Latest news with #StormontExecutive
Agriland
4 days ago
- Business
- Agriland
NI agri minister launches bill to tackle dilapidation
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister, Andrew Muir, has welcomed Stormont Executive approval to bring forward the Dilapidation Bill to the Assembly. The Bill aims to provide district councils with a modern, consistent, fit-for-purpose Northern Ireland-wide enforcement regime to deal with the negative impact of dilapidated and dangerous buildings, as well as neglected sites. The Bill reflects the powers already available to enforcement bodies in the rest of the UK. It will also significantly enhance the cost recovery powers available to councils, making the option of them carrying out the relevant works themselves much more viable. Minister Muir said: 'We can all see the problems with dilapidated buildings and neglected sites across Northern Ireland, which are a blight on our neighbourhoods that can pose an unacceptable danger to the public. 'People should be able to take pride in their local area, but when buildings are left to deteriorate, it is the entire community that suffers the consequences. 'The Dilapidation Bill will seek to address this problem, ensuring local people can live and work in attractive neighbourhoods and benefit from the associated investment in an area that can come as a result,' he added. The Bill would empower councils to issue a range of enforcement notices to require owners, occupiers and others with a relevant interest to take appropriate remedial action to deal with dilapidation and neglect. It also allows councils to take such action itself, where required, and recover its costs from the relevant person. It is currently envisaged that the Dilapidation Bill be introduced to the Assembly before the summer recess.
Leader Live
6 days ago
- General
- Leader Live
NI Secretary to meet with parties over how to deal with legacy
Hilary Benn will meet with the leaders of the four larger political parties which comprise the Stormont Executive in Belfast on Wednesday. He met with the SDLP on Tuesday. Speaking ahead of the meetings, Mr Benn emphasised that any new arrangements must have the confidence of bereaved families and of all communities. The previous government's contentious Legacy Act has been almost universally opposed by political parties and victims groups. It halted scores of cases going through the courts and inquests concerning the Troubles, and set up the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR). Mr Benn also reiterated that the Government will repeal and replace the Legacy Act. The ICRIR is expected to be retained. 'This UK Government is committed to (repealing and replacing) the previous government's Legacy Act and to ensuring we have a system that is capable of delivering for all families who are seeking answers around the loss of their loved ones,' he said. 'I am continuing to work with all of the Northern Ireland parties over what should be included in that legislation. 'It is important that new legacy arrangements are capable of commanding the confidence of families and of all communities.'
South Wales Guardian
6 days ago
- General
- South Wales Guardian
NI Secretary to meet with parties over how to deal with legacy
Hilary Benn will meet with the leaders of the four larger political parties which comprise the Stormont Executive in Belfast on Wednesday. He met with the SDLP on Tuesday. Speaking ahead of the meetings, Mr Benn emphasised that any new arrangements must have the confidence of bereaved families and of all communities. The previous government's contentious Legacy Act has been almost universally opposed by political parties and victims groups. It halted scores of cases going through the courts and inquests concerning the Troubles, and set up the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR). Mr Benn also reiterated that the Government will repeal and replace the Legacy Act. The ICRIR is expected to be retained. 'This UK Government is committed to (repealing and replacing) the previous government's Legacy Act and to ensuring we have a system that is capable of delivering for all families who are seeking answers around the loss of their loved ones,' he said. 'I am continuing to work with all of the Northern Ireland parties over what should be included in that legislation. 'It is important that new legacy arrangements are capable of commanding the confidence of families and of all communities.'
North Wales Chronicle
6 days ago
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
NI Secretary to meet with parties over how to deal with legacy
Hilary Benn will meet with the leaders of the four larger political parties which comprise the Stormont Executive in Belfast on Wednesday. He met with the SDLP on Tuesday. Speaking ahead of the meetings, Mr Benn emphasised that any new arrangements must have the confidence of bereaved families and of all communities. The previous government's contentious Legacy Act has been almost universally opposed by political parties and victims groups. It halted scores of cases going through the courts and inquests concerning the Troubles, and set up the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR). Mr Benn also reiterated that the Government will repeal and replace the Legacy Act. The ICRIR is expected to be retained. 'This UK Government is committed to (repealing and replacing) the previous government's Legacy Act and to ensuring we have a system that is capable of delivering for all families who are seeking answers around the loss of their loved ones,' he said. 'I am continuing to work with all of the Northern Ireland parties over what should be included in that legislation. 'It is important that new legacy arrangements are capable of commanding the confidence of families and of all communities.'
Rhyl Journal
6 days ago
- General
- Rhyl Journal
NI Secretary to meet with parties over how to deal with legacy
Hilary Benn will meet with the leaders of the four larger political parties which comprise the Stormont Executive in Belfast on Wednesday. He met with the SDLP on Tuesday. Speaking ahead of the meetings, Mr Benn emphasised that any new arrangements must have the confidence of bereaved families and of all communities. The previous government's contentious Legacy Act has been almost universally opposed by political parties and victims groups. It halted scores of cases going through the courts and inquests concerning the Troubles, and set up the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR). Mr Benn also reiterated that the Government will repeal and replace the Legacy Act. The ICRIR is expected to be retained. 'This UK Government is committed to (repealing and replacing) the previous government's Legacy Act and to ensuring we have a system that is capable of delivering for all families who are seeking answers around the loss of their loved ones,' he said. 'I am continuing to work with all of the Northern Ireland parties over what should be included in that legislation. 'It is important that new legacy arrangements are capable of commanding the confidence of families and of all communities.'
