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Your search has returned 589 resultsStrengthening our roots: an overview report on tree protection in the planning system
Today we've released a new report on the protection of trees in Northern Ireland.
'Strengthening our roots: an overview report on tree protection in the planning system' found that despite 369 tree protection breaches reported between 2019 and 2022, only one resulted in enforcement action being taken, and none led to prosecution.
It also found that despite having significant enforcement powers, less than half of local councils clearly state on their websites that it is a criminal offence to carry out works to protected trees without consent. Others do not make any reference to the consequences of breaches.
It states that a failure to provide clear information to the public has the potential to cause confusion, and risks creating a perception that local councils and the Department for Infrastructure see the protection of trees as a low priority.
Proper care and treatment of patient by Trust 'may have improved her chances of survival'
An investigation has found that the Northern Health and Social Care Trust failed to provide adequate care and treatment to a patient who died of multiple organ failure in the Causeway Hospital, Coleraine on 26 September 2015.
Ombudsman upholds complaint about Trust's delay in carrying out carer's assessment
The Public Services Ombudsman has upheld a complaint from a woman who waited 20 months to have a carer's assessment carried out by the Western Health and Social Care Trust.
Former councillor disqualified for 4 years following sexual assault
Former councillor Ian Stevenson (Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council) has been disqualified from being a councillor until 30 April 2025 following an Adjudication Hearing held on 28 June.
Ards and North Down Borough councillor suspended for 6 weeks
Councillor Colin Kennedy (Ards and North Down Borough Council) has been suspended for a period of 6 weeks at an Adjudication Hearing held on 11 June 2021.
Former councillor disqualified for 5 years following sexual assault
Former councillor Brian Duffin (Antrim and Newtownabbey Council) has been disqualified for a period of 5 years at an Adjudication Hearing held on 9 June 2021.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Like everyone we have been actively monitoring the developing situation regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impact on our work.
Investigation finds failures over care of man in hospital Emergency Department
A Health Trust has apologised for the care and treatment given to a patient in the Emergency Department of the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast.
Alderman disqualified for 15 months following drink-driving offence
Alderman Derek Hussey (Derry City & Strabane District Council) has been disqualified for a period of 15 months following an Adjudication Hearing held in Belfast today (9 July 2019).
Commissioner issues further guidance for councillors on Code of Conduct
The Northern Ireland Local Government Commissioner for Standards has today highlighted to councillors the importance of registering and declaring their pecuniary interests.