Future bright for Banbridge Rugby Club

Carla Lockhart MP • May 2, 2023

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said the granting of planning approval for the extension of the pavilion and function room at Banbridge Rugby Club is a major step forward for the development of the club.

Speaking after consent was secured from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council, the DUP representative said:

 

“I am delighted that planning approval has been granted for Banbridge Rugby Club for the extension of their pavilion and function room. I have been working closely with the Club to help get this approval granted. It has been a long and sometimes frustrating process but I am very pleased that we have reached this key staging post on the pathway to making this vision a reality.

 

The application includes permission to extend the existing pavilion to provide new changing rooms, showers, toilets and gym to provide additional facilities for ladies rugby. This is a fantastic boost for the ladies game in the locality and will add to the offering at this progressive club within the community.

 

Banbridge Rugby Club is enjoying success on the field, and with the ongoing development of the club off the field, we can see a bright future ahead for the Club. I will continue to support the Club to progress and look forward to these works commencing in due course.”

Share

Minister must act to support next generation farmers in NI

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 13, 2026
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has raised concerns about the lack of financial support for young people in Northern Ireland who are serious about a future in farming.

Government must listen and review damaging inheritance tax reforms

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 12, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart is urging the government to listen to the electorate and reconsider its controversial approach to British farming.

Lockhart pledges support for Mind Your Head campaign

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 12, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart pledged her support for the Farm Safety Foundation’s Yellow Wellies Mind Your Head campaign, during this week’s parliamentary drop-in event at Westminster.

Lockhart Praises Young Entrepreneurs at Rushmere Trade Fair

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 11, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has praised the talent, creativity and confidence shown by local pupils at the Young Enterprise Big Market Trade Fair, held at Rushmere Shopping Centre . Schools from Banbridge , Lurgan and Portadown were well represented at the event, which showcased a wide range of student-led business ideas and products. 

Lockhart Praises Reopening of Captain Cook’s in Banbridge

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 11, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart , has welcomed the reopening of Captain Cook’s, describing the revamped Banbridge eatery as a real boost for the local area.

Lockhart Condemns Approval of Puberty Blockers Trial Involving Children in Northern Ireland

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 10, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has strongly condemned the decision to approve participation in a UK wide puberty blockers clinical trial involving children, describing the move as a serious failure of safeguarding and child protection.

Lockhart Secures High-Level Royal Mail Meeting Over Unacceptable Postal Delays in Banbridge and Across Upper Bann

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 9, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has secured a high-level meeting with senior management from Royal Mail in London to address ongoing and unacceptable postal delays in Banbridge and across the wider Upper Bann constituency, with particular concern around delays to vital correspondence such as hospital appointment letters.

Lockhart welcomes judicial review and peer recognition of burdensome farm tax reforms

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 5, 2026
Confirmation that the High Court has ordered an urgent judicial review into inheritance tax reforms has been welcomed by the DUP’s Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP.

Lockhart accuses SES of paralysing NI’s agricultural planning process

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 5, 2026
The DUP’s Westminster Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has accused Shared Environment Services (SES) of paralysing Northern Ireland’s planning system.

Stark Cancer Statistics Expose Unacceptable Delays

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 4, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has warned that shocking new figures on cancer treatment in Northern Ireland expose a health service struggling to deliver timely care and has called for urgent action including free travel support for patients and ring-fenced funding to address chronic delays.