Speaking at the official opening of the new Council Offices in Downpatrick     at the Downshire complex, South Down SDLP Member of Parliament, Margaret Ritchie said   “Today’s official opening of this stunning Civic Administration Centre marks a significant development in the administration of local government as we move towards the new Council arrangements and the [...]

Ritchie demands that the Minister for Health and the Health and Social Care Board now clarify the future of Slieve Roe Residential Home in Kilkeel in the wake of the Minister’s Friday evening statement     South Down SDLP MP, Margaret Ritchie said   “Following the debacle and the heartache surrounding the future of statutory [...]

“Following representations to the Minister of Finance & Personnel regarding the progress that was being made on the replacement of the Strangford Ferry, I am pleased to report following the submission of a revised business case by the Department of Regional Development DFP officials  approved the procurement  of the replacement vessel on 25th April 2013. [...]

Speaking at the official opening of the new Council Offices in Downpatrick     at the Downshire complex, South Down SDLP Member of Parliament, Margaret Ritchie said   “Today’s official opening of this stunning Civic Administration Centre marks a significant development in the administration of local government as we move towards the new Council arrangements and the [...]

Margaret Ritchie MP held a further meeting with Down District Farmers for Renewable Energy to discuss their concerns regarding the planning process and their call to  ensure that renewable energy was placed high on the agenda of government agencies; Speaking after the meeting attended by a large number of farmers who have applied for the [...]

Speaking after a meeting with Roads Service on site at Moneydarragh  Primary School  on Wednesday 1st May the MP for the area Margaret Ritchie said;   “The results of a past survey by Roads Service which monitored the use of the stretch of road from Moneydarragh Primary School to the Longstone Hall and the hamlet [...]

MP for South Down, Margaret Ritchie has urged the Roads Service to carry out a major resurfacing works in the Drumaroad area. Ms Ritchie said, “The severity of this year’s winter has had an effect on many rural roads across South Down. In particular, however, the bad weather exacerbated problems that were already existing on [...]

“The Chief Executive of NI Water Mr Trevor Haslett has advised that the flood alleviation scheme for Rostrevor, dealing with St Judes, St Colmans and St Rita’s Parks in Rosretvor has been costed at £400,000 and is planned to commence in Autumn of this year with completion in early 2014. Recent flooding in the area [...]

Speaking after receiving confirmation that Minister Alex Attwood has formally written to the DSD. DETI, DRD and OFMDFM Minsters requesting a meeting of officials from all 5 departments to identify how to take forward the Ballyhornan Integrated Village Development Plan, the MP for the area Margaret Ritchie said;   “Following representations and meetings with Minster [...]

The new Fish Market and Ice Plant is a great resource for the harbour of Ardglass and is central to ensuring we have a  productive and sustainable future for our local fishing industry. The Northern Ireland Harbour Authority must be commended for bringing this project to completion with the assistance of monies from the European [...]