EasyJet, the low-cost airline, will begin offering flights from City of Derry Airport for the first time, starting November 4th. The airline will introduce two new routes: Edinburgh and Liverpool, operating twice weekly throughout the year. This expansion aims to improve domestic connectivity for Northern Ireland residents.
Killeavy Castle Estate in County Armagh has been recognized for its sustainable practices at the Business Eye Sustainability Awards. The estate has received the Sustainable Hospitality & Tourism Business of the Year award for its eco-friendly initiatives, including investments in renewable energy and a commitment to farm-to-fork dining. This recognition benefits local tourism businesses by attracting more visitors and promoting economic growth.
Liverpool’s 17-year-old midfielder, Kieran Morrison, has made a significant career milestone by signing his first professional contract. Having joined from Manchester United’s under-14s, Morrison has steadily impressed at Liverpool and earned a well-deserved new deal. During the season, he smoothly transitioned from central midfield to the right wing, contributing 13 goals and seven assists. His notable recent performance includes scoring two goals against Sunderland. Morrison’s talent has not gone unnoticed, as he has had opportunities to train with the first team during the international break and represents Northern Ireland at youth level. This signing follows the recent trend of Liverpool promoting talented youth players, such as Conor Bradley, who has made a mark on the first team. Morrison’s signing is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and it is anticipated that he will continue to shine at Liverpool.
A consortium led by CK Infrastructure Holdings and CK Asset Holdings has agreed to acquire Phoenix Energy, the largest natural gas network company in Northern Ireland, for £757 million ($941 million). The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of this month. Phoenix Energy operates a network that covers nearly half of the local population, including Greater Belfast, and 78% of gas connections in Northern Ireland. The deal marks CK Infrastructure’s first acquisition of an asset in Europe since 2017 and is expected to provide stable cash flow and recurring profits.
Jeffrey Donaldson, the former leader of Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), made his first court appearance on Wednesday facing charges of sexual abuse dating back nearly four decades. His wife, Eleanor Mary Elizabeth Donaldson, also faces charges related to the alleged crimes. Both were released on bail. Donaldson has denied the charges and resigned as DUP leader. The case has shocked the party and will be adjourned until May 22.
Northern Irish photographer Gareth McConnell’s new book, ‘Details of Sectarian Murals,’ offers a unique perspective on the murals that have become synonymous with the Troubles, the period of intense strife between Unionist Protestants and Separatist Catholics in Northern Ireland. These highly abstracted close-up images present the murals in a new light, stripping them of their often aggressive figurative depictions and revealing their painterly qualities.
Jeffrey Donaldson, the former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), is facing 11 charges of rape, gross indecency with or towards a child, and indecent assault on a female over a 21-year period. The charges span from 1985 to 2006, and Donaldson was arrested and charged last month before being released on bail. His wife, Eleanor, was also charged with separate offences and is due to appear in court on Wednesday. The DUP has suspended Donaldson from the party pending the outcome of the judicial process, appointing Gavin Robinson as the interim party leader.
Plans are being considered to extend the scenic Wild Atlantic Way driving route into Northern Ireland, with the aim of attracting more tourists to the region. The Wild Atlantic Way currently stretches for over 1,600 miles along Ireland’s west coast, offering breathtaking coastal views and rich cultural experiences. The potential extension would connect the Wild Atlantic Way to the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland, linking up popular attractions such as the Cliffs of Moher and the Giant’s Causeway.
Former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, 61, has appeared at Newry Magistrates’ Court to face historical sex charges. He was arrested and charged in relation to historical sexual allegations at the end of March. Donaldson, accompanied by his solicitor, did not speak upon arriving at the court. A 58-year-old woman has also been charged with aiding and abetting additional offenses in relation to the same police investigation. Donaldson resigned as DUP leader and was suspended from the party pending the outcome of the judicial process. He has indicated his intention to contest all charges against him. East Belfast MP and deputy leader Gavin Robinson has been appointed interim party leader. Donaldson remains the MP for Lagan Valley.
