Northern ireland news

Here are some recent news stories from Northern Ireland:

Politics

• The Northern Ireland Executive has been suspended since January 2022 due to a dispute over the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other issues. Talks aimed at restoring the power-sharing government have been ongoing, but no breakthrough has been announced. (BBC News)
• The UK government has announced plans to introduce new legislation to address the legacy of the Troubles, including the creation of a new independent body to investigate historical cases. (The Irish News)

Health

• The Northern Ireland Health Minister has announced plans to increase the number of hospital beds and staff to deal with the growing demand for healthcare services. (BBC News)
• A new mental health crisis service has been launched in Belfast, providing 24/7 support for people in crisis. (The Irish News)

Economy

• The Northern Ireland economy has been boosted by a surge in tourism, with visitor numbers up 10% in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period last year. (The News Letter)
• A new £10 million investment fund has been launched to support small businesses and entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland. (Belfast Telegraph)

Crime

• A 17-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of a 16-year-old girl in Belfast. (BBC News)
• Police have launched an investigation into a series of burglaries in the Lisburn area, with several homes targeted in recent weeks. (The News Letter)

Sport

• The Northern Ireland football team has qualified for the European Championship finals for the first time in 31 years, after defeating Belarus 2-1 in their final qualifying match. (BBC Sport)
• The GAA has announced plans to introduce a new hurling and camogie championship format, with the introduction of a "round-robin" system to reduce the number of games played. (The Irish News)

Weather

• Northern Ireland has been hit by a series of storms in recent weeks, with strong winds and heavy rain causing disruption to transport and daily life. (BBC Weather)
• The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice, with temperatures expected to drop below freezing in some areas. (The News Letter)