefits entitlement

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty is encouraging people over 60 to ensure that they are securing their full entitlement to benefits after is was revealed that people in this age group across the six counties who accessed the A2B Benefit Calculator, which was established in October last year, are now over 2million better off. Read full article


3 November, 2009

Boyle welcomes additional Roads Service proposals for Finn View/Old Trust areas

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Michaela Boyle has welcomed the inclusion of Road Service Schemes for the Urney Road area in the Local Transport and Safety Measures Draft Programme 2010-2012. Read full article


2 November, 2009

Fitzgerald condemns Halloween 'orgy of destruction' in Carrickmore.

Cllr Fitzgerald

Sinn Féin Councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has strongly condemned the vandals who went on an orgy of destruction in Carrickmore on Halloween night. Read full article


2 November, 2009

Derg Sinn Fein councillors welcome high proportion of Roads Service Schemes proposed for area.

Councillor Mc Hugh

Sinn Féin Councillors for the Derg Electoral Area have welcomed the inclusion of a high proportion of Roads Service schemes for the area in the Local Transport and Safety Measures Draft Programme for Strabane District Council 2010-2012. Read full article


2 November, 2009

Doherty backs child abuse inquiry call

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty is lobbying for an appropriate inquiry and redress mechanism to be established for victims of child abuse in the north in line with the Ryan Commission in the South. Read full article


27 October, 2009

Tribute Dinner in memory of Ivan Barr and Charlie Mc Hugh

The memory of deceased Sinn Féin Councillors Ivan Barr and Charlie Mc Hugh will be honoured at a West Tyrone Sinn Féin Dinner to be held in the Mellon Country Hotel on Saturday 21st November. Read full article


27 October, 2009

Dairy Farmers in the North unlikely to receive any funding from the Milk Fund

Sinn Féin's Agricultural spokesperson Pat Doherty MP MLA has raised concerns that dairy farmers in the north of Ireland are very unlikely to receive anything from the recently agreed €280 million Milk Fund. Read full article


27 October, 2009

Attempted raid an attack on the whole community - Clarke

Sinn Féin mid Tyrone councillor Sean Clarke has described the attempted robbery of an ATM machine from a shop in Greencastle as an 'attack on the whole community'. Read full article


23 October, 2009

Doherty welcomes publication of devolution proposals

Speaking in response to the publication of devolution proposals contained in a letter sent to Joint First Ministers Peter Robinson and Martin Mc Guinness by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty said: Read full article


23 October, 2009

Sinn Fein invites public to Castlederg community engagement meeting.

As part it's Community Engagement Initiative across West Tyrone, Sinn Féin will be holding the latest in ongoing a series of public meetings in the Ard Mór Centre, Lurganbuoy Road, in Castlederg on Wednesday 28th October at 8pm. Read full article


23 October, 2009

Sinn Féin welcomes new "interagency planning approach" for young disabled adult provision

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Claire Mc Gill has described the establishment of an interagency working group within the Western Health & Social Care Trust area to strategically plan the transition of young people with disabilities who are moving into adult life as an essential, albeit long overdue, step in the battle to ensure young disabled adults secure appropriate levels of care and training provision. Read full article


21 October, 2009

Kelly welcomes re-prioritisation of capital funding for Trillick Enterprise Centre.

Councillor Pete Kelly

Sinn Féin Councillor for Trillick, Pete Kelly has welcomed the approval of Omagh District Council to re-allocate capital grant funding to facilitate the purchase of sports equipment at Trillick Enterprise Centre. Read full article


20 October, 2009

Tragedy at Lammy 'forever etched' on peoples minds - Doherty

Speaking in response to the opening of the Lammy fire inquest at Omagh courthouse on Tuesday, West Tyrone MP, Pat Doherty said: "The tragic event which occurred at Lammy in October 2007 will be forever etched on the minds of the people of Omagh and the opening of the inquest on Tuesday will certainly evoke some very painful memories. Read full article


18 October, 2009

Community groups urged to apply for Christmas funding

Cllr O Brien

Sinn Féin Councillor, Sharon O'Brien has urged community organisations to apply for grant aid, which has been earmarked for Christmas activities across the Omagh district. Read full article


13 October, 2009

Policing and justice transfer offer creates golden opportunity for progress on educational campus proposal - Doherty

West Tyrone MP, Pat Doherty has welcomed the British government offer on transfer of policing and justice powers to the 6 county Executive. Part of the offer is to transfer the vacated military sites at Lisanelly and St Lucia in Omagh, along with 3 other sites in the 6 counties. Mr Doherty has been lobbying the British MoD for many years to transfer these sites to the Executive so that they can be used for community and civic purposes. Read full article


13 October, 2009

Minister under fire over public sectors job remarks .

Sinn Féin Omagh town councillor Sean Begley has hit out at finance minister, Sammy Wilson after he said that he wasn't convinced of the merits of relocating public sector jobs from Belfast to other areas of the North of Ireland as it was no longer affordable. Read full article


12 October, 2009

Asbourne set to benefit from new recreational and play facilities.

Omagh town Sinn Féin councillor Séan Begley has welcomed the renewed focus of the council on establishing a play park and recreational area in the Ashbourne area. According to councillor Begley the renewed focus has been the result of 18 months of hard graft to bring the project forward. Read full article


8 October, 2009

Extension of 30mph speed limit on Sixmilecross road.

Sinn Fein mid Tyrone councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has welcomed the extension of the 30 miles per hour speed limit on the Tullyneill road in Sixmilecross. Read full article


7 October, 2009

Council Motion aims to bring All Ireland Fleadh to Omagh

Omagh District Council have passed a council motion in its endeavours to bring the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil to Omagh. Sinn Féin Councillor Begley, who brought the motion before the council has said Omagh is ideally placed to facilitate the all Ireland music event. Read full article


30 September, 2009

Work to provide template for socio-economic regeneration of Derg area underway-Doherty

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty says that work on a Visioning Framework to define the socio-economic needs of the Derg area of Strabane District has now begun and anticipates that, upon completion, it will provide a template for the socio-economic regeneration of this area which encompasses the: Castlederg, Clare, Finn, Glenderg and Newtownstewart areas of the District Read full article


30 September, 2009

McCausland's bigots charter will be resisted

Sinn Féin MLA Barry McElduff, who is the chair of the CAL Committee, has slammed Nelson McCausland, the Minster for Culture, Arts and Leisure, for questioning funding for GAA clubs that are named after republicans. Read full article


30 September, 2009

Condolences expressed to Loughmacrory road victim.

The scene of last night's fatal road accident in Loughmacrory.

Sinn Féin Councillor, Sharon O Brien has expressed sympathy with the family of Danny Hughes who was knocked down and killed while walking to a neighbour's house in Loughmacrory village at approximately 10pm last night. Read full article


29 September, 2009

MP hosts Killyclogher senior citizens in Parliament Buildings to mark age awareness week.

Members of Killyclogher Senior Citizens club meet Roads Minister, Conor Murphy during their trip to Stormont.

Killyclogher Senior Citizens club marked Age awareness Week with a fact finding visit to the Stormont Assembly hosted by West Tyrone MP, Pat Doherty. The delegation left Killyclogher at 10.30am and was 'seen off' by the first citizen for Omagh District, Cllr Paddy Mc Gowan. Read full article


29 September, 2009

Doherty welcomes winter gritting policy for rural schools

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Regional Development, Conor Murphy MP, of new winter gritting arrangements for areas around rural schools. Read full article


27 September, 2009

Doherty demands immediate investigation into allegation of PSNI maltreatment of 14 year old with special needs.

West Tyrone MP, Pat Doherty has expressed his outrage and demanded an immediate investigation into reports that the PSNI detained, manhandled and threatened a 14-year-old child with Special needs in Omagh. The child, who attends Knockavoe Special Needs School in Strabane, was extremely frightened after an officer threatened him with 'a night in the cell'. Read full article


27 September, 2009

Councillor Fitzgerald expresses sympathy to the families of Omagh crash victims.

Sinn Féin Councillor, Anne Marie Fitzgerald has expressed sympathy with the families from Omagh who lost loved ones in separate crashes over the weekend. In the first incident, local woman Margaret Mc Canny died after being hit by a car on the Dromore Road in Omagh at around 11.15pm on Friday. In the second incident, 36-year-old Dermot Loughran, originally from Omagh but living in Lisnakea was killed when the motorcycle he was riding was in collision with a car on the Tummery Road close to Dromore on Saturday afternoon. Read full article


25 September, 2009

Welcome for Dooish road works.

Sinn Féin councillor for west Tyrone Frankie Donnelly has welcomed road works on the Dooish road in Drumquin. The surface of the road had been damaged recently which according to Councillor Donnelly saw one side of the road subside leaving only one lane open to traffic. Read full article


23 September, 2009

Doherty heralds major progress on acquisition of new land for economic development in Strabane District.

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty says that he is confident that one of the long term obstacles which has stood in the way of economic regeneration in Strabane will soon be cleared after having received written confirmation from DETI Minister Arlene Foster that Invest NI has now selected a preferred site which will deliver sufficient land, circa 44 acres, to develop a new Business Park at Melmount Road to meet the need of client companies over the long term. Read full article


23 September, 2009

Applications to open for key Rural Development Programme Funding measures

Sinn Féin has called upon as many groups and individuals as possible throughout Omagh and Strabane to apply for funding from key Rural Development Programme Funding Measures which will open on Monday 28 September. Read full article


23 September, 2009

Welcome for school patrol restoration.

Sinn Fein councillor for west Tyrone, Frankie Donnelly has welcomed the restoration of a school crossing patrol at St Josephs School, on the Omagh road in Drumquin. Read full article


22 September, 2009

Harassment no substitute for bad policing - Clarke

Sinn Féin councillor for mid Tyrone and chairperson of the Omagh DPP Sean Clarke has condemned the actions of the PSNI who set up roadblocks in Greencastle on Monday evening. He questioned the need for roadblocks in the local area. Read full article


22 September, 2009

Doherty calls for clarification of "inquiry proposals" into case of Maureen Mc Ginley.

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has written to British Minister of State Paul Goggins MP seeking progress on a commitment to "establish the most appropriate way to fully and independently inquire into the circumstances" of how Strabane pensioner Maureen Mc Ginley sustained 34 rib fractures following her death at Altnagelvin Hospital on 3 January 2007. Read full article


21 September, 2009

Petty Policing must be challenged - Doherty

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP Pat Doherty has condemned the harassment of a young party member from the Mid Tyrone area. Barry McNally, chairperson of West Tyrone Ógra Shinn Féin was held at a checkpoint in the village of Moy on Saturday past (19th September). Read full article


21 September, 2009

Sinn Fein urge community to help combat VANDALISM AT Beechmount Avenue Play park

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Brian Mc Mahon has urged the local community to help combat vandalism at the Children's Play Park at Beechmount Avenue in the town. . Read full article


18 September, 2009

Mc Gill welcomes commitment to improve Bridge Street footpath.

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Claire Mc Gill has welcomed a Roads Service commitment to carry out remedial work to different sections of the footpath at Bridge Street to make it more user friendly for wheelchair users and for all pedestrians particularly those attempting to navigate the narrow footway with prams and buggies. Read full article


17 September, 2009

Doherty calls on DSD Minister to honour heating system upgrades approved before suspension of Warm Homes Plus Scheme.

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has written to DSD Minister Margaret Ritchie calling upon her to take steps to honour those heating system upgrades that had been granted approval at homes before the suspension of the Warm Homes/Warm Homes Plus Scheme last year. Read full article


14 September, 2009

Large turnout at Strabane Republican Commemoration.

Commemoration parade makes its way from Ballycolman

A sunshine baked Strabane saw hundreds of local people turn out to take part in the annual commemoration in memory of local republican dead. Read full article


14 September, 2009

Have your say on Special Educational Needs and Inclusion proposals

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Barry Mc Elduff is urging parents and educational professionals and people in the wider community interested an or concerned about special needs education provision in our schools to avail of the opportunity to discuss policy proposals emerging from the Department of Education's SEN Review by attending a Roadshow which to be held at the Strule Arts Centre in Omagh between 4pm and 6pm on Wednesday 23 September. Read full article


11 September, 2009

Sinn Féin launches community engagement initiative

West Tyrone Sinn Féin has launched details of a series of public engagements throughout the constituency. The first of these will take place in Loughmacrory GAA clubrooms on Wednesday 16th September at 8pm. Other events have been scheduled for Castlederg, Glenelly, Strabane and Omagh. Read full article


9 September, 2009

Gildernew praises Omagh disability group at awards ceremony

Minister Gildernew

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has presented certificates to a group of volunteers who provide support services for people with disabilities in the Omagh area. Read full article


8 September, 2009

MP welcomes Health Ministers decision to fund life saving therapy for Billy Caldwell

Speaking in relation to today's announcement by Health Minister, Michael Mc Gimpsey to fund a complete care package for Billy Caldwell, West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty, who accompanied Billy's mother Charlotte and Iris Robinson to a meeting with the Minister, said: Read full article


8 September, 2009

Sinn Fein welcomes launch of Rural Challenge Programme

Sinn Féin has welcomed the launch of a Rural Challenge Programme aimed at assisting in tackling poverty and social exclusion within rural communities. Read full article


7 September, 2009

No justification for Strabane attack

Sinn Féin says that there can be no justification for the vicious assault carried out on a 25year old man who suffers from epilepsy at his Carlton Drive home in Strabane at the weekend. Read full article


7 September, 2009

Mc Elduff to speak at annual Commemoration in Strabane

West Tyrone MLA Barry Mc Elduff will be the main speaker at this year's commemoration held in memory of republican dead from the West Tyrone area. The annual event will take place this Sunday (13th September) and outlining details of this year's commemorative event Sinn Fein councillor, and Chairperson of Strabane District Council, Kieran Mc Guire said, Read full article


6 September, 2009

Mc Aleer warns university students over accommodation scams

Mid Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor and member of the Western Education and Library Board, Declan Mc Aleer has appealed to local students planning to go to university and who are looking for new accommodation to fully check out the letting agencies and the track record of private landlords who advertise on the internet before they sign any tenancy agreements or hand over large deposits for rent. Read full article


6 September, 2009

Sinn Féin to hold annual Assembly 'away day'

The Sinn Féin Assembly team along with party members from across Ireland will hold an 'away day' in the Gulladuff Centre, Co Derry on Monday 5th September. Read full article


4 September, 2009

Mc Aleer welcomes announcement on Killyclogher road works.

Cllr Mc Aleer pictured with Killyclogher 'Lollypop' lady, Marie Mc Kenna

Mid Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor, Declan Mc Aleer has welcomed recent commitments from Roads Service to commence two important schemes in Killyclogher. Read full article


2 September, 2009

Doherty welcomes Newtownstewart flood victim grant assistance

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has welcomed the announcement of a £1,000 grant to aid the plight of local flood victims in Newtown. Today's announcement follows serious flooding in the town last Sunday. Read full article


1 September, 2009

Educational Mentoring scheme welcomed

Sinn Féin Omagh town councillor and chairperson of the neighborhood renewal scheme Séan Begley has welcomed a scheme which will see a school mentoring schemes in various areas of Omagh. Areas covered by the neighborhood renewal project will benefit from the scheme which was unveiling recently. Read full article


27 August, 2009

Leaked PSNI report tells us absolutely nothing new - Begley

Sinn Féin councillor and Omagh DPP member Sean Begley has said that the internal PSNI report, leaked to the media, only goes to highlight what people have known for some considerable time. Read full article


26 August, 2009

Campbell Welcomes First Meeting on Fintona Action Plan

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Representative, Glenn Campbell

West Tyrone Sinn Fein representative, Glenn Campbell, has welcomed the 'first step' towards an action plan for the regeneration of Fintona. Read full article


25 August, 2009

Sinn Féin calls for 'joined up' approach to tackle Newtownstewart flooding.

Councillor Kieran Mc Guire

Sinn Féin Councillor Kieran McGuire has called for a joined up approach between the Departments of Environment, Agriculture and Regional Development to address the issue of recent flash floods in Newtownstewart. Read full article


19 August, 2009

Fintona Ram Raid Condemned

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Representative, Glenn Campbell, has condemned this morning's robbery of a cash machine during a ram raid of a pub in Fintona. Read full article


18 August, 2009

Thousands mark 28th anniversary of 1981 Hunger Strike

Thousands of people descended on the county Tyrone village of Galbally at the weekend to remember the hunger strikers of 1981. Read full article


18 August, 2009

Traffic Claming Progress for Drumnabey School-Mc Hugh

Councillor Mc Hugh

Castlederg Sinn Fein Councillor Ruairi Mc Hugh has welcomed a Roads Service response to representations he has been making about the need for appropriate traffic calming measures in the vicinity of Drumnabey Primary School. Read full article


18 August, 2009

Springhill Park attack -"There are no quick fix solutions"-Mc Nulty

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Jarlath Mc Nulty says that there are no quick fix solutions to dealing with social problems and anti-social activity within the community following an attack on the homes of an extended family in Springhill Park in the town in the early hours of this morning. Read full article


13 August, 2009

Efforts made to preserve legacy of Alice Milligan

Cllr Barney Mc Aleer (RIP) pictured with US Congressman Peter King at the plinth dedicated to Alice Milligan at her former home in Mountfield.  Also in the picture (l-r) are Cllr Mickey Mc Anespie (RIP), Pat Doherty MP, MLA and Pat Fahy.

CALLS have been made for the legacy of one of Omagh's most famous natives, Alice Milligan, to be preserved through an exhibition of her literature at the Strule Arts Centre. Read full article


12 August, 2009

Campbell calls on ex Prisoners to apply for training and education grant

Glenn Campbell

A new bursary has been created to assist Republican ex Prisoners with training and education courses. The funding has been made available from the SEUPB Peace 3 programme and is offered through local Prisoners Support groups which are affiliated to the umbrella body, Cóiste Na n-Iarchimi. Read full article


11 August, 2009

Tyrone MPs call for big turnout to commemorate Hunger Strike

Tyrone MP's Martin Mc Guinness, Michelle Gildernew & Pat Doherty

The three MPs representing County Tyrone; Martin McGuinness, Michelle Gildernew and Pat Doherty have issued a joint call for republicans to take part in the National Hunger Strike Commemoration being held for the first time in the county on Sunday August 16th. Read full article


11 August, 2009

Final preparations as Tyrone Hunger Strike Committee goes online.

Sean Begley, Chairman of the Tyrone Hunger Strike Commemoration Committee along with Kerry McColgan, Chairperson of the Tyrone Hunger Strike Youth Committee pictured ahead of a weekend of events in Tyrone.

Tyrone republicans were busy this week in their final preparations for the National Hunger Strike rally which is due to be held on the county this coming Sunday. Several thousand people are expected for the parade which will mark the 28th anniversary of the 1981 Hunger Strike. Read full article


7 August, 2009

Mc Aleer condemns vandalism in Killyclogher.

Killyclogher Sinn Féin Councillor, Declan Mc Aleer has strongly condemned the vandals who went on a wrecking spree in Mc Ivor Villas in the early hours of Thursday morning. Read full article


7 August, 2009

Doherty hosts Owen Paterson in Omagh.

(l-r) Chair of Omagh DC, Cllr Paddy Mc Gowan, Owen Paterson MP and Pat Doherty MP, MLA

Shadow SoS, Owen Paterson was in Omagh on Thursday where he was accompanied on a series of engagements by West Tyrone MP, Pat Doherty. Speaking following the visit, Mr Doherty said: "Mr Paterson has always been a firm advocate of the Shared Educational campus in Lisanelly and during the briefing at WELB Headquarters he expressed particular satisfaction at the pace of progress during the past year. Read full article


5 August, 2009

McColgan Commends Omagh Independent advices services

Omagh Sinn Féin councillor Marty McColgan has said the Omagh Independent Advices Service provides an excellent service to the public and should continue to be funded by the council. Read full article


4 August, 2009

Campbell welcomes Corkill road works in Seskinore

Sinn Féin west Tyrone representative Glenn Campbell has welcomed recent repairs made to the Corkill road in Seskinore. Glenn Campbell had been in contact Roads Service following complaints from local residents due to poor state of the road surface, to repair the Corkill road in Seskinore. Read full article


4 August, 2009

Special effort urged for Tyrone Hunger Strike Commemoration.

Sinn Féin Councillor and Chairperson of Strabane District Council, Kieran Mc Guire is urging republicans from throughout the District to make a special effort to attend this year's National Hunger Strike Commemoration given that Tyrone will be hosting the event for the first time in Galbally on Sunday 16th August. Read full article


4 August, 2009

100th Anniversary of founding of Na Fianna to be remembered.

(Patsy McMahon (RIP) and Jimmy McElduff plant a liberty Tree in the Tyrone Garden of Rememberance in 2005 as a part of the Cead Bliain Sinn Fein programme of events in Tyrone)

A plaque is set to be unveiled in the Tyrone Garden of Remembrance in Carrickmore to mark the 100th anniversary since the foundation of Na Fianna Éireann. The launch will take place on Sunday 16th August; widely believed to be the date on which the youth movement was formed. Read full article


3 August, 2009

1981 Hunger strike Talk set for Strule Arts Centre

Ógra Shinn Féin have announced plans for a weekend of events in Tyrone from the 14th - 16th August. The weekend of events will coincide with the National Hunger Strike Commemorative Weekend being hosted in Tyrone. Read full article


31 July, 2009

Tribute to Kathleen Mc Carron (1957 - 2009)

Kathleen pictured at the Drumnakilly Martyrs 20th anniversary Commemoration last August.

It was with great sadness that the communities of Threemilehouse in Co. Monaghan; Loughmacrory in County Tyrone along with friends from much further afield, learned of the death of Kathleen McCarron of Blackraw, on the 15th July last. Kathleen, aged 51, had spent two years bravely battling a serious illness. Read full article


30 July, 2009

Doherty welcomes Broadband Investment west of the Bann

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has welcomed the announcement by DETI Minister Arlene Foster that £177.000 funding, from the £1.9 million Broadband Fund, is being allocated to two companies Net1/Simpliphone and North West Electronics to provide high quality, affordable wireless broadband access to certain rural areas west of the Bann where line broadband provision is still inaccessible. Read full article


29 July, 2009

Brother of murdered councillor welcomes McAnespie Apology

Peter Kelly, brother of Patsy Kelly who was murdered 35 years ago has welcomed the apology to the McAnespie family from the British government over the death of Aidan McAnespie in 1988. Read full article


28 July, 2009

Sinn Fein proposal to refurbish leisure centre facilities accepted.

Sinn Féin Sean Begley has welcomed the acceptance of a proposal from the Omagh town councillor to refurbish facilities at Omagh leisure. It follows on from similar refurbishment works at the centre over the past year. Read full article


28 July, 2009

Tyrone prepares to remember the 1981 Hunger Strike.

Tyrone this week continued preparations for the National Hunger Strike Commemoration weekend by formally launching the weekend of events. Read full article


27 July, 2009

Meeting with NIO Minister Goggins on Lisanelly transfer issue very constructive-Doherty

Pat Doherty MP, Education Minister Caitriona Ruane and Deputy First Minister Martin Mc Guinness pictured during an earlier visit to Lisanelly and St Lucia sites in June.

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty says has described as "very constructive" a meeting held today at Stormont with NIO Minister of State Paul Goggins at which the transfer of the former military site at Lisanelly, for the purpose of developing an Educational Village Campus in Omagh, was discussed. Read full article


27 July, 2009

August 7th last call for Rural Development Programme applications

Sinn Féin councillors in West Tyrone have issued a statement reminding people who are considering making an application for grant assistance under the Rural Development Programme under Measures 3.1 (Diversification into Non -Agricultural Activities) and 3.2 (Business Creation and Development) that the call will close at 12 noon on Friday 7th August 2009. Read full article


27 July, 2009

Doherty to meet Goggins on Lisanelly Transfer progress

West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty is to meet with NIO Minister of State Paul Goggins at Stormont later today with the transfer of the former military site at Lisanelly, for the purpose of developing an Educational Village Campus in Omagh, at the top of the talk's agenda. Read full article


23 July, 2009

Sinn Féin elect new Council Group Leader.

Sinn Féin council group have elected a new council group leader on Omagh District Council. At a recently convened meeting Marty McColgan was the chosen successor from mid Tyrone councillor Declan McAleer to take over the reins. Read full article


22 July, 2009

Sinn Féin propose council reception for title winning Hurling Team

Sinn Féin mid Tyrone councillor Sean Clarke has proposed holding a council reception for the Tyrone hurling team following recent national success in the Lory Meagher cup. Read full article


21 July, 2009

Anne Marie Fitzgerald congratulates Carrickmore Walkers.

Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has congratulated the team of walkers from Carrickmore who have completed a trek from Cork to Carrickmore. Read full article


21 July, 2009

Dual Carriageway announcement pivotal turning point in re-dressing infrastructure imbalance

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP MLA Pat Doherty says today's announcement of the preferred route for the A5 Western Transport Corridor Dual Carriageway represents a pivotal turning point in terms of re-dressing the infrastructural imbalance west of the Bann and in the north west region of Ireland. Read full article


21 July, 2009

Have your say on proposed traffic calming measures for Castledown/Urney road area

Cllr Michaela Boyle pictured at Urney/Castletown Road mini roundabout

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Michaela Boyle is urging residents in the Castletown Road/Urney Road Area of the town to shape a profile of traffic calming measures for the area which meets their needs by submitting their views on the scheme that has been proposed to the Road Service consultation that has now commenced. Read full article


20 July, 2009

Tyrone to host National Hunger Strike Commemoration

The Scene outside Carrickmores Patrician Hall - December 1980

Tyrone will this year host the National Hunger Strike Commemoration weekend. The annual event has previously been held in Derry and Belfast. This year will see its first visit to county Tyrone. Read full article


20 July, 2009

Sinn Fein challenges Hussey over support for loyalist paramilitary flags in Castlederg

Sinn Féin Councillor Kieran Mc Guire has challenged UUP Councillor Derek Hussey to clarify his position in relation to the erection of loyalist paramilitary flags in Castlederg after Councillor Hussey complained in the local media last week about the removal of such flags from the Killeter Road area of the town. Read full article


16 July, 2009

Sinn Fein to propose refurbishment of facilities at Omagh Leisure Centre.

Sinn Féin are to propose carrying out further refurbishment schemes at Omagh Leisure Centre. Omagh Town Councillor Sean Begley said he would make the proposals at a meeting of the Development committee of Omagh District Council on Tuesday evening. Read full article


13 July, 2009

Doherty delivers main address at Tyrone Volunteers Day

West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty addressed this year's Tyrone Volunteers Day. The parade and commemoration is held annually on the anniversary of Tyrone Hunger Striker, Martin Hurson. Two bands took part in this year's mobilisation - the Martin Hurson Memorial Band and the South Derry Martyrs Memorial Band. Read full article


8 July, 2009

Why is DCAL acting as administrator for the Orange Order? - McElduff

Sinn Féin west Tyrone MLA and chair of the Assembly's Culture Arts and Leisure Committee Barry McElduff has contacted both Minister Nelson McCausland and the Permanent Secretary of his department, seeking to find out why DCAL feels the need to act as an administrator for the Orange Order. Read full article


8 July, 2009

Concern grows at non-receipt of £150 Household Fuel Payment

Strabane Sinn Fein Councillor Michaela Boyle says that it is unacceptable that many householders who fulfil the qualifying criteria for the £150 Household Fuel Payment Scheme announced in February are still awaiting payment five months after the announcement. Read full article


7 July, 2009

Proposals to cut ambulance provision unacceptable.

Sinn Féin Omagh District Councillor Sean Clarke has described a proposal to cut ambulance provision in the area as 'unacceptable'. Read full article


7 July, 2009

Pat Doherty Set to Address July 13th Parade.

West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty is set to address the Annual Tyrone Volunteers commemoration, which will take place on Monday 13th July in Galbally. Read full article


6 July, 2009

Mc Aleer urges people to have their say on traffic calming proposals for Mountfield.

Mid Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor, Declan Mc Aleer has urged local people to attend the exhibition in Mountfield on Thursday evening to discuss traffic calming proposals for the village. Read full article


6 July, 2009

Campbell calls for environmental clean up of Ashfield Gardens.

West Tyrone Sinn Féin representative Glenn Campbell has called for an environmental clean up of Ashfield Gardens in Fintona, following a meeting with residents of the estate on Thursday. Read full article


6 July, 2009

"Proposed ambulance cuts completely untenable" - Mc Gill

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MLA and Assembly Health Committee member Claire Mc Gill says has described proposed cuts to ambulance provision by 70,000 hours across the six counties completely untenable. Read full article


6 July, 2009

Doherty lobbies DSD Minister on suspension over Home Improvement Grants.

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty says that many elderly constituents have been dealt a double blow by being not only told that Housing Executive Improvement Grants for long awaited improvements to their homes have been suspended but by also being told that they would have to reapply afresh if and when additional funding becomes available for these grants. Read full article


5 July, 2009

Minister announces more significant progress on the Lisanelly Shared Educational Campus

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has highlighted significant progress in developing a Shared Education Campus in Omagh. The Minister was speaking following the second meeting of the Lisanelly Shared Educational Campus Steering Group. Read full article


1 July, 2009

Sinn Fein criticise 'incompetent' actions of PSNI.

Sinn Féin Omagh town councillor Sean Begley has criticised the PSNI after it was revealed that they had raided the wrong house in the Gortmore Gardens area of Omagh on Tuesday. Read full article


30 June, 2009

Sinn Fein pressing for improved Provision for adult disabled Learning population in strabane

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Claire Mc Gill is to meet Western Health & Social Care Trust officials this Friday to discuss growing concerns about the reduction in Adult Disabled Learning Provision in Strabane District. Read full article


30 June, 2009

FINAL TRANSFER 2010 GUIDANCE PUBLISHED

Minister Ruane on a visit to Omagh last year.

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has published the final Transfer 2010 Guidance for admissions to post-primary schools in September 2010. Read full article


30 June, 2009

Sinn Féin welcome as Rural Development Fund Opens for Business

Sinn Féin representatives in West Tyrone have welcomed today's opening of applications for 2 of the principle measures of Rural Development Funding in the North West Cluster Area saying that it heralds one the most substantial ever capital investments in the rural economy and in rural communities throughout Omagh, Strabane, Derry and Limavady council areas. Read full article


29 June, 2009

Reflections on a year as Omaghs First Citizen

Sinn Fein Omagh town councillor and outgoing chairman of Omagh District Council. Marty McColgan recently to reflected on the main events and achievements of the past year during his term in office. Read full article


27 June, 2009

Sinn Féin press for action on fly tipping issue

Local farmer Kevin Murray highlights the extent of flytipping on his land near Eskra.  Pictured with  Sinn Féin rep. Glenn Campbell and Pat Doherty MP

West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has urged the Department of Environment to take urgent steps to address a serious issue of fly tipping on farmland near Eskra, Co. Tyrone. Mr Doherty visited the location on Friday along with Sinn Féin representative Glenn Campbell and landowner, Kevin Murray. Read full article


25 June, 2009

Sinn Féin condemn Omagh attacks

Omagh Town Councillor, Sean Begley has spoken out after two very serious incidents in Omagh town in the early hours of Thursday morning. Read full article


22 June, 2009

MARTIN HURSON MEMORIAL CUP 2009

Martin Hurson Memorial Cup 2009 Launched Read full article


18 June, 2009

Pilot Broadband initiative to be rolled out in Tyrone.

It has been revealed that Tyrone is to benefit from pioneering new broadband technology for areas throughout Tyrone affected by current broadband provision. Read full article


17 June, 2009

It's time for a national debate on Ireland after 2010, says PAT DOHERTY MP - 16/06/09

Published in Irish World Last weekend Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams was in the United States, hosting the first of two major conferences on the issue of Irish re-unification. Alongside the party's Joint First Minister Martin McGuinness, he recently announced details of the party's 'United Ireland Task Force' initiative, which aims to open up a broad discussion, both in Ireland, and on a wider international level. Read full article


17 June, 2009

Sinn Féin welcomes Greencastle road works.

Sinn Féin councillor Sean Clarke has welcomed remedial work carried out to the Aughascribba road in Greencastle and has also voiced support for scheduled work on the Crockanboy road. Read full article


16 June, 2009

Diplock Courts must go - McAleer

Sinn Féin Councillor and DPP member, Declan McAleer has slammed the NIO announcement that they plan to extend the use of Diplock courts for another two years. Read full article


16 June, 2009

Sinn Féin thanks electorate.

Sinn Féins Sean Begley has thanked all of those who voted for Bairbre de brun in the recent european election. Read full article


15 June, 2009

West Tyrone Ógra Shinn Féin demand 'Don't Extradite the Basques'!

West Tyrone Ógra Shinn Féin representative Kerry McColgan has called upon people to sign an online petition calling for an end to extradition proceedings against two Basque nationals currently living in Belfast. Read full article


15 June, 2009

Martin McGuinness to address Bodenstown 2009

Sinn Féin Omagh Town Councillor, Martin McColgan has said a keynote address to be given by Joint First Minister Martin McGuinness at the Wolfe Tone commemoration will detail the work plan for Sinn Féin throughout Ireland during the next year. Read full article


12 June, 2009

Improvements on the way for Whitebridge / Altamuskin Roads.

Long awaited improvements are finally on the way for the Whitebridge and Altamuskin roads according to local councillor and MLA Barry McElduff. Read full article


6 June, 2009

Fitzgerald expresses sympathy with Omagh assault victim.

Omagh District Councillor Ann Marie Fitzgerald has expressed sympathy with the family of a young man who was assaulted and knocked unconscious in Omagh in the early hours of Saturday morning. Read full article


3 June, 2009

Great Escape Recalled at Public Talk

Carrickmore was the venue for a public talk on the biggest escape of republican Prisoners from a British jail on Tuesday evening. Read full article


3 June, 2009

Polling Card not necessary to vote-Mc Elduff

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Barry Mc Elduff says that you don't need a polling card to vote in Thursday's EU election poll. He says that he has moved to issue a clarification statement following evidence that hundreds of registered voters throughout West Tyrone have not yet received a polling card an now believe that they are not entitled to vote. Read full article


30 May, 2009

1983 Prison Escape to be recounted in Carrickmore.

British forces mounted the biggest search operation that had ever been seen in the north of Ireland in the aftermath of the escape

The biggest escape of republican Prisoners from a British jail will be recounted on Tuesday night in Carrickmore as three of the escapees will hold a public talk. Read full article


26 May, 2009

De Brún meets Omagh Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún accompanied by Cllr Declan Mc Aleer, group leader of the Sinn Féin block on Omagh District Council, met today with Omagh Chamber of Commerce and Industry during a visit to the town as part of a West Tyrone tour. Read full article


26 May, 2009

Hunger Strikers remembered at Dromore Commemoration

Over 300 republicans from across Tyrone gathered in Dromore on Saturday in memory of Bobby Sands and nine other republican prisoners who died on hunger strike in 1981. Read full article


26 May, 2009

Sinn Fein expresses concern at delay in RDP roll-out

Sinn Fein councillor Frankie Donnelly expressed concern that the process of opening the Rural Development programme is getting bogged down in bureaucracy between Omagh District Council officials and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Read full article


22 May, 2009

Sinn Fein hit out havoc wrecked at Springhill Park

Strabane Sinn Fein Councillor and Council Chairperson Jarlath Mc Nulty says that there is a combination of disgust, anger and fear among residents of Springhill Park area of the town following havoc wrecked in the area last night as a result of what can be only be described as a re-creational riot by young people and children some of whom were as young as five years of age. Read full article


19 May, 2009

Dromore Memorial Committee Unveil plans for parade.

Republicans from Tyrone and further afield will gather in Dromore on Saturday in memory of Bobby Sands and nine other republican prisoners who died on hunger strike in Long Kesh jail, outside Belfast, in 1981. Read full article


19 May, 2009

Cllr Fitzgerald extends sympathy to the Sweeney Family following tragic death of toddler.

Speaking last night following the tragic death of 2 year old Tadhg Sweeney, Sinn Féin Councillor for the area, Ann Marie Fitzgerald extended her deepest sympathy to the family. Read full article


18 May, 2009

ROADS SERVICE TO INVEST £5.1MILLION IN OMAGH DISTRICT COUNCIL AREA

Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy announced a £5.1million investment for the Omagh Council area this year. Read full article


14 May, 2009

Cllr Fitzgerald welcomes play park for Sixmilecross.

Residents of Sixmilecross are set to benefit from a newly built play park, according to Sinn Fein Councillor for the area, Anne Marie Fitzgerald. Read full article


13 May, 2009

Hope that additional dentists will alleviate access crisis

West Tyrone Sinn Fein MP MLA Pat Doherty has warmly welcomed today's announcement by Health Minister Michael Mc Gimpsey of a 17m investment to provide an additional 38 dentists across the north. He says that the he hopes the move will begin to address the serious crisis that has developed in terms of the many thousands, particularly people in receipt of benefits, who have unable to get access to dental treatment, even in emergency situations, for some considerable time now. Read full article


12 May, 2009

Broadband connection vital-Mc Guire

Connecting the 30% of the EU's rural population that has no high speed internet access should be a priority for achieving 'broadband for all' by 2010, the European Commission has said. Local Councillor Kieran Mc Guire, has welcomed the Commissions findings and agrees that good internet access can make farms and companies in rural areas especially Small to Medium Buisnesses less isolated and more competitive. Read full article


11 May, 2009

Call for people to get on electoral register.

West Tyrone Sinn Féin director of elections Sean Begley has urged people to register to vote in the upcoming elections, scheduled to take place on June 4th. Read full article


11 May, 2009

Derek Hussey must apologise to people of Castlederg over false sectarian assault claims

Sinn Fein councillors in the Derg Electoral Area of Strabane District Council says that Ulster Unionist Councillor Derek Hussey needs to publicly apologise for casting a cloak of suspicion over every young nationalist male in the Castlederg area and vilifying them in the process by going all out in the media over false sectarian assault claims. Read full article


7 May, 2009

Sinn Féin criticise 20% planning fee rise.

Sinn Féin Omagh town councillor Sean Begley has criticised a proposal which would see a 20% hike in planning application fees. Read full article


6 May, 2009

Sinn Fein welcomes additional fire-fighter cover.

Sinn Féin Omagh town councillor and chairperson of the Omagh District Council Marty McColgan has welcomed an announcement that Omagh will benefit from additional emergency cover from the fire and rescue service. Read full article


5 May, 2009

Mc Aleer welcomes repair work on Drumnakilly Road

Mid Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor, Declan Mc Aleer has welcomed the decision by DRD Road Service to commence work on the Drumnakilly Road. According to Cllr Mc Aleer "The Drumnakilly Road which links Carrickmore to Omagh is one of the busiest B routes in the district. Read full article


5 May, 2009

Sinn Féin motion calls on Minister to simplify access to Employment Support Allowance

Sinn Féin MLA Claire Mc Gill has said that DSD Minister Margaret Ritchie should work to ensure that access to employment support allowance is much easier for vulnerable claimants. Read full article


4 May, 2009

Proposal to defer water charges welcomed.

Sinn Féin representative Glenn Campbell has welcomed a proposal from Regional Development minister Conor Murphy to defer water charges for another three years. Read full article


1 May, 2009

DPP Meeting 'Frank and Forthright' - Begley

Sinn Féins Sean Begley has said that there was a frank and forthright discussion at the specially convened Omagh DPP meeting. The meeting, which was held last Monday night was to discuss recent violent attacks in the Omagh area. Read full article


29 April, 2009

Tesco must not succumb to sectarian hostility - McElduff

Commenting on the news that children from St Colmghalls GAA Club, taking part in a charity 'bag packing' in the Antrim branch of Tesco, were forced to remove their club kits due to complaints, Chairman of the Assembly's Culture Arts and Leisure Committee, Barry McElduff MLA said, "I have to express my utter disgust". Read full article


28 April, 2009

Sinn Féin proposal to implement d'hondt accepted.

Omagh District Council has voted to implement the d'hondt system for the next 2 years after the further extension of the council term by two years following the review of public administration. Read full article


27 April, 2009

Only 2 weeks left to secure Proxy/Postal vote in EU Election

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MLA Claire Mc Gill has urged everyone who, whatever reason, will be unable to vote in person on the day of the European Election Thursday 4 June to apply to vote by post or by proxy before the absent voter deadline expires on the 14th May. Read full article


22 April, 2009

Emergency DPP meeting to discuss violent crime in Omagh.

Sinn Féin Omagh councillor Sean Begley has requested an urgent meeting of Omagh DPP following a number of violent crimes in the Omagh area in the recent past. Read full article


21 April, 2009

Doherty calls upon DSD Minister to clarify DHSS Office proposals

West Tyrone Sinn Fein MP MLA Pat Doherty says that DSD Minister Margaret Ritchie needs to clarify in detail her plans for the future of the Social Security Agency's local office network following her announcement yesterday that she is taking forward, in amended form, some of the proposals of the SSA Strategic Business Review to centralise DHSS benefits services under the term "Customers First." Read full article


21 April, 2009

RUANE ACHIEVES BIG STEP FORWARD IN OMAGH SHARED EDUCATIONAL CAMPUS

Caitriona Ruane pictured last year during a Ministerial visit to Omagh.

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has announced a major investment of some £2.1 million for the design of a Shared Educational Campus at the Lisanelly former military site in Omagh. Read full article


20 April, 2009

Doherty urges DSD Minister to shelve Benefits Office centralization proposals

West Tyrone Sinn Fein MP Pat Doherty has once again called upon Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie to shelve plans for the centralization of benefits office services away from frontline services and face to face contact amid speculation that she is to make an announcement on the controversial plans today (Monday). Read full article


20 April, 2009

A national conversation - SInn Fein public meetings across Ireland

West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has announced details of 10 public meetings to be held across the North in the coming weeks as part of the programme of nation building. As part of this programme public meetings are being held in the Fir Trees Hotel in Strabane on Thursday 30 April at 7.30pm and at Galbally Hall this Wednesday 22nd April at 8pm. Read full article


17 April, 2009

Electoral office move Vindicates Sinn Fein's position

Sinn Fein's Sean Begley has said a combination of pressure and lobbying from the party has paid off after the Electoral Office revealed that it will now use records from the Department of Work and Pensions database in order to verify addresses of citizens on the electoral register. Read full article


17 April, 2009

Imminent repairs for Tremoge road.

Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has welcomed confirmation from DRD Roads Service that it is to undertake an inspection of Tremoge Road just outside Carrickmore. Read full article


15 April, 2009

Large attendance at Carrickmore Easter Commemoration.

Pomeroy Accordian Band

Tyrone republicans converged in Carrickmore on Easter Sunday to commemorate Irelands patriot dead. The Commemoration was the centrepiece to a weekend that had seen over 30 graveside commemorations and parades in Coalisland on Easter Saturday and Ardboe on Easter Monday. Read full article


14 April, 2009

Easter commemoration in Loughmacrory.

A section of the crowd who attended the Easter commemoration in Loughmacrory.

In one of the biggest crowds witnessed in recent years, approximately 400 people attended the annual Loughmacrory commemoration at the graveside of Brothers Gerard and Martin Harte. Read full article


14 April, 2009

Easter commemoration held in Drumragh.

Veteran Republican James Mc Elduff prepares to lay a wreath on the grave of Alice Milligan.

On Saturday Republicans assembled at the graveside of poet, playwright and Republican, Alice Milligan. The commemoration was chaired by the Cathaoirleach of the Milligan/Harte Sinn Féin Cumann, Sean Donnelly. Read full article


14 April, 2009

Vol Seamus Woods remembered.

Republicans assembled at the graveside of Vol.  Seamus Woods, Pomeroy.

A crowd of approximately 200 people attended the graveside commemoration for Vol. Seamus Woods in Pomeroy on Easter Sunday. Read full article


14 April, 2009

"Republicans engaged in Nation Building phase"-Doherty

Drumboe Easter Pagent

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP MLA Pat Doherty says that "republicans are now engaged in nation building - a phase of struggle described by James Connolly described as the re-conquest of Ireland by the Irish people." Read full article


14 April, 2009

Mc Gill Addresses Cranagh and Strabane Easter Commemorations

West Tyrone Sinn Fein MLA Claire Mc Gill addressed local republicans at commemorations at Cranagh and Strabane Cemetery on Easter Sunday. Read full article


14 April, 2009

Republicans commemorate veteran Republican, Charlie Ferris.

John Smith recites the Easter Proclamation at the graveside of Charlie Ferris.

Over 70 people attended the Easter Commemoration at the graveside of veteran Republican, Charlie Ferris in Killyclogher graveyard. Read full article


10 April, 2009

Abhaile Aris Arts and Craft shop opens

On Saturday the formal opening of Abhaile Arís Arts & Crafts shop on James Street, Omagh took place. The event was attended by Republican ex Prisoners from the local area who served time in Prisons in every decade from the 1950's until the 1990's. Read full article


7 April, 2009

If In Doubt Keep Them Out - Fitzgerald

Sinn Féin mid Tyrone councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has called upon people in the Carrickmore area to be on their guard following reports of bogus callers in the area. Read full article


6 April, 2009

Sinn Féin condemns 'provocative' march in Omagh

Sinn Féin councillor Sean Begley has condemned what he has described as a 'provocative' march organised by Omagh True blues loyalist band in Omagh on Friday evening. Read full article


6 April, 2009

Tyrone Republicans to mobilise for Easter commemorations.

The Easter Proclamation of 1916: Still relevant to today's youth. Pictured here are Kerry McColgan and Stephen McGahan

Tyrone republicans will this weekend mobilise for Easter commemorations throughout the county. This year marks the 93rd anniversary of the 1916 Easter rising in Dublin. Read full article


1 April, 2009

Sinn Fein criticises lack of notification about Strabane Electoral Registration and Electoral ID processing event.

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Michaela Boyle has moved to highlight the fact that there will be an Electoral Office Registration and Photographic Identification clinic in the Alley Theatre between 4pm and 7.30pm in the town today but has criticized the lack of pre-notification and pre-publicity about the event. Read full article


1 April, 2009

McElduff Confirmed as Main speaker at Tyrone Commemoration

Local MP Pat Doherty and Local MLA Barry McElduff launch the Easter lily at Stormont

The 93rd Anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising will be remembered at a series of Commemorations and wreath-laying ceremonies in County Tyrone and throughout Ireland over the Easter weekend. Read full article


31 March, 2009

Sinn Féin launch Easter lily campaign.

Winnie Harte and Martin McColgan, Chairperson of ODC launching the Easter Lily

Sinn Féin launched the Easter campaign in the Omagh District Council offices on Tuesday Evening. Sinn Féin chairperson of the council, Marty McColgan was joined by Winnie Harte to perform the launch. Winnie's sons, Gerard and Martin Harte were shot dead by the British SAS in 1988 whilst on active service at Drumnakilly. Read full article


31 March, 2009

Republican ex Prisoner group launched

Ex Prisoners from Mid and West Tyrone will assemble on Saturday to officially launch Abhaile Aris - a support organisation for people who have served time in jails as a result of the conflict. The launch will include the official opening of an arts and craft shop on James Street, Omagh at 3pm. Read full article


31 March, 2009

ELECTORAL REGISTRATION

Sinn Féin Spokesperson, Pat Doherty MP, MLA (West Tyrone) is leading a Party delegation to meet with British Minister, Paul Goggins today to raise a number of concerns around electoral registration and also the Review of Public Administration. Read full article


30 March, 2009

Sinn Féin hails Gortmore Decision.

Sinn Féin Omagh town councillor and chairperson of Omagh District Council Marty McColgan has welcomed the decision to keep Gortmore residential home in Omagh open. Read full article


28 March, 2009

Greenfield decision a victory for people power

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MLA Claire Mc Gill heralded the U-turn by the Western Trust's to keep Greenfield Residential Care Home open as a victory for people power. Read full article


24 March, 2009

Mc Hugh hits out at Castlederg Graffiti vandalism

Sinn Fein Councillor Ruairí Mc Hugh has hit out at the vandals who have blighted the Castlefin Park, Churchtown Park and Hillview Park areas of Castlederg with graffiti over this past week. Read full article


24 March, 2009

Mc Gill welcomes increase in Financial Assistance for Water Main Connections to rural dwellings

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Claire Mc Gill has welcomed the announcement by DRD Minister Conor Murphy of an increase from £6,500 to £10,000 in the financial assistance being made available to householders requesting a water main extension to serve an existing property. Read full article


24 March, 2009

Rural dwellers should respond to Planning consultation before March 31st

Sinn Fein Strabane District Councillor Kieran Mc Guire has called upon people in the rural community to respond to the consultation on draft PPS21 (Planning in the Countryside) before the 31st March. Read full article


20 March, 2009

Fitzgerald welcomes breast screening extension.

Sinn Fein Mid Tyrone Councillor and chair of the Health Committee of Omagh District Council Anne Marie Fitzgerald has welcomed the announcement that the breast-screening programme will be extended for women up to the age of 70. Read full article


19 March, 2009

Sinn Féin to host Farmers Forum in Greencastle

Sinn Féin MP and party spokesperson on rural affairs, Pat Doherty, will host a Farmers Forum in Greencastle Community Centre on Thursday 26th March at 7.30pm. The Forum will be addressed by Sinn Féin MEP, Bairbre de Brún Read full article


17 March, 2009

Doherty meets MoD Minister on Lisanelly transfer issue

West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty met with British Under Secretary of State for Defence, Kevan Jones MP in London on Monday to press the MoD Minister on the transfer of lands at the former military base at Lisanelly for the purpose of developing an Educational Village Campus in Omagh. Read full article


16 March, 2009

£150 household fuel payment to be made in April-Mc Mahon

Sinn Féin Councillor Brian Mc Mahon says that £150 fuel payment to low income households throughout the six counties are now scheduled to be made in the month of April and stated that this would be particularly needed given the massive hike in electricity bills during the last quarter. Read full article


13 March, 2009

Mc Aleer welcomes clarity on household fuel payments.

Sinn Féin councillor Declan McAleer has welcomed recent clarification from the Department of Social Development regarding the household fuel payment scheme. Read full article


13 March, 2009

Sinn Fein welcomes EU roaming charges ruling

Sinn Fein Councillor Kieran Mc Guire says that the decision by the European Parliament to cap the cost of roaming charges will be welcomed by frustrated mobile phone users and particularly in border areas like Strabane and Donegal. Read full article


10 March, 2009

Apply for council Grant Aid - Donnelly

Sinn Fein councillor and chairperson of Omagh District Council's development committee, Councillor Frankie Donnelly has urged community and voluntary sector organisations to apply for Council grants being made available by the Omagh District Council. Read full article


9 March, 2009

Sinn Féin welcomes Primary School Uniform Grant

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Michaela Boyle has warmly welcomed the decision by Education Minister Caitríona Ruane to extend the uniform grant from secondary schools on to primary schools. Read full article


9 March, 2009

Sinn Fein hits out at Carrickmore Robberies.

Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has condemned a number of robberies in the Carrickmore area over the weekend. Read full article


6 March, 2009

Doherty welcomes Ministers announcement on Lisanelly

West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has hailed the announcement by Education Minister, Caitriona Ruane that over £1 million from her department's budget has been allocated for exemplary design work on the Educational campus project on the Lisanelly military site in Omagh. Read full article


6 March, 2009

Sinn Féin Omagh Cllrs Condemns Hijack bid.

Sinn Féin Omagh Town councillors Sean Begley and Omagh District Council Chairperson Martin McColgan has condemned the apparent attempted robbery of a car from the Fairmount Avenue /Gallows hill area of Omagh. Read full article


4 March, 2009

Tyrone All Ireland Captain to lead St. Patrick's parade.

Sinn Féin representative Glenn Campbell has welcomed the announcement that Tyrone Senior Football captain, Brian Dooher is to lead this year's St Patrick's day parade in Dublin. Read full article


4 March, 2009

Invest NI now acquiring additional land in Strabane District -Doherty

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has been told by Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster and senior officials from Invest NI of the practical steps that are in now being taken to address the shortage of economic development land in Strabane District following a meeting held at Stormont this afternoon. Read full article


3 March, 2009

Kelly elected chair of Omagh District Council's Agriculture Committee.

Councillor Pete Kelly

Sinn Féin Councillor, Peter Kelly has outlined his priorities following his election as chairperson of Omagh District Council's Agriculture Committee. Councillor Kelly has been a 'hill farmer' for all of his adult life and has an extensive knowledge of the many issues affecting the farming community. Read full article


3 March, 2009

Torchlight vigil held for victims of state violence

Ógra Shinn Féin in Strabane organised a successful torchlight vigil in the head of the town area on Saturday night (28th February). Upwards of 50 local people gathered at the Breslin/Devine monument in Fountain Street, and symbolically lit torches in memory of those killed as a result of British state-sponsored violence. Read full article


2 March, 2009

Donnelly welcomes fuel payments.

Sinn Féin councillor Frankie Donnelly has welcomed the executive approval of a plan which would see 150,000 homes automatically receive a £150 fuel payment. Read full article


2 March, 2009

Great sadness at Omagh Hospital Vigil-Mc Colgan

The Sinn Féin Chairperson of Omagh District Council, Cllr Marty Mc Colgan says that there was great sadness at the vigil held in Omagh last night to coincide with the decision by the Western Trust to withdraw acute services provision at the Tyrone County Hospital. Read full article


1 March, 2009

PSNI Accused of Brutality in Castlederg

Castlederg Sinn Féin Councillor Ruairí Mc Hugh, has accused the PSNI of brutality following an incident in Hillview Park in the town which resulted in two brothers being hospitalised after being beaten and attacked with CS Spray. Read full article


1 March, 2009

Daunting form deterred many groups from applying for Peace III Small Grants

Omagh Sinn Féin Cllr Seán Begley says that while there was considerable interest shown in the PEACE III Small Grants Programme before Friday's 27 February deadline, it is clear that many local groups were ultimately deterred from applying because of the daunting application form that had to be filled in. Read full article