Opening of new play park a boost for the Birches

Carla Lockhart MP • July 4, 2023

Local MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the opening of the new play park at the Birches, and expressed her hope that the new facility would be much used by local kids.

The DUP representative said:

 

“This is a fantastic new play facility here at the Birches, and has been delivered to meet the needs of a growing community here and the many young families making the Birches their home.

 

Local kids deserve modern, top class play facilities and certainly ABC Council has delivered it here. It is a great park, with a wonderful variety of equipment to suit every interest.

 

My hope is that the community use this park and that kids have a great time playing here in the safety of the park. Credit must go to Council, the Housing Executive and local residents for their roles in making this park a reality. It is great to see it finally open.

 

The DUP is committed to the provision of top class play parks across our towns and villages and along with our Council team we are pleased to have helped deliver this investment.”

Share

DAERA must deliver ‘goodwill’ to farms impacted by bluetongue restrictions

By Carla Lockhart • December 12, 2025
As we enter the festive season, DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, is urging DAERA to deliver much-needed ‘goodwill’ to the herd and flock owners who are marooned as a result of the two Bluetongue control zones in County Down.

MP welcomes re-opening of essential GB export markets

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 9, 2025
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has welcomed DAERA’s announcement that some live animal exports from Northern Ireland to Great Britain, for slaughter, markets, breeding and production, are allowed to resume.

MP liaises with NI’s chief vet over unfolding BTV-3 concerns

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 7, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, is continuing to monitor the unfolding Bluetongue situation in Northern Ireland, describing it as a serious challenge for the farming industry.

MP expresses disappointment at Westminster’s farm taxation vote

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 4, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has expressed deep disappointment at the outcome of this week’s House of Commons vote on the Finance Bill’s Resolution 50, specifically the proposed measures affecting family farm taxation.

Chancellor’s budget deeply damaging and offers presentation rather than substance

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 4, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has described the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget as “deeply damaging”.

Government remains tone deaf on veterinary medicine concerns

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 3, 2025
The DUP’s Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has accused the government of “dragging its heels” and being “tone deaf” to the concerns of vets and the wider agri-food industry around the supply of veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland in the New Year.

MP expresses concern as BTV-3 crisis deepens

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 3, 2025
DUP Agriculture Spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has expressed deep concern following confirmation from DAERA that an additional 44 suspected cases of Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) have been uncovered during tests on a County Down farm.

Carla Lockhart MP welcomes major progress for bereaved parents as Baby Loss Certificate Scheme moves forward

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 3, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the progress made this week at Stormont on the introduction of Baby Loss Certificates, bringing long-awaited recognition and comfort to families who have suffered the heartbreak of losing a baby before 24 weeks.

Carla Lockhart MP Praises Outstanding Community Generosity During Tesco Food Collection

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 3, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has commended local residents for their “unreal generosity” following visits to Tesco Banbridge and Tesco Craigavon for the Big Food Collection supporting Via Wings and the local Craigavon Food Bank.

MP urges vigilance as Bluetongue disease is confirmed in NI cattle

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 1, 2025
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, is urging farmers across Northern Ireland to remain vigilant, following confirmation that Bluetongue virus (BTV) has been detected in two cows originating from a herd in Bangor, County Down.