Nick Mathison MLA

Great response in Darragh Cross to Alliance Party of Northern Ireland petition to address road safety in the village. Infrastructure Minister ignoring the critical concerns around speed limit and lack of a pedestrian crossing. Please sign our petition to make your voice heard!
https://www.change.org/p/install-road-safety-measures-in-darragh-cross?source_location=search

A reminder of the brilliant- FREE and IMPARTIAL- services for anyone needing advice on private tenancies, provided by Housing Rights:
https://www.housingrights.org.uk/landlords/help-and-support/landlord-advice
They can help with:
✅landlord registration requirements
✅tenancy deposits
✅repairs and maintenance
✅rent arrears
✅ending a tenancy
✅new regulations
✅guidance for prospective landlords

There's also their mediation services:
https://www.housingrights.org.uk/housing-mediation

Angel Eyes NI is a wonderful local charity that supports children and young people with visual impairments, along with their families, through practical support, inclusive activities, advocacy and training.

They're running a fundraising hike in the Mournes to help support their vital services. You could take on a team or personal challenge and make a real difference.

🥾 A memorable day in one of Northern Ireland's most beautiful landscapes.
💙 The opportunity to support a small, local charity making a direct impact across Northern Ireland.
🤝 A great team-building activity for workplaces, clubs and community groups.
💪 A chance to challenge yourself with either a 6.59-mile loop or a 4-mile out-and-back route, suitable for different fitness levels.
🎁 An Angel Eyes NI branded water bottle included with your registration.
🌟 The knowledge that every step you take is helping children and young people with visual impairment reach their full potential.

See the flyer attached for details or contact [email protected] to register.

It's going to be a fantastic week at !

Everyone travelling into Belfast during the Cheoil Belfast 2026 August 2nd – 9th , plan ahead, leave extra time for journeys, and expect bus and train services to be very busy.

There are dedicated Fleadh Park and Ride sites, and walking or cycling options into and around Belfast city centre.

All Translink services will be operating with enhanced capacity as well as some minor alterations to bus stop and pick-up points. Details are available here:
https://www.translink.co.uk/using-translink/special-events/fleadh/temporary-adjustments

The public is encouraged to visit www.translink.co.uk/fleadh and download the Translink JourneyPlanner app to keep up to date with key public transport information.

You can also pre-book Belfast City Council's Fleadh Park and Ride sites, please visit www.fleadhcheoil.ie/travel .

Great to chat to residents in the Daltons in Comber yesterday. Best part of the job is getting out and engaging with constituents on the issues that matter locally

Housing Executive is hosting drop-In sessions in their Ards office from 11am – 1pm, on Tuesday 4th August. A great opportunity to engage with :
🏠Housing Executive
🎗Supporting Communities
🙋Volunteer Now
👍Ards and North Down Borough Council
🏘Ark Housing Association & Radius Housing

Groups attending will be able to engage, informally, 1-1, seek advice & support around issues such as funding, digital & committee training, communications & social media, volunteer recruitment & policies, housing, as well as local opportunities for support.

If you plan to attend please let Sarah know- [email protected],

⚡️My office is currently closed due to loss of electricity supply⚡️
Will update as soon as issue resolved.
The office can still be reached at [email protected] with staff working from home for now

Great to chat with Chloe from Invisible Traffick yesterday and hear more about their fantastic Junior Education Programme.

The programme is delivered to KS2 pupils in schools and youth centres across NI to educate them on human trafficking and modern day slavery, exploitation and the need to speak up to a trusted adult if something doesn’t feel quite right.

I’m pleased that the Department for Infrastructure is proposing to extend the double yellow lines opposite the accessible parking bays near the public toilets in Comber.

Local residents raised concerns that vehicles regularly park opposite the two bays, creating congestion and making it difficult for Blue Badge holders to enter and manoeuvre safely.

Following representations from my office, departmental surveys confirmed the problem.

This is a positive step forward. The Department has recognised the difficulties disabled drivers are experiencing and brought forward a practical proposal to improve access.

The approval process will take some time, but extending the double yellow lines should make a real difference for those who rely on these spaces.

Thank you to the residents who raised this issue. I will continue to monitor progress as the proposal moves forward.