Political stability vital for local councils, says new NILGA President

Chief Executive of NILGA, Alison Allen; new NILGA President, Cllr Martin Kearney

The new President of the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) has laid out ambitious plans for the sector and Association for the coming year and called on all political parties in Northern Ireland to commit to reforming an Assembly and Executive as soon as possible.

Speaking at his inauguration at NILGA’s AGM today at the Downshire Civic Centre in Downpatrick, Mid Ulster Councillor Martin Kearney (SDLP) warned the current political uncertainty is sure to negatively impact local government and wider society over the summer and in to the autumn in the face of rising cost pressures.  Additionally, he warned the longer term would most certainly affect the proper functioning of public services in Northern Ireland.

Laying out his vision for the next 12 months, Cllr Kearney said NILGA is committed to playing its part as a regional political voice of local government in Northern Ireland to ensure the future sustainability of the sector.. He also looked ahead to the next local government elections, due to be held in Spring 2023 in Northern Ireland, and what local councils can deliver with even greater powers, resources, and finances.

Cllr Kearney, a retired school principal, lives in Portglenone and has been a member of the SDLP for over 40 years. The former Chair of Mid Ulster Council in 2019/20, Cllr Kearney has interests in farming, education, the Irish language, and community development.

Chief Executive of NILGA, Alison Allen; new NILGA President, Cllr Martin Kearney; Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Cllr Michael Savage; Outgoing NILGA President, Cllr Robert Burgess

Speaking at the AGM, new NILGA President Cllr Martin Kearney said:

“I am hugely excited to take up this new role on behalf of our 11 local councils. This is an important but challenging time for local government in Northern Ireland. After the huge impact of the pandemic, it’s positive that we are heading back towards what was considered normality in March 2020. However, we must not play down the challenges that still lie ahead of us.

“Cost of living, cost of doing business, global issues affecting our communities on a local basis, and – most pertinently – the current political uncertainty are piling serious pressure on households, businesses, and councils across the North. Our 11 local Councils have provided a very positive example in reliably delivering for our communities and local areas. We work collaboratively with other political parties and other members on a daily basis to ensure we are providing vital public services in our cities, districts and boroughs.

“Families are struggling under the weight of ever-growing energy and electricity bills while businesses continue to require support as they come out the other side of the pandemic. Local government, as always, stands ready to help our communities in any way we can but urgent political stability is vital as is delivering greater powers, resources, and finances to our 11 councils.

“As NILGA President, I plan to work collaboratively with both Members and Officers in all 11 councils as well as MLAs and Officials at Stormont to strengthen the relationship between central and local government. I will work tirelessly to get the proper funding and resources that we require and deserve. Despite everything that it contributes to our communities, local government equates to less than £900 million of Northern Ireland’s annual public sector budget of £24bn. Councils can be hubs of economic vitality and support our constituents even more, but we need the right tools and resources to do so.”

Outgoing NILGA President Cllr Robert Burgess added:

“It has been a privilege to be President of NILGA over the past year. As an organisation, we have worked tirelessly and collaboratively with partners and stakeholders across the public, private and third sectors to deliver solutions for our communities, especially as we recover from the pandemic. I am also particularly proud of representing NILGA and Northern Ireland at the COP26 Climate Conference in Glasgow in November 2021.

“I wish Cllr Kearney every success for the next year and I and my colleagues in the cross-party NILGA Executive will support him and the rest of the team at every turn.”

New online series explores the influence of Ulster-Scots words and phrases

(L-R) Jane Veitch and Liam Logan visit the Gobbins to discover what would happen if they coped.

A new online series, ‘A Word in Yer Lug’ will explore Ulster-Scots words and phrases and their influence on modern day language. Produced by Macmillan Media in partnership with the Ulster-Scots Agency and with funding from Northern Ireland Screen’s Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund, the series takes a witty and informative look at the much-loved language.

Presented by seasoned broadcaster Jane Veitch and Ulster-Scots speaker Liam Logan ‘A Word in Yer Lug’ was filmed in different locations all over Northern Ireland, from the Grand Opera House to the Gobbins, from fishing in Lough Erne to fadge making in Cullybackey.

Liam and Jane discuss words that are used in our everyday vocabulary and some that aren’t so well known.

The series includes special guests such as May McFetridge who explores what phrases like ‘acting the gype’ really mean.

A visit to the Somme Museum in Bangor uncovers a fascinating exploration of the word’s soldiers may have used during World War One.

With twenty short episodes, the series is an accessible and fun introduction to Ulster Scots, showing the richness of the language and its unique descriptive capabilities.

Presenter of the series and Partner at Macmillan Media, Jane Veitch said:

“A Word in Yer Lug takes a fond look at Ulster Scots words and phrases and how they are used in our everyday language. Viewers are taken on a fascinating journey across Northern Ireland, visiting some historic sites and will learn much about how Ulster Scots has shaped our language in the modern era. Many of the words and phrases we affectionately use today are derived from Ulster Scots.

“We are proud to have worked with the Ulster Scots Agency and grateful to Northern Ireland Screen for lending their support.”

Northern Ireland Screen’s Ulster Scots Broadcast Fund Executive, Heidi McAlpin added:

“A Word in Yer Lug is a humorous foundation to learn the Ulster-Scots language. With a fresh and contemporary look at the dialect, this series explores how words are used to describe different scenarios in our everyday lives. We are very excited to promote the development of digital content like this and highlight the importance of the Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund by delving into its language, culture, and heritage.

James Joyce’s infamous novel brought to life on the big screen

Michael Hewitt, Managing Director of DoubleBand Films, Michele Devlin, Director of Docs Ireland, and Dermot Lavery, Managing Director of DoubleBand Films in the Linen Hall Library, Belfast.

Deemed the most notable novel of the 20th century, ‘James Joyce’s Ulysses’ will screen at this year’s Docs Ireland festival on Friday 1 July.

The film will feature as part of Docs Ireland ‘Pull Focus New Irish Documentary Competition’, showcasing a selection of the best new Irish feature documentaries.

Co-produced by Belfast-based production company DoubleBand Films and Lone Star and made with the support of Northern Ireland Screen, ‘James Joyce’s Ulysses’ will have its preview screening 100 years after the novel was first published in book form.

Banned in America for its explicit nature, ‘James Joyce’s Ulysses’ will reveal the shocking and poetic nature of the literary masterpiece.

Today, 16 June, marks ‘Bloomsday’, a celebration of the life and work of the Irish writer observed across the world. ‘Bloomsday’ named after Ulysses protagonist Leopold Bloom, commemorates the date on which the action of the novel takes place.

As part of Docs Ireland, literature fans can also see ‘Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time’. A tribute to the author, the documentary spans Vonnegut’s childhood, the challenges in his early career and his eventual superstardom following the publication of his anti-war novel ‘Slaughterhouse-Five’.

In The Peculiar Sensation Of Being Pat Ingoldsby, director Seamus Murphy examines Irish writer Pat Ingoldsby’s unique world. His poems and candid anecdotes bear witness to a visceral relationship with his beloved Dublin.

Director of Docs Ireland, Michele Devlin said:

“We are thrilled to bring a novel steeped in Irish history to the big screen. ‘Ulysses’ is renowned worldwide for its unconventional style of writing and is considered to have revolutionised the modern novel. ‘James Joyce’s: Ulysses’ is a fantastic tribute to a masterpiece of Irish culture.”

“This documentary exemplifies the brilliant talent within the film industry across Ireland and it is a privilege to showcase such a culturally vital story at this year’s Docs Ireland festival.”

Managing Director of DoubleBand Films, Dermot Lavery said:

“It’s extremely exciting to bring ‘James Joyce’s Ulysses’ to Docs Ireland as part of its Pull Focus New Irish Documentary Competition. We wanted to bring the infamous novel to life and cannot wait to showcase it to the Irish audience.”

The film is a production for BBC Arts and BBC Northern Ireland.

Docs Ireland is sponsored this year by Northern Ireland Screen, Belfast City Council, Department For Communities, BFI FAN, TG4, Film Hub NI, BBC Northern Ireland and Yellowmoon. 

Consulting Team grows at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore

Consulting Partner at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore Donal Laverty pictured with Senior Management Consultant Ryan Connor and HR & Organisational Design Consultant Fintan Eastwood

Belfast accountancy and advisory practice Baker Tilly Mooney Moore has announced two new appointments to its Consulting Department.

Ryan Connor and Fintan Eastwood join the department, which covers all aspects of organisational design and development as well as change management.

The appointments come in response to soaring demand for the team’s service which supports organisations to adapt to the many HR, people and operational delivery challenges of a post-Covid world.

With a background in people development and talent, Ryan Connor takes up the position of Senior Management Consultant. His previous positions include Learning & Talent Manager at Coca-Cola, Consultant at a Big 4 firm and Director of Springvale Employment & Learning College.

Alongside Ryan, Fintan Eastwood joins Baker Tilly Mooney Moore as Human Resources & Organisational Design Consultant, bringing experience in HR with the National Bank of Australia and as a Consultant within the Big 4.

Both will work alongside Consulting Partner Donal Laverty to advise new and existing clients within the expanding firm.

Consulting Partner at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore Donal Laverty said:

“We are thrilled to have Ryan and Fintan join us at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore and wish to congratulate them both on their appointments. This is a busy and demanding department that has expanded in line with growing demand for our services in organisational design, development and change management.”

“Though we will be working through the impact of the pandemic for years to come, it is clear that businesses, public sector bodies and charities are using this time to reflect on their operational efficiency and rethink the way they are doing things. With considerable experience between them, I have no doubt that both Fintan and Ryan will be instrumental in meeting this growing demand and adding value to the busy department.”

New Senior Management Consultant at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore Ryan Connor said:

“One of the most notable things we are seeing in this post-pandemic world is a shift in priorities to people management and development. Companies are operating in a world that has changed forever, meaning how they manage and retain their staff as well as support high performance has evolved. After many years working in the field, I am delighted to bring my experience to the Consulting Department at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore and have no doubt it will be a rewarding role.”

Senior Management Consultant at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore Ryan Connor

New HR & Organisational Design Consultant at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore Fintan Eastwood said:

 “This is an exciting position to be taking up and one that I am thrilled to have secured. Baker Tilly Mooney Moore has grown significantly in recent years, and I am pleased to join the Consulting Team amid a period of significant demand. Northern Ireland has a lot to offer in terms of business excellence, and I look forward to helping a range of interesting clients navigate their post-pandemic business plan and achieve further success.”

HR & Organisational Design Consultant at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore Fintan Eastwood

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 13 June 2022

Forward Look                                

  • Labour Leader Keir Starmer MP is expected to meet with local party leaders at Stormont today to discuss the impasse at the Assembly and the NI Protocol.

  • A Bill to override aspects of the NI Protocol has been delayed due to Cabinet divisions over its content. It is expected to be published next week.

  • Prime Minister Boris Johnson MP has held secret NI Protocol talks to appease Conservative backbench Brexiteer MPs and the DUP. These talks are expected to continue next week ahead of the Bill’s publication.

  • The Report on the Independent Neurology Inquiry will be published on 21 June.

  • Valerie Watts has been appointed as interim Chief Executive of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. She will take up the post on Monday.

  • Prime Minister Boris Johnson MP won a vote of confidence on Monday after 211 Conservative MPs voted in his favour. Due to Conservative party rules, another vote will not be allowed to be held within the next year.

  • Education Minister Michelle McIlveen MLA announced that children entitled to free school meals will receive a holiday food grant this summer.

  • Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD has said that he will not support any proposals for his party to end its partnership with the SDLP.

  • People Before Profit MLA, Gerry Carroll, has launched an Assembly recall petition to elect a Speaker and address the cost of living crisis. So far, the SDLP is the only party to have signed the petition.

  • The NI Veterans Commissioner will appear before the NI Affairs Committee on Wednesday on the Governments legacy proposals.

  • The Northern Ireland Chamber Business Awards launched on Monday. Nominations will close on 8 July.

  • The North West Business Awards will be held next Friday 17 June at the City Hotel, Derry.

Other Stories this week

  • Sinn Féin Councillor Sandra Duffy was selected as the new Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council.

  • Eileen Montgomery was appointed as the new Digital Innovation Commissioner for Belfast City Council.

  • Caitroina McCusker has been appointed the new PwC Regional Market Leader for Northern Ireland, replacing Kevin MacAllister.

  • Former Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council Graham Walker has quit the DUP and will remain an independent.

  • Stormont parties met with the Head of the Civil Service to discuss a future Programme for Government and Budget on Tuesday.

  • The Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 gained Royal Assent on Monday.

Upcoming key political and business events

  • 16 June, NI Chamber’s In Camera with the Department for Infrastructure, The Merchant Hotel, Belfast

  • 17 June, North West Business Awards, City Hotel Derry

  • 21 June, House of Commons rises for Summer Recess

  • 24 June, NI Chamber’s Annual Lunch

  • 30 June, Irish News Workplace and Employment Awards, Titanic Belfast

  • 29 – 30 September, Centre for Cross Border Studies’ Annual Conference

  • 21 October, Belfast Chamber Business Awards, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast

  • 4 – 5 November, Sinn Féin Ard Fheis

Consultations

Northern Ireland's Local Council Mayors, Chairs and Deputies 2022/23

Northern Ireland’s 11 local councils have appointed their Mayors, Chairs and Deputies for the year 2022/23. Please see below a full list of the incoming First Citizens for the next 12 months.

Less than a year out until the next Local Government Elections in Spring 2023, the parties will be looking to use their mayoralties or chair positions to boost their profiles and hopefully win more council seats. After holding three positions last year, however, the UUP has no mayoralties or chair positions this year and only three deputy positions. The SDLP, after holding no positions last year, holds just the one chair position in Newry, Mourne and Down District Council this year.

Alliance, after a very strong Assembly Election result in May, holds just two positions in Ards and North Down, and Mid and East Antrim. Sinn Féin and the DUP share four mayoralties or chairs between them. Only four of the new Mayors or Chairs this year are women, with three of those coming from Sinn Féin alone.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council

  • Cllr Stephen Ross (DUP)

  • Cllr Leah Smyth (UUP)

Ards and North Down Borough Council

  • Cllr Karen Douglas (Alliance)

  • Cllr Craig Blaney (UUP)

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council

  • Cllr Paul Greenfield (DUP)

  • Cllr Tim McClelland (DUP)

Belfast City Council

  • Cllr Tina Black (Sinn Féin)

  • Cllr Michelle Kelly (Alliance)

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council

  • Cllr Ivor Wallace (DUP)

  • Cllr Kathleen McGurk (Sinn Féin)

Derry City and Strabane District Council

  • Cllr Sandra Duffy (Sinn Féin)

  • Cllr Angela Dobbins (SDLP)

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council

  • Cllr Barry McElduff (Sinn Féin)

  • Cllr Allan Rainey (UUP)

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council

  • Cllr Scott Carson (DUP)

  • Cllr Michelle Guy (Alliance)

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council

  • Alderman Noel Williams (Alliance)

  • Cllr Beth Adger (DUP)

Mid Ulster District Council

  • Cllr Cora Corry (Sinn Féin)

  • Cllr Frances Burton (DUP)

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council

  • Cllr Michael Savage (SDLP)

  • Cllr Aoife Finnegan (Sinn Féin)

"New telecoms legislation presents challenges for landowners" writes Matthew Howse, Partner – Dispute Resolution & Litigation, Eversheds Sutherland

As originally appeared in the Irish News, 7 June

Matthew Howse, Partner – Dispute Resolution & Litigation, Eversheds Sutherland

Despite significant reforms and changes in 2017, the Electronic Communications Code (”the Code”) is set to be amended once more when the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) Bill becomes law. Currently passing through the House of Commons, the main thrust of the new legislation is to introduce mandatory security requirements for smart devices and ‘consumer connectable products’ like smart phones, smart TVs, and home speakers.

The second part of the new bill is to make changes to the Code, the main law that governs the rights of telecoms companies to install their infrastructure on land across the UK. It’s fair to say that the Code has been controversial since its first major reform in 2017. While reforms were introduced to reflect the significant changes to electronic communications over the past 20 or 30 years, the Code as amended in 2017 aimed to provide network operators the ability to expand and improve their networks with more freedom and to reflect the dominance of mobile and internet networks in the modern day.

These reforms, however, have been controversial, in particular the changes to land valuation. For many landowners, rents for hosting telecoms equipment have reduced dramatically, while the Code has also been blamed for causing delays to infrastructure roll-out. Historically, many landowners and small farmers in Northern Ireland agreed with telecommunications companies a rent in order to install masts and infrastructure on a portion of their land. While rents varied, they could often be in the region of £3000 to £4000 per year (or more), a not insignificant income for landowners.

The reforms to the Code in 2017, however, gave much greater power to the tenant to negotiate or, in many cases, demand a much lower rate of rent when it is up in the name of the societal ‘greater good’. In several cases, this has meant that landowners have seen their incomes slashed. For small landowners or independent farming families, this can mean a huge reduction in what is often vital income.

The current PSTI Bill aggravates the position further by inserting new Articles 18A, B and C into the Business Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 1996, to remove the subsisting agreement protection, so that the landowner will be compelled to accept the £200 to £300 being offered by the agents. The amended Code will, in theory, see the process of finalising new telecoms agreements and rolling out new infrastructure sped up to supercharge the UK’s digital revolution. However, this may come at significant expense to landowners up and down the country.

In the struggle between private property rights and the speedy roll-out of the UK’s digital infrastructure, the current PSTI Bill may see small landowners and farming communities come out the losers. Litigation and legal action over the Code is likely to rumble on until the new legislation is passed. And with the power tipping even more to the tenants under the new PSTI Bill, landowners may find themselves in difficulties under the new laws.

'Window of opportunity for NI business shrinks as Protocol impasse continues' writes Angela Keery, Head of Tax at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore

As originally appeared in the Irish News, Tuesday 7 June

Head of Tax at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore Angela Keery

Much has been said and written about the impact of the Northern Ireland Protocol on business in Northern Ireland. For many businesses there is a real economic advantage in having unique access to EU and UK markets, although given the level of administration and documentation now required when moving goods from GB to NI, some sectors will have no doubt felt the pressure more than others. We have, however, reached a point where movement on the issue either way is now vital for the continuation of business in Northern Ireland.

Business owners, employees, suppliers and investors all need certainty before they can move forward with any significant decision. Though the chaos of the pandemic is now firmly settled, companies here are left facing a third year of instability as we lurch from a health crisis into a political one.

This is not to deny the political concerns that exist around the Protocol and its implications for trading between the UK and Ireland. But the reality is that in business, the political impasse it has created is causing more of a threat.

Earlier this year, four in five accountants surveyed by the Chartered Accountants Ulster Society reported that the Protocol is in fact presenting avenues of economic opportunity for the region. Despite persistent concerns over energy costs and supply chain disruption, the economic outlook has been more positive than anticipated in recent months, and whilst some businesses have moved to seize on the opportunity to trade with access to both the UK and EU markets, others have held back, awaiting clarity.

Any window of opportunity presented by the NI Protocol grows smaller, however, as we continue without a fully functioning Executive to represent us. The reality is that political stability is a prerequisite to strong levels of investment.  Northern Ireland has the thriving start-up scene, world class skills pipeline and attractively low cost of doing business needed to tick all of the other boxes for potential investors.

We could, therefore, be missing out on both inward investment and the expansion of indigenous companies as the prolonged impasse caused by the Protocol continues.

Almost two months into the new financial year, four out of five employers have reported to the British Chambers of Commerce that they have been negatively impacted by the rise in National Insurance Contributions. For that 81%, the increase was a body blow in the form of increased staffing costs and prices.

Pair that with the rising energy costs, soaring inflation and supply chain bottlenecks that have combined to cause the Bank of England to raise the alarm for recession, businesses here are in no more of a stable footing than they were this time last year when talk of economic recovery from Covid-19 was the focus.

That said, there is no doubt the Protocol causes real problems for business owners in some sectors. Just look at the difficulties in haulage as companies navigate the red tape in the hope of the UK Government’s so-called ‘green lanes’ proposal becoming a reality.

These issues of the cost of living, rising cost of doing business, under pressure supply chains and looming recession are impacting businesses now right across the board. No matter the outcome of the current discussions, companies need decisive action on the Protocol that opens a clear pathway for business growth, investment and recovery going forward. 

Docs Ireland returns with packed programme of international documentary excellence

(Left to Right) Paul McClintock, Digitisation Project Co-Ordinator, Northern Ireland Screen, Roisín Geraghty, Docs Ireland Head of Industry & Marketplace, Cate Cheung-McMullan, a filmmaker whose short is competing at the Docs Ireland Short Film Competition, and Stuart Sloan, Docs Ireland Programmer.

Sinéad O’Connor, Kenny G, James Joyce and Princess Diana are just some of the interesting people who will be profiled on film as Docs Ireland returns to Belfast for its fourth year.

The international documentary festival will run from Wednesday 29 June to Sunday 3 July, with film screenings and events in which public audiences and industry professionals will encounter both rising stars and documentary filmmaking legends.

A documentary based on the life and career of Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor is set to open this year’s festival. Directed by Belfast-born filmmaker Kathryn Ferguson, ‘Nothing Compares’, which will screen on Wednesday 29 June, reflects on the legacy of the singer, and follows her rise and fall over a five-year period (1987-1992).

‘Listening to Kenny G’ by globally recognised documentarian Penny Lane will close the Festival on Saturday 3 July. In her film Lane takes a deeper look at how the acclaimed instrumentalist reimagined the Smooth Jazz genre, while also asking - What is Jazz?

Northern Ireland film studio Doubleband will be debuting its latest documentary, ‘James Joyce’s Ulysses’ which unlocks the Irish literary great’s masterpiece one hundred years after its first publication.

Music and culture are two key themes of this year’s festival with documentaries including ‘Laurent Garnier: Off the Record’, a look at one of the leading visionaries of the house music genre; ‘Tramps!’ by Kevin Hegge which delves into the flamboyant, fresh style of the new romantics in London in the 1980s; and Songs for Drella’ a 1990 concert film, only rediscovered recently, which captured the only reunion of ex-Velvet Underground members Lou Reed and John Cale - and the life, dreams and aspirations of the band and its manager, Andy Warhol.

The fourth annual Docs Ireland festival will also give emerging filmmakers the opportunity to meet and learn from seasoned industry experts through a series of online masterclasses, workshops, panel discussions and ‘in-conversation’ sessions.

The documentary focused festival has fast become a forum for new and emerging documentarians to showcase their own films, find routes to broadcast and training, and funding for new work. The Docs Ireland - Northern Ireland Screen Documentary development pitch returns for the third year, presenting six feature documentary project pitches from filmmakers across Ireland, in a competition to receive an award of up to £7,500 towards a pilot for their documentary feature.

Director of Docs Ireland, Michele Devlin said:

“The fourth Docs Ireland  takes a look at the culture, art and music of the world around us showcasing some of this year’s most interesting global documentaries. As we move past the pandemic, and into an era of recovery and renewal, Docs Ireland looks to shed light on those who do incredible things in the cultural world and showcase it to a wider audience. With documentaries from some of the world’s most celebrated documentarians including Penny Lane and Kim Longinotto, as well as up-and-coming stars such as Anna Rodgers who won our Shorts Award in 2019, there truly is something for everyone in this programme.

“Every year, we are able to bring leading industry experts and influencers to Docs Ireland to interact with and support our emerging local filmmakers. There are no shortages of talented documentarians on our own island, those who are set on bringing fascinating real life stories to the big screen. Through our five days of festival, we will showcase to the global industry why Irish filmmakers are primed to bring new, innovative ideas to the world of documentary making.

“The Docs Ireland Marketplace is a real opportunity for any aspiring filmmaker to meet with leading international documentary industry decision-makers, funders, broadcasters, distributors and exhibitors on a one-to-one basis. They generously give their time to help participants develop their own documentary projects, as well as foster new relationships and opportunities between local and international networks.

“This year’s fulsome programme of screenings and events promises to be one for budding filmmakers and documentary enthusiasts alike and we look forward to welcoming audiences back to five days of film excellence across Belfast.”

Other highlights include:

  • Giving audiences an interactive experience, ‘Voyage of Time: The IMAX Experience’ is a one-of-a-kind celebration of life and the grand history of the cosmos, transporting viewers into a vast yet up-close-and personal journey that spans the eons from the Big Bang to the dinosaur age, to our present human world and beyond.

  • In partnership with Into Films, Docs Ireland will screen ‘Where is Anne Frank?’, an animated fictional piece follows the journey of Kitty, who lives in the current era, the imaginary friend to whom Anne Frank dedicated her diary.

A special panel event, Discussion: The State of Journalism will hear from some of Northern Ireland’s leading journalists including Gavin Esler (broadcaster, novelist and journalist), Trevor Birney (filmmaker - No Stone Unturned), Alison Millar (filmmaker - LYRA) and Una Mullally (broadcaster and writer) to look at the position of journalism and documentary filmmaking in 2022.

  • Docs Ireland are delighted to team up with The Nerve Centre and Unboxed’s Our Place in Space to present, award-winning filmmaker Darren Aronofsky in conversation at the QFT, discussing his remarkable filmmaking career (Pi, Requiem for a Dream, Black Swan, and The Wrestler) and his new ten part documentary series One Strange Rock, hosted by Will Smith.

Docs Ireland is sponsored this year by Northern Ireland Screen, Belfast City Council, Department For Communities, BFI FAN, TG4, Film Hub NI, BBC Northern Ireland and Yellowmoon. 

Programme and ticket information can be found at www.docsireland.ie. 

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 6 June 2022

Forward Look                                

  • Several news outlets are reporting that Foreign Secretary Liz Truss MP could introduce a bill disapplying parts of the Northern Ireland Protocol next week.

  • The Second Reading of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill will take place on Wednesday.

  • The Treasury has confirmed that it is exploring ways to ensure households in Northern Ireland receive cost-of-living support without a functioning Executive in place.

  • Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD and Michelle O’Neill MLA are meeting with Vice President of the European Commission Maroš Šefčovič today to discuss the Protocol and need for political stability in Northern Ireland.

  • The UUP has written to the Head of the Civil Service NI to ask for cross-party talks to develop a Programme of Government and that the public consultation on the Budget be reopened.

  • Sinn Féin Councillor Christina Black will be nominated as the next Lord Mayor of Belfast at Belfast City Council’s AGM this evening. The party’s Sandra Duffy is expected to be nominated as the new Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council on Monday.

  • Alliance and the SDLP are expected to elect new Council Group Leaders in the next few weeks.

  • The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee will receive evidence from the Commission for Victims and Survivors and the NI Human Rights Commission on Tuesday.

  • Parliament’s Standards and Privileges Committee is expected to commence an investigation into the conduct of Prime Minister Boris Johnson MP in October.

  • Planning permission for the redevelopment of Casement Park has been upheld by the High Court following a legal challenge from local residents.

Other Stories this week

  • On Monday, the Assembly failed to elect a new Speaker after the DUP blocked a cross-community vote for the second time.

  • DUP Deputy Leader Paula Bradley will return to politics as a councillor for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council after stepping down from the Assembly before the election.

  • An opinion poll conducted by the Business Post and RED C has placed Sinn Féin on 36% in the Republic of Ireland, ahead of rival parties Fine Gael (20%) and Fianna Fáil (15%).

  • A legal challenge against the decision by DAERA Minister Edwin Poots MLA to halt checks on goods entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain has been put on hold by the High Court.

  • Gillian McAuley has been appointed as the new President of the Northern Ireland Chamber.

  • Baker Tilley International has announced Francesca Lagerberg as Chief Executive of its global network.

  • Docs Ireland launched its fourth programme on Wednesday and will take place from 29 June to 3 July. To view the full programme: LINK.

Upcoming key political and business events

  • 16 June, NI Chamber’s In Camera with the Department for Infrastructure, The Merchant Hotel, Belfast

  • 17 June, North West Business Awards, City Hotel Derry

  • 21 June, House of Commons rises for Summer Recess

  • 24 June, NI Chamber’s Annual Lunch

  • 30 June, Irish News Workplace and Employment Awards, Titanic Belfast

  • 29 – 30 September, Centre for Cross Border Studies’ Annual Conference

  • 21 October, Belfast Chamber Business Awards, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast

  • 4 – 5 November, Sinn Féin Ard Fheis

Consultations