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

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.