Irish première of Kenneth Branagh’s ‘Belfast’ to headline 21st Belfast Film Festival

(From left to Right): Actor Lewis McAskie, who has roles in the opening and closing films of Belfast Film Festival, ‘Belfast’ and ‘Here Before’, Michele Devlin, Director of Belfast Film Festival, and Jude Hill, star of ‘Belfast’ and ‘Mandrake’ which will feature at this year’s festival.

(From left to Right): Actor Lewis McAskie, who has roles in the opening and closing films of Belfast Film Festival, ‘Belfast’ and ‘Here Before’, Michele Devlin, Director of Belfast Film Festival, and Jude Hill, star of ‘Belfast’ and ‘Mandrake’ which will feature at this year’s festival.

'Belfast’, the latest film from acclaimed director Kenneth Branagh, and now the Toronto International Film Festival People’s Choice Award winner, will have its Irish première at this year’s Belfast Film Festival at The ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall.

The award-winning film is a poignant story of love, laughter and loss in one boy’s childhood, amid the social and political tumult of the late 1960s. It stars Caitríona Balfe, Judi Dench, Jamie Dornan, Ciarán Hinds and introduces 10-year-old Jude Hill.

The special event, which opens the 21st Belfast Film Festival on the 4th November, will be introduced by Branagh himself and attended by some of the film’s A-list cast in what will be a glittering homecoming night for the film. Tickets for ‘Belfast’ will go on sale on Friday 8th October at 10am.

Bringing It All Back Home is the theme of the 21st Belfast Film Festival which features a plethora of Irish talent with new films including a psychological thriller starring Andrea Riseborough, ‘Here Before’ written and directed by east Belfast’s Stacey Gregg; and a special screening of the gripping occult tale ‘Mandrake’ directed by Lisburn-born filmmaker Lynne Davison.

The Irish première of filmmaker Alison Millar’s documentary on the life of murdered journalist Lyra McKee will première at the festival. Looking at the career and life of the young writer, as well as exploring the tragic incident that resulted in her death in 2019, ‘Lyra’ was made with the involvement of her family, friends and partner. 

Belfast based company Doubleband, better known for documentaries, will debut their first Irish language feature drama ‘Doineann’ (Storm) directed by Damian McCann, written by Aislinn Clarke and starring Bríd Brennan.

To mark the 100 year point since the partition of Ireland and the establishment of the Northern Irish state, the festival will host a special hybrid live music / film archive event.  Steering clear of thorny constitutional material, this event will bypass clichéd representations of the North by collating hundreds of clips of happier times during the past century. ‘100 Years of Happiness’ will take place at the Common Market and feature a live performance from The Organanuts. This event is supported by Film Hub North with National Lottery funding on behalf of the BFI Film Audience Network.

Belfast Film Festival Chair and internationally acclaimed filmmaker Mark Cousins will screen one of his latest documentaries, ‘The Storms of Jeremy Thomas’ which takes an in-depth look at the illustrious career of Oscar-winning producer (‘The Last Emperor’ 1988) Jeremy Thomas, through a road trip Cousins and Thomas take from London to Cannes.

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Commenting on his attendance on opening night Kenneth Branagh said:

“I am fortunate to have attended film festivals throughout the world for this most personal of films, but it was always my hope that we might be invited to bring ‘Belfast’ home.

“To be included as a part of the Belfast Film Festival is a great honour for us. This year's festival is packed with local talent in all areas of the industry from acting and directing to producing, and shows the phenomenal strength of the film industry here. It is great to see our young actors, Jude Hill and Lewis McAskie appearing in not one but two feature films in the Festival and demonstrates the depth of new acting talent.  And I couldn’t be more delighted for Bríd Brennan receiving a special award; a truly great actress, and a cherished collaborator from the earliest days of my career”.

Commenting on the launch of Belfast Film Festival’s 2021 programme, Director Michele Devlin said:

“Belfast Film Festival is certainly ‘bringing it all back home’ this year with a much needed sprinkle of stardust, as we welcome home some of our most internationally successful filmmaking talents. The calibre of films being screened is inspiring, showing that cinema is well and truly back, and in particular, celebrating Irish film as it continues to thrive on the international circuit.

“We are thrilled to host the Irish première of Kenneth Branagh’s ‘Belfast’. A real full circle moment as the writer and director returns to a city much changed to that depicted in the film.

“Since the tragic murder of Lyra McKee in 2019, director Alison Miller has been working alongside her loved ones, to tell the story of Lyra, her friend.  Alison’s film is both a painful and joyful tribute to the late journalist, a beautifully crafted testimony of a young woman, her untimely death and its devastating impact. The film is edited by Chloe Lambourne (‘For Sama’ 2019) with a soundtrack by multi-award winning producer/composer David Holmes.

“We are thrilled to welcome many other homegrown filmmakers, both new and experienced, including Bríd Brennan and Jim Sheridan who will join us to celebrate their impressive careers. We look forward to welcoming filmmakers and audiences back to 10 days of guests, talks, music, film and togetherness in front of the big screen… we’ve missed you.”

Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen said:

“We are brimming with pride that this year’s festival includes films from local directors Stacey Gregg, Mark Cousins, Damian McCann, Lynne Davison and Alison Millar and that their films are so diverse and wide ranging in their themes and storytelling.  That the local directors are being led by Kenneth Branagh, who brings his film ‘Belfast’ back home to open the Belfast Film Festival at the ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall, makes this a truly remarkable festival programme timed perfectly to bring confidence and enthusiasm back to the cinema-going public.”

A host of special guests will participate in the festival in a series of events including;

  • Bríd Brennan will receive the Belfast Film Festival Realta Award for Outstanding Contribution to Cinema during an ‘in conversation’ event covering her celebrated career.

  • Acclaimed director, Jim Sheridan of 'My Left Foot', 'The Field' and 'In The Name of the Father' will talk about his work, in conversation with Trevor Birney.

  • Northern Irish writer Helen O’Hara will do a public talk on her new book, Women Vs Hollywood: The Fall and Rise of Women in Film.

  • The creators of ‘H3’, Les Blair, Laurence McKeown, Juanita Wilson and James Flynn will join the festival for a panel discussion on the making of the film which depicts the H-Blocks in the midst of the 1981 crisis.

  • The Strand Arts Centre, Digital Film Archive and Belfast Film Festival honour the work of the Spence Brothers, two movie mavericks who produced and directed over 50 years of cinema in Northern Ireland. Brian Henry Martin will talk to them about their career. The day of tribute will feature workshops, screenings and an exhibition.

Belfast Film Festival is proudly sponsored by Birra Moretti, Hastings Hotels and supported by Northern Ireland Screen, Belfast City Council, Department for Communities, Tourism NI, Film Hub NI.

Film screenings and events will take place both online and in cinemas and venues across Belfast including Odeon Cinema, Queen’s Film Theatre, The Strand Cinema and Common Market.

 

Airporter confident of strong air travel bounce back as company celebrates 25th anniversary

Jennifer and Niall McKeever, Directors, Airporter

Jennifer and Niall McKeever, Directors, Airporter

The directors of North West-based bus company Airporter have said they expect a strong recovery for air travel as Covid restrictions unwind, with pent-up demand from people eager to travel again driving business.

The company, which is celebrating 25 years in business this October, is back to around 60% of its pre-pandemic levels of trade already. With rules on Covid-19 testing for international travel due to relax in Northern Ireland for fully vaccinated arrivals from non-red list countries from Monday 4 October, Airporter directors Jennifer and Niall McKeever are optimistic about the short to medium term prospects for the sector.

Airporter runs a regular direct service from Derry~Londonderry to both Belfast airports and provides a vital transport link for the people of the North West.

Opening in 1996 with just two drivers, two buses and around 5,000 customers a year, the company now carries 150,000 passengers annually, has a staff of 30, and a fleet of Mercedes coaches. In 2018, the company invested £1 million in a custom-built headquarters in Springtown, to futureproof the organisation for growth and development. 

Airporter continues to go from strength to strength and, currently, the company is well on its way to carrying 2 million passengers. The company has completed over 100,000 journeys and plays a huge role in improving connectivity to and from the North West region.

(L-R) Jennifer McKeever, Director; Kathy Coyle, Customer Service Manager; Niall McKeever, Director; Pamela Deery, Office Manager; and Carla McDevitt, Customer Accounts Manager.

(L-R) Jennifer McKeever, Director; Kathy Coyle, Customer Service Manager; Niall McKeever, Director; Pamela Deery, Office Manager; and Carla McDevitt, Customer Accounts Manager.

Jennifer McKeever, Director, Airporter:

“The pandemic has, of course, been a huge challenge for the wider travel and tourism industry but we’ve weathered the storm well and we’re pleased to be operating at around 60% of our pre-pandemic levels. We’re excited and optimistic about the bounce back of the industry as vaccine levels rise and people get back travelling again. We’ve already seen a positive return to trade during the summer with people eager to get back on holiday again and with students going to university across the water.

“We’re so proud to have reached this hugely significant milestone and of everything we’ve achieved over the past 25 years. When we set out in 1996, there was no formal or reliable transport link between the North West and the two Belfast airports, and we had just two small buses. Now, we carry over 150,000 passengers annually. We’re privileged to be so many people’s first choice for travelling to and from the North West – people going to work, students going to university, families reuniting, visitors coming to the North West.

“I’d like to thank all of our customers for their support and loyalty over the past 25 years, all of our staff and colleagues who have worked with us on our journey, both Belfast International and Belfast City Airports for their ongoing partnerships with us, and the people of Derry and the North West for supporting us.”

Niall McKeever, Director, Airporter:

“As the infrastructure in the North West continues to improve all the time, we are hugely optimistic about the future. The completion of the A6 dualling project, scheduled for next Spring 2022, is not just a potential gamechanger for Airporter, but also for the North West economy. Improved connectivity between our region and other leading economic hubs across the UK and Ireland will bring increased investment, more jobs, and greater prosperity for the North West.

“Looking forward, decarbonisation and sustainability will become even more of a key priority for Airporter. The transport sector has a real opportunity to lead the way in terms of meeting our net zero goals and transitioning to more climate friendly and carbon neutral ways of doing business. We are conscious of the challenges ahead of us, but we are excited about meeting them head on over the next 25 years.

“A quarter of a century is a fantastic achievement for any business to reach. Airporter was born out of a need to serve the local community here in the North West and we remain absolutely committed to Derry and beyond. We have developed a recognisable and successful brand during this period, as well as creating and sustaining a crucial infrastructural link between our region and the two Belfast airports, and we want to thank everyone who has supported us since 1996.”

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 4 October 2021

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Forward Look

  • The first changes from new legislation to reform liquor licensing laws here will come into effect today. Some of the provisions include drinking-up time increasing to one hour, removal of restrictions on late opening on Sunday, pubs and hotels can apply to open to 2:00am up to 104 nights per year and smaller pubs will be able to open to 1:00am up to 104 nights annually.

  • DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donalson MP has called for unionist parties to work together ahead of next May’s Assembly Election to stop Sinn Féin becoming the largest party. Leader of the UUP, Doug Beattie MLA, has ruled this out.

  • It has been reported by the Belfast Telegraph that the Government could trigger Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol as early as next week. It comes as the EU is expected to formally lay out their proposals to find solutions to the working of the Protocol.

  • The First and deputy First Minister have launched a public appointment competition for a new Commissioner for Victims and Survivors.

  • Alliance has called for a review of Northern Irelands 100 quangos. Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA has insisted that progress has been made on cutting the number of arm-length bodies as the terms of reference for a review have been agreed.

  • Belfast City Council is seeking feedback on their Social Value Procurement Policy. Their first virtual consultation event will take place on 5 October. Register: HERE.

  • The roll out of the Covid-19 vaccine boosters to Northern Ireland’s care homes is underway, the Health Minister has confirmed. The wider booster dose programme will begin in October for those eligible.

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has published the terms of reference and the appointment of the expert personnel panel for the public inquiry into allegations of abuse at Muckamore Abbey Hospital in Antrim. It was also confirmed that the setting up date for the inquiry will be 11 October.

  • The Department for the Economy is to request an additional £21 million in case there is an overspend of the £145 million budget for the High Street Voucher Scheme. It comes after it was revealed over 400,000 applications have been completed for the scheme.

  • The Department of Health is inviting the public to participate in upcoming virtual consultation events for a new 10-year Cancer Strategy for Northern Ireland. The consultation will close on 20 October.

  • Penguin Books Ireland have announced that the Political Correspondent for the Irish Examiner, Aoife Grace Moore, is to publish a definitive book on the rise of Sinn Fein. Interviews and research for the book will occur over the next year.

  • On Monday, the Infrastructure and Justice Ministers will take part in Question Time. The Agriculture Minister will face questions on Tuesday.

  • On Tuesday the second stage of the Adoption and Children Bill will take place.

  • On Wednesday, the Economy Committee will receive briefings from the Skills Strategic Advisory Group and the Department on the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill. The Infrastructure Committee will receive a Departmental briefing on the Budget. The Commission for Victims and Survivors will brief the Executive Office Committee.

  • On Thursday, the Health Committee will deliberate on the Severe Fetal Impairment (Amendment) Bill. The Justice Committee will receive Oral Evidence on the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme, while the Communities Committee will receive briefings on the Charities Bill and the Supporting People Policy.

  • The Londonderry Chamber of Commerce will host its 63rd Annual Presidents dinner next Friday at the Everglades Hotel, Derry. The keynote speaker will be the Europe Editor of RTE, Tony Conelly.

  • The UUP will host its Annual Conference next Friday and Saturday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in South Belfast.

Other Stories this week

  • New Labour Leadership rule changes, proposed by Keir Starmer MP, passed at the Labour Conference in Brighton. The new rules will give MPs more sway over leadership elections.

  • Northern Ireland’s Unionist parties issued a Joint Unionist Declaration in opposition to the Northern Ireland Protocol. It can be read and viewed: HERE.

  • The Climate Change (No. 2) Bill, the Small-Scale Green Energy Bill and the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Amendment) Bill all passed their second stages. They will now go to Committee Stage for scrutiny.

  • Chair of the Fiscal Commission, Paul Johnson, has said that the Executive could have up to £600 million to spend if it brought some policies into line with other parts of the UK.

  • Education Minister Michelle McIlveen MLA has announced the independent panel which will undertake the review of education. Biographies of the panellists can be found: HERE.

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has launched a new £40 million Laboratory Management System to improve the delivery of Clinical diagnostic services for key areas of healthcare.

  • Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA announced a review of strategic planning policy on oil and gas development. The review will include the consideration of fracking.

  • New Sinn Foyle MLAs have taken up role on Assembly Committees. Padraig Delargey MLA has joined the Infrastructure Committee, while Ciara Ferguson MLA has joined the Communities Committee.

  • Louise Cullen is to be the new Environment Correspondent for the BBC from next week.

Upcoming key political and business events

Consultations

Zero Carbon Message Driven Home - Emission Free Bus Tour Visits Stormont

NILGA President Cllr Robert Burgess; Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA; Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA; Translink CEO Chris Conway; NILGA CEO Derek McCallan; and Andrew Griffiths, PlanetMark, Director of Community and Partnerships.

NILGA President Cllr Robert Burgess; Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA; Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA; Translink CEO Chris Conway; NILGA CEO Derek McCallan; and Andrew Griffiths, PlanetMark, Director of Community and Partnerships.

The Zero Carbon Hydrogen bus visited Parliament Buildings today (Thursday 30 Sept) to meet with Ministers, MLAs and councils ahead of the global COP26 conference in Glasgow in November.

In the UK, the Race to Zero Carbon push is coordinated by Kwasi Kwarteng’s Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) department working with Local Authorities, PlanetMark, the Institute of Directors, and others. It is the Government’s flagship campaign to raise awareness among the business community about the urgent need for firms – as part of a wider push - to cut carbon emissions. 

The Northern Ireland leg of the Tour sees Planet Mark partner with NILGA and Translink to explore learning across the region in Translink’s new zero emission hydrogen bus, visiting local businesses to hear how organisations are decarbonising. In addition, there will be net zero workshops for businesses that are starting out on their low carbon transition. The milestone visit and tour is supported by councils, with location support from Belfast City, Mid and East Antrim, Derry City and Strabane and Causeway Coast and Glens Council.

August’s hard hitting Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report is absolutely clear: “it is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, oceans and land.” Businesses and organisations in Northern Ireland, and across the UK, are therefore being dynamically encouraged to take action now to reduce their carbon emissions and create a healthier planet and society.

NILGA CEO Derek McCallan; Declan McAleer MLA, AERA Committee Chair; Harry Harvey MLA; Philip McGuigan MLA, AERA Committee Deputy Chair; Andrew Griffiths, PlanetMark, Director of Community and Partnerships; Green Party leader Clare Bailey MLA; John Blair MLA; Translink CEO Chris Conway; and NILGA President Cllr Robert Burgess.

NILGA CEO Derek McCallan; Declan McAleer MLA, AERA Committee Chair; Harry Harvey MLA; Philip McGuigan MLA, AERA Committee Deputy Chair; Andrew Griffiths, PlanetMark, Director of Community and Partnerships; Green Party leader Clare Bailey MLA; John Blair MLA; Translink CEO Chris Conway; and NILGA President Cllr Robert Burgess.

NILGA President, Cllr Robert Burgess, said:

“I am delighted to welcome the team from Planet Mark who have been on tour, demonstrating to Northern Ireland’s businesses how we can set our own very credible carbon reduction targets and get things done, now. It is vital that our local businesses begin their journey on the Race to Zero, and I trust that the events this week will have empowered local firms and workers to protect our environment, by demystifying what is needed to achieve net zero. The tour has also been highlighting the good work many companies are already doing to address their carbon output.

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots MLA said:

“It’s great to see the Carbon Battle Bus here on the Northern Ireland leg of its tour of the UK. The bus currently touring Northern Ireland has been manufactured locally in Ballymena and provides an ideal opportunity to showcase and highlight the innovative solutions to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions in particular our budding hydrogen sector which I hope develops and grows. This is a great opportunity to showcase actions that business, government departments, charities, other organisations and individuals are doing to help combat climate change and make a positive difference in their communities which will be presented to the world in support of COP26.”

NILGA President Cllr Robert Burgess; Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots MLA; Translink CEO Chris Conway; and Andrew Griffiths, PlanetMark, Director of Community and Partnerships.

NILGA President Cllr Robert Burgess; Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots MLA; Translink CEO Chris Conway; and Andrew Griffiths, PlanetMark, Director of Community and Partnerships.

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA said:

“I am pleased to demonstrate my support for COP26 and our commitment to act now to address the climate crisis. I believe that COP26 provides us with a unique opportunity to ensure a step change in how we can work together to tackle the climate crisis and work together to deliver a just transition to net zero.

“Tackling the climate crisis is the single biggest global challenge we face and, as Infrastructure Minister, I have made addressing the climate crisis a top priority.

“I am committed to delivering on the decarbonisation of public transport and promoting modal shift, which will be key to reducing the reliance on the private car. Translink’s hydrogen bus project highlights Northern Ireland’s ability to produce sustainable hydrogen for use in state of the art, locally built, hydrogen buses to deliver public transport services across our network. I am delighted that local organisations, including Translink, are able to participate in the Zero Carbon Bus Tour which provides an opportunity to showcase these exemplary projects.”

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA said:

“I am committed to ensuring the impacts of climate change on our economy are reflected within my Department’s economic policy priorities so I was very happy to meet with the team on the Zero Carbon Bus Tour. 

“Our Vision for a 10x Economy sets out a bold and ambitious vision for the Northern Ireland economy through a decade of innovation and recognises climate change as a generational challenge that must be addressed.

“My Department’s new Energy Strategy will also play a major role in our efforts to address climate change. Our overall goal is to achieve net zero carbon and affordable energy which, through focusing on indigenous clean energy sources, will ensure that more of the money we spend on energy stays in the local economy and helps to create jobs and wealth.”

Anthony Miller encourages public to accept themselves as ‘enough’ in final TEDxStormont Studio talk

Final TEDxStormont Studio speaker, Anthony Miller

Final TEDxStormont Studio speaker, Anthony Miller

Celebrity columnist and law lecturer Anthony Miller has delivered the final of 12 TEDxStormont Studio talks which have taken place virtually throughout the summer 2021.

The talk, which will go live on Friday, looks at the idea of one being ‘enough’ and how the public can come to terms with who they are through the successes and losses in life.

The TEDxStormont Studio talks was aimed at encouraging the public to have a better understanding of themselves and the world around them, while also bringing together brilliant minds to change attitudes on some of today’s hot topic issues.

The series was kicked off by Belfast-based GP Dr Gareth Patterson who shared powerful testimony on his experience of Gay Conversion Therapy. 

Other speakers have included Irish cellist, Patrick Dexter; broadcaster turned pilgrim guide, Martina Purdy; founder of Craic NI, Eileen Chan-Hu, producer and writer Henrietta Norton and Rio Ferdinand Foundation Ambassador Leo Brown.

Curator of TEDxStormont, Eva Grosman said:

“The incredible and fascinating stories, lived experiences and ideas that have been shared with us through the Studio series have simply been an honour to be part of. Our twelve speakers have opened up and let us all into small parts of their lives, and inspired audiences across the globe.”

“In the past months, we have heard about a number of tough topics including conversion therapy, childhood trauma, and discrimination. But we have also heard hopeful messages of self-discovery and unimaginable resilience which have been lessons for us all. I hope that our audiences have enjoyed the talks as much as we had making them.

“TEDxStormont is always proud to be a platform to those unique voices and ideas. This year we have been thrilled to have a summer packed with insightful and meaningful talks that have laid bare the spectrum of human emotion and have motivated our audiences to drive change. It has been an exceptional year with exceptional speakers.”

Foyle Port posts resilient results despite pandemic challenges

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Foyle Port’s latest financial results for the financial year ending 31st March 2021 show that performance at the Port has remained ‘resilient’ over the past year despite the severe challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The figures published today show that trade has reduced by 9% to 1.7 million tonnes while the Port’s operating profit reached £1.5 million, reflecting a 12% reduction on the previous year. Turnover at the Port was £9.2 million, slightly down on last year’s pre-Covid £10.4 million.

Despite the unprecedented challenges that both the pandemic and the post-Brexit landscape posed to the Port, and the maritime sector more generally, Foyle Port reinvested approximately £1 million in fixed assets, taking the Port’s asset base to £42.7 million.

The Port, which employs 108 people and generates £4.3 million in wages annually, also sources 80% of its electricity from low carbon fuel sources and is continuing to meet its decarbonisation obligations by investing in electric vehicles. Over the last year, the Port has reduced its CO2 emissions by 76 tonnes.

The Port has also supported a number of charities and charitable initiatives over the past 12 months which includes forming a new partnership with leading mental health charity Aware NI, implementing a new Mental Health Policy at the Port, and ensuring that 1% of all Port profits go towards the Port’s Corporate Social Responsibility Fund with donations to local charities and clubs.

Bonnie Anley, Chair, Foyle Port

Bonnie Anley, Chair, Foyle Port

Speaking at the Port’s AGM today, Bonnie Anley, Chair, Foyle Port said:

“Today’s financial results illustrate the scale of the challenge that the Covid-19 pandemic and grappling with the post-Brexit trading environment have posed to Foyle Port. Despite these challenges, however, the Port’s financial performance has remained impressively resilient. I want to extend a special thanks to all of our employees who have worked so diligently over the past 12 months and in the most difficult of circumstances. Ably led by our senior executive team, our entire staff have shown great professionalism and adaptability in transitioning to a difficult working environment.

“During this tough year, the Port played its role, as a key worker designated service, facilitating the vital trade flows into and out of the North West region. As this year progressed, Commissioners successfully ensured that our core business remained fully operational whilst, at the same time, continuity plans were quickly implemented as required.

“Foyle Port’s performance has shown great resilience in the face of challenge but the Commissioners remain focused on innovation and adaptability to ensure that we deliver a solid business model for future generations. The Commissioners remain steadfast in delivering for the North West region whilst mindful of the priority to continue to support our customers and safeguard the wellbeing of our employees.”

Brian McGrath, Chief Executive, Foyle Port

Brian McGrath, Chief Executive, Foyle Port

Brian McGrath, Chief Executive, Foyle Port added:

“Our number one aim this past year throughout the pandemic was to protect our employees and keep Foyle Port operating in line with our statutory duties. We transitioned successfully to a home and hybrid working model for our office staff with no impact on the quality or efficiency of our work or productivity. We have expanded our HR, engineering, corporate services, and marine services teams with new team members. While this has been a challenging year for the Port, we are proud of our collective resilience and strength, and I want to thank every member of staff and the Executive Team for their personal contributions. I particularly appreciate the unwavering support from the Chair of the Board and the Commissioners during this time of crisis. 

“We are proud of the steps we continue to take to minimise our carbon footprint, having reduced our CO2 emissions this past year by 76 tonnes. Decarbonisation and diversification are key priorities for Foyle Port as we go forward. Our substantial landbank here at the Port, with a potential 500 acres expansion capacity and up to three million square feet of warehousing, gives us the ability and the flexibility to diversify our operations, meet our green obligations, and attract new investment.

“Looking forward, a wholesale modernisation of Northern Ireland’s harbour legislation and our designation as a Freeport would stimulate a step change in operational scale which will be driven by shipping, green energy, and innovation. Over the next year, we look forward to working closely with the Department for Infrastructure and the entire Northern Ireland Executive to recognise the potential offered by Foyle Port as a vehicle to ‘level up’ the North West regional economy.”

NI young people to develop climate action plan ahead of COP26

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A group of 100 young people will come together next month to develop Northern Ireland’s response to the Climate Emergency, supported by Allstate Northern Ireland.

Ahead of the UN climate change summit COP26 in Glasgow, Northern Ireland2035 will challenge young people aged 18-25 to address the legacy of their generation on the climate and local environment.

The initiative comes after a report by the Climate Change Committee found the lack of green policy for NI has caused heightened uncertainty over the future impact of climate change on Northern Ireland. Two competing climate-focused Bills, each with varying targets for cutting emissions, are currently being considered by the Assembly.

Launching on Thursday 14 October, NorthernIreland2035 will unite young people aged 18-25 to consider the proposition: “How can we act together to transform Northern Ireland into a cleaner, greener place for all?”

The initiative is part of Legacy, a global campaign by international leadership development organisation Common Purpose, which aims to create a connected generation of leaders with a clear vision for their legacy by investing in young people.

Supported locally by Allstate NI, Belfast City Council, Belfast Metropolitan College, the Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland, Belfast Charitable Society and Power NI, the programme will empower the leaders of tomorrow to change the course of society’s actions on the environment.

This will be done through free, personalised leadership coaching sessions and connecting with established leaders from Northern Ireland. Individuals who complete the programme will also connect with young leaders from other global Legacy initiatives, including in the US, Singapore, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria and Germany.

One of Northern Ireland’s largest employers, Allstate is encouraging young people to sign up for the initiative and has donated the cost of two places to its partner Women’s Aid.

Managing Director of Allstate NI John Healy said:

“We at Allstate are thrilled to support Common Purpose in bringing their Legacy programme to Northern Ireland. As we emerge from one global crisis, there is no doubt that we are facing into another in terms of the damage caused by society to the environment. The challenge of making the world a cleaner and greener place for all is one that must be addressed and prioritised at all levels, including across the business world.”

“As we seek to develop leadership qualities among our young people, we must ensure they are equipped with the communication and collaboration skills necessary to work with all in our community. We encourage all young people, whether in or out of employment to join the programme and begin their journey to becoming a business leader of tomorrow.”

Managing Director of Allstate NI John Healy

Managing Director of Allstate NI John Healy

UK Managing Director of Common Purpose Marie Mohan said:

“Our Legacy programmes pre-dated the pandemic, but they are coming into their own now given how important it is that we invest in young people after the year they’ve had – in terms of the damage to their education, employment prospects and social lives.”

“Equally, we need to involve them in shaping the recovery plans for the future of their communities and to let them know that their perspectives are valued. We need a new generation of young leaders to come through who have the commitment and ability to bridge divides and we all need to hear and support our young people with their big ideas and long-term thinking.”

NorthernIreland2035 will take place over four days from 14-15 & 18-19 October. Young people aged 18-25 who are either in or out of work, studying, campaigning, or volunteering can apply at: https://commonpurpose.org/Northernireland2035

Civic Society can provide long-term solutions to the Protocol Committee told

Dr Anthony Soares, Director of the Centre for Cross Border Studies and Convenor of the Ad-Hoc Group for North-South and East-West Cooperation

Dr Anthony Soares, Director of the Centre for Cross Border Studies and Convenor of the Ad-Hoc Group for North-South and East-West Cooperation

Engagement with civic society on the Northern Ireland Protocol will be key to finding long term solutions that work for everyone, TDs, Senators and MPs heard today.

Representatives from the Ad-Hoc Group for North-South and East-West Cooperation told the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement that such groups can play a crucial role in finding solutions, by monitoring the impact of the Protocol on cross border cooperation.

Dr Anthony Soares, Director of the Centre for Cross Border Studies and Convenor of the group; Tara Farrell, CEO of Longford Women’s Link; Aoife Ní Lochlainn, Brexit Policy Officer at the Irish Environmental Network and Chris Quinn, Director of the Northern Ireland Youth Forum briefed the committee today.

They stressed that no serious monitoring of the impact of the Protocol on the conditions for cross border cooperation can take place without hearing directly from those involved in such cooperation.

Convenor of the Ad-Hoc Group for North-South and East-West Cooperation, and Director of the Centre for Cross Border Studies, Dr Anthony Soares said:

“Discussions over the last four years have been mostly focused on technical issues around trade. Even though this is important, relations between people, within and across these islands cannot be largely ignored.”

“Sustainable solutions will not be found if they are sought exclusively by speaking with one particular sector, nor will they be found by looking exclusively within Northern Ireland. Civic Society must be part of the conversation.”

“Civic Society organisations have been at the forefront of supporting communities during the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. The same can be said in the brokerage and maintenance of a more peaceful society.”

“With the proper support, they will be invaluable partners in the task of shaping the new context we find ourselves in so that it can properly accommodate all our hopes and aspirations and maintain positive relations within and across these islands.”

Speaking on the ongoing political decisions being taken currently, Dr Anthony Soares noted:

“Decision-makers must continually recall the fundamental place of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and the totality of relations it encompasses.”

“Protection of the 1998 Agreement must mean protection of all three strands, and no party should seek to protect one strand at the expense of the others.”

Think ‘Pharmacy First’ this World Pharmacists Day to help alleviate pressures on the health service

Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI, Gerard Greene visits Dundela Pharmacy in East Belfast with pharmacists David McCrea and Lesa McLoughlin.

Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI, Gerard Greene visits Dundela Pharmacy in East Belfast with pharmacists David McCrea and Lesa McLoughlin.

Ahead of World Pharmacists Day tomorrow, the public is being encouraged to make use of their local community pharmacists and the variety of services they can offer.

Community Pharmacy NI, is highlighting the role our pharmacies are playing in alleviating pressure on other parts of the health service as we enter what is expected to be an extremely challenging winter period.

The theme of this year’s World Pharmacists Day is “Pharmacy: Always trusted for your health” and the representative body is urging the public to reflect on how pharmacies have been supporting their local communities. 

Last week, it was announced that community pharmacy is to have an expanded role in this year’s Winter Flu Vaccination Programme, taking responsibility for administering the jab to frontline health and social care workers as well as those aged over 50.

 A newly expanded ‘Pharmacy First’ service will soon be introduced to provide consultations, advice, and treatments for minor health conditions and, if necessary, recommend an appropriate referral. Through the service patients are encouraged to visit a participating community pharmacy rather than their GP for a defined list of common conditions. 

 To date, community pharmacies have also seen their role in the Covid-19 vaccination programme increase to provide a permanent vaccination setting in the months ahead. Currently in Northern Ireland, there are 350 community pharmacies still offering the Astra Zeneca vaccine, whilst 54 are currently administering the Moderna vaccine – with plans for this to be scaled-up. The sector is also hopeful of inclusion in the Covid-19 booster programme.

 Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI, Gerard Greene said:

“This World Pharmacists Day is an opportunity to showcase the range of services our community pharmacies can offer and the role they will play as a crucial, accessible part of the health service. It is also a time to pay tribute to our pharmacy teams across the network and their dedicated work to all in the community who they work tirelessly for all year round.

 “Remaining agile throughout the course of the pandemic we introduced new services to meet the changing needs of the public, with the safe supply of medicines a major priority. Our community pharmacy network remains committed to supporting our communities and the wider health service by playing an increased role in primary healthcare ahead of what is expected to be a difficult winter period.

 “We are all too aware of the pressures the health service is currently under. Community pharmacy is a vital community health asset, ready to provide practical solutions. I would encourage the public to think ‘Pharmacy First’ this autumn and winter.”

 Community Pharmacist, Peter Rice said:

“Throughout the course of the pandemic, community pharmacies have shown that they can make a real difference in our communities as we fight against Covid-19. We are ready to do the same again as we enter what looks to be a challenging winter.

 “Many are not fully aware of the impact community pharmacy teams have within their communities, for example, just recently a Northern Ireland community pharmacy pandemic delivery service identified patients who required ambulance call-outs, urgent referrals to ED, and prevented harm to many vulnerable and isolated people within our communities.”

 “I look forward to celebrating our network on this World Pharmacists Day as we continue to provide accessible healthcare at a convenient location to our patients with a clinician they know and trust.”

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 27 September 2021

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Forward Look

  • Please find attached a summary of the upcoming legislation – of particular note is the Organ and Tissue (Deemed Consent) Bill and the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill.

  • The High Street Voucher Scheme will open for applications on Monday. The £100 pre-paid card can be used in any brick-and-mortar retail outlet until Tuesday 30 November. To apply: LINK.

  • The Executive will meet on Tuesday to discuss social distancing requirements, and will finalise its autumn-winter Covid Contingency Plan on Thursday 7 October. SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has called for the implementation of Covid-19 vaccine passports requiring individuals to be fully vaccinated to enter hospitality and entertainment venues.

  • Parliament has risen for Conference Recess and will return on Monday 18 October. The Labour Party Conference begins tomorrow in Brighton. The SDLP has cancelled its Annual Conference next month due to continuing high Covid-19 rates. Sinn Féin has confirmed it will hold a hybrid Ard Fheis on 30 October in Dublin and online.

  • The Government has launched a new Office for the Internal Market (OIM). The body will support the effective operation of the UK’s internal market post-Brexit.

  • Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA has warned that certain departments may face cuts in the next Stormont Budget as health concerns are prioritised. A new 3-year Budget is expected to be announced after the Chancellor’s UK Spending Review on 27 October. The Fiscal Commission is set to publish some of its preliminary findings next week.

  • European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič will bring forward EU legislation related to the NI Protocol in the coming days, with proposals on customs formalities, agri-food checks, and an enhanced role for Stormont institutions expected to be announced. Mr. Šefčovič has said that outstanding issues on the Protocol should be resolved before the “end of the year”.

  • Justice Minister Naomi Long MLA has announced she is to establish a Victims of Crime Commissioner Designate for Northern Ireland.

  • A single common transfer test is set to be introduced from November 2023 if agreed by grammar schools. A new company, the Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group (SEAG), is being set up to run the test.

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA is expected to launch a public consultation on reform of NI’s social care system later this year.

  • A report on what form the investigation on Northern Ireland’s mother and baby homes and Magdalene laundries will take will be published by the Truth Recovery Panel next month.

  • On Monday, the Executive Office and Finance Minister will take part in Question Time. The Health Minister will face questions on Tuesday.

  • On Wednesday, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA will brief the Economy Committee on the Economic Recovery Action Plan. Junior Ministers Declan Kearney MLA and Gary Middleton MLA will brief the Executive Office Committee on Brexit. The Finance Committee will receive a briefing on the Department of Finance’s 2021-22 Business Plan, and the Infrastructure Committee will receive a departmental briefing on the Road Safety Strategy. The All Party Group on Community Pharmacy will meet.

  • On Thursday, Health Minister Robin Swann MLA will brief the Health Committee. The AERA Committee will receive Oral Evidence from the department on the draft Green Growth Strategy, while the Communities Committee will receive briefings on the Charities Bill.

  • The Centre for Cross Border Studies’ 22nd Annual Conference begins today. Register here: LINK.

Other Stories this week

  • Jonathan Gullis MP has been appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary at the Northern Ireland Office.

  • Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA has formally requested that the Planning Appeals Commission holds a Public Inquiry into the Dalradian Gold Mine project.

  • The Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill has passed its Second Stage by 69 votes to six. The Bill, which would make all adults potential donors unless they opt out, will progress to Committee Stage for scrutiny.

  • Anthony Harbinson has been appointed as DAERA Permanent Secretary. Following the split of the Head of the Civil Service role, TEO Permanent Secretary Denis McMahon will now lead the Executive Office, focusing on NICS reform and policy. Jayne Brady, the new Head of the Civil Service, will oversee the strategic priorities of the Civil Service.

  • Belfast City Council Chief Executive Suzanne Wylie has been appointed Chief Executive and Head of the Public Service for the States of Jersey. Ms. Wylie takes up her new role in January 2022.

Upcoming key political and business events

Consultations