Derry

East Derry MP Gregory Campbell has called for significant reforms to the National Health Service, describing the system as a “monolith” that must be modernised to meet current healthcare demands.

The Democratic Unionist Party MP made the remarks while discussing ongoing pressures facing healthcare services across the UK and Northern Ireland/The North.

Campbell argued that while the NHS remains a vital public service, structural changes are needed to ensure it can respond effectively to rising demand, staffing pressures and increasing waiting lists.

He said the system must be reformed to improve efficiency, reduce bureaucracy and ensure patients receive timely access to treatment.

Healthcare services across Northern Ireland/The North have faced significant challenges in recent years, including long waiting times for hospital appointments and increasing pressure on emergency departments.

Campbell said modernisation should focus on improving how services are delivered, including the greater use of technology and better coordination between healthcare providers.

He also highlighted the need for reforms that would allow healthcare staff to work more effectively within the system.

The NHS in Northern Ireland/The North operates as part of the wider UK health service but has its own administration through the Department of Health Northern Ireland and the Health and Social Care Northern Ireland network.

Debate over how best to reform the NHS has intensified in recent years as healthcare systems across the UK continue to face increasing demand from ageing populations and complex health conditions.

Campbell said modernisation should aim to protect the core principles of the NHS while ensuring it is better equipped to deal with the challenges of modern healthcare.

Source: https://www.derryjournal.com/health/east-derry-mp-gregory-campbell-calls-for-modernisation-of-monolith-that-is-the-nhs-5623206

Credit unions across Northern Ireland/The North and the Republic of Ireland have collectively contributed €8 million to local communities, according to the first community impact report launched by the Irish League of Credit Unions. The report was unveiled at an event held at the Derry Credit Union, highlighting the significant role that credit unions play in supporting community initiatives and local development.

The community impact report outlines various ways in which credit unions have engaged with their local areas, including funding for educational programs, health initiatives, and community projects. This financial support is aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents and fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual aid within communities.

Representatives from various credit unions attended the launch, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and the positive effects of credit union activities. The report serves as a testament to the commitment of credit unions to not only provide financial services but also to contribute to the social and economic well-being of the communities they serve.

The Irish League of Credit Unions has expressed its intention to continue this support and further strengthen the ties between credit unions and their local communities. The findings of the report are expected to encourage more collaboration and initiatives that benefit residents across Northern Ireland/The North and beyond.

This initiative reflects a broader trend of credit unions prioritizing community engagement as a core aspect of their operations, reinforcing their role as vital community institutions in Northern Ireland/The North.

Source: https://www.derrynow.com/news/business/2029034/credit-unions-across-ireland-support-local-communities-to-the-value-of-8-million.html

Police are investigating after three vehicles were stolen during a suspected car crime spree in Derry.

Officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland say the incidents occurred overnight, with the vehicles taken from different locations across the city.

The thefts are believed to have happened within a short period of time, prompting police to examine whether the incidents are linked.

According to police, the vehicles were stolen from residential areas after being parked outside homes. In some cases, it is believed that the keys may have been taken from inside nearby properties.

Detectives say enquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the thefts and to identify those responsible.

Vehicle thefts and so-called “car crime sprees” have become a growing concern in parts of Northern Ireland/The North, with police regularly warning motorists to take extra precautions when parking their vehicles overnight.

Officers have urged drivers to ensure that vehicles are locked, valuables are removed, and keys are kept out of sight and away from doors or windows where they could be accessed by thieves.

Police are also appealing for anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the affected areas to come forward.

They have asked residents with CCTV, doorbell cameras or dash-cam footage recorded during the relevant time period to review their recordings and contact police if they believe they have captured anything that may assist the investigation.

The PSNI says enquiries into the thefts remain ongoing.

Source: https://www.derryjournal.com/news/crime/three-vehicles-stolen-in-car-crime-spree-in-derry-5621908

Derry City and Strabane District Council has initiated a campaign aimed at promoting responsible dog ownership in Derry, Northern Ireland/The North. The new initiative was launched by the Mayor, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, who emphasized the importance of maintaining clean public spaces and reducing littering associated with dog waste.

As part of the campaign, dog owners are encouraged to participate in two new schemes designed to foster a sense of community responsibility. The Council has highlighted that irresponsible dog ownership, particularly the failure to clean up after pets, will no longer be tolerated. This move is part of broader efforts to enhance the cleanliness and appeal of public areas within the district.

The Council’s initiative reflects growing concerns among residents regarding the impact of dog waste on local environments and public health. By promoting responsible practices, the Council aims to encourage dog owners to take pride in their community and ensure that public spaces are safe and enjoyable for all. The Mayor’s involvement underscores the local government’s commitment to addressing this issue effectively.

The launch of these schemes is expected to engage the community in discussions about responsible pet ownership and the importance of maintaining a clean environment. The Council is hopeful that increased awareness and participation will lead to a noticeable improvement in public spaces across Derry, Northern Ireland/The North.

Source: https://www.derrynow.com/news/local-news/2029413/derry-dog-owners-encouraged-to-clean-up-their-act-with-new-pledge.html

Communities in Derry, Strabane, and Donegal are set to celebrate a significant milestone in education and community development as the North West Region relaunches its status as a UNESCO Learning City Region. This initiative underscores the region’s commitment to promoting lifelong learning and enhancing educational opportunities for all residents.

The relaunch is marked by a regional festival that aims to engage the community and highlight the importance of learning in various forms. The festival will feature a range of activities designed to foster a spirit of collaboration and innovation among local residents, educational institutions, and community organizations. This event is expected to draw participation from various sectors, emphasizing the collective effort to create a vibrant learning environment.

The designation as a UNESCO Learning City Region reflects the North West’s dedication to education as a catalyst for social and economic development. By focusing on lifelong learning, the region aims to empower individuals and communities, providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world. The festival not only celebrates this achievement but also serves as a platform to encourage ongoing dialogue about the future of education in the area.

As the North West Region moves forward with its educational initiatives, local leaders and educators are optimistic about the potential benefits for the community. The relaunch is seen as an opportunity to strengthen partnerships between various stakeholders, including schools, businesses, and local government, all working together to enhance the learning landscape in Derry, Strabane, and Donegal.

This milestone is a testament to the region’s commitment to fostering a culture of learning that is accessible to everyone, ensuring that all members of the community can participate in and benefit from educational opportunities.

Source: https://www.derrynow.com/news/business/2028682/north-west-marks-major-milestone-with-relaunch-of-unesco-learning-city-region.html

The Education Minister for Northern Ireland/The North, Paul Givan, has announced significant reforms to the GCSE and A Level qualifications overseen by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA). This new policy framework aims to streamline the content and assessment methods for these qualifications, enabling students to achieve a deeper understanding of key concepts.

The proposed changes are designed to reduce the volume of material that students are required to learn, which is intended to facilitate a more thorough mastery of essential topics. This initiative follows consultations with educators and stakeholders, reflecting a commitment to improving educational outcomes for students in Northern Ireland/The North.

Minister Givan emphasized the importance of these reforms in adapting the education system to better meet the needs of students. By focusing on quality over quantity in the curriculum, the aim is to enhance student engagement and performance in their examinations. The framework is expected to be implemented in the coming academic years, with further details to be provided as the rollout progresses.

The reforms come at a time when there is increasing scrutiny on educational standards and the effectiveness of current assessment methods. The Education Minister’s announcement has been met with a mix of support and calls for further clarification on how these changes will be operationalized in schools across Northern Ireland/The North.

As the education sector prepares for these adjustments, the Minister has indicated that ongoing dialogue with teachers and educational leaders will be crucial to ensure a smooth transition. The focus will remain on providing students with a robust educational foundation that prepares them for future challenges.

Source: https://www.derrynow.com/news/home/2029055/education-minister-unveils-reforms-to-north-s-gcses-and-a-levels.html

Foyle Hospice is encouraging families in the North West of Northern Ireland/The North to take part in Make a Will Month this March. The initiative aims to provide individuals with the opportunity to write or update their wills while supporting a local cause. Participating solicitors in the area are waiving their fees in exchange for donations, which will help fund the hospice’s specialist care for those with life-limiting illnesses.

The campaign seeks to alleviate some of the stress associated with estate planning, allowing families to ensure their wishes are documented and that their loved ones are taken care of. By participating in Make a Will Month, individuals can gain peace of mind knowing that their affairs are in order, while also contributing to the vital services provided by Foyle Hospice.

Foyle Hospice plays an essential role in the community by offering care and support to patients and their families during difficult times. The funds raised through this initiative will directly benefit those in need of palliative care, highlighting the importance of local support for healthcare services in Northern Ireland/The North.

As families consider their options during this month, Foyle Hospice emphasizes the significance of planning ahead. The organization hopes that more individuals will take advantage of this opportunity to secure their legacies while making a meaningful contribution to the care of others in their community.

Source: https://www.derrynow.com/news/local-news/2028681/foyle-hospice-urges-north-west-families-to-find-peace-of-mind-during-make-a-will-month.html

Mourners at the Requiem Mass of Daniel Cullen heard how the young Derry man was remembered as someone whose presence brought warmth, laughter and light to those around him.

Daniel, 18, was one of two teenagers who lost their lives in a road traffic collision in County Donegal last month. He died alongside his close friend Caoimhin Porter-McLoone after the car they were travelling in collided with a lorry on the R236 near St Johnston. Both were passengers in the vehicle.

Daniel’s funeral took place in Derry, where family, friends, classmates and members of the wider community gathered to pay their respects and support his loved ones.

During the Mass, mourners were told that Daniel “lit up every room he entered”, a reflection of the energy, kindness and humour that defined him. He was described as a deeply loved son, brother and friend, whose easy smile and caring nature left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Tributes spoke of a young man who enjoyed life, valued friendship and family, and had his whole future ahead of him. The loss, mourners were told, was one that words could not adequately capture, particularly for those closest to him who now face an unimaginable grief.

Prayers were also offered for Daniel’s family as they begin life without him, and for the family of Caoimhin Porter-McLoone, whose funeral took place separately. Both families have received an outpouring of support from their communities since the tragedy.

The driver of the car, another teenager, sustained serious injuries in the crash and remains in hospital.

As Daniel was laid to rest, those gathered were urged to remember not only the pain of his death, but the joy, kindness and light he brought into the lives of others during his short life.

Residents in Derry City, Northern Ireland/The North, are currently facing water outages affecting multiple areas. The specific postcodes impacted include BT48 0DH, BT48 0DJ, BT48 0DL, BT48 0DN, BT48 0DP, BT48 0DR, BT48 0DS, BT48 0DT, BT48 0DU, BT48 0DW, and BT48 0DX.

Local authorities have confirmed that they are actively working to resolve the issue and restore water services to the affected areas. The estimated time for restoration is projected to be 5:00 PM today, Saturday, February 28, 2026. Efforts are being made to address the situation promptly to minimize disruption for residents.

In response to the outages, residents are advised to conserve water and stay informed through local news outlets and updates from water service authorities. Further information regarding the situation is expected to be released as developments occur, ensuring that residents remain updated on the progress of restoration efforts.

While the water service authorities have not specified the cause of the outages, they have assured the public that restoring services is a priority. Community leaders have expressed concern for residents, particularly those who may be vulnerable or reliant on consistent water access.

As the situation develops, residents are encouraged to check for updates and follow any guidance provided by local officials to ensure their needs are met during this disruption. The local community is urged to remain patient as authorities work to restore normal water services in Derry City, Northern Ireland/The North.

Source: https://www.derrynow.com/news/local-news/2027112/water-outages-in-areas-of-derry-city.html

A proposal to defer the installation of memorials to former members of the Ulster Defence Regiment at cemeteries in the Derry and Strabane council area has been rejected following a heated debate.

The motion was brought before Derry and Strabane District Council, where councillors exchanged sharp words over the legacy and appropriateness of the memorials. After discussion, a majority voted against deferring the proposals, allowing the plans to proceed.

Those opposing the deferral argued that the memorials were intended to recognise the service of individuals and that further delay was unnecessary. They maintained that families had waited long enough for acknowledgement and that the council had a responsibility to act on decisions already made.

Supporters of the proposal to defer said more time was needed given the sensitivities surrounding the Ulster Defence Regiment and its role during the Troubles. They argued that the issue continued to cause deep hurt for some victims and families and that moving ahead without broader consensus risked further division.

The debate reflected long-standing tensions over how the legacy of the conflict is remembered in shared civic spaces, particularly when memorialisation intersects with unresolved trauma and competing historical narratives.

The decision means the council will proceed without delay, despite objections raised during the discussion. The issue is likely to remain contentious, highlighting the continuing difficulty of navigating remembrance and legacy issues in Northern Ireland/The North.