Matthew Shanks - DUP

This weekend, thousands of people across Northern Ireland will gather at Eleventh Night bonfires as communities come together ahead of the Twelfth celebrations.

For generations, these bonfires have been an important part of our cultural heritage and unionist tradition.

The tradition of Eleventh Night bonfires stretches back over three centuries. According to long-held Ulster tradition, fires were lit on the hills to guide King William's forces as they arrived in Ireland. In the years that followed, bonfires became an annual celebration of the Williamite victory at the Battle of the Boyne and the civil and religious liberties that many believed it secured.

Today, Eleventh Night bonfires remain an important expression of culture and identity for many people across Northern Ireland. They are about much more than the lighting of a fire; they are about communities coming together, volunteers giving up countless hours to organise local events, families spending time together, and passing traditions on to the next generation.

Across Lagan Valley and beyond, communities have worked tirelessly to prepare for tomorrow evening, and I want to thank everyone who has given their time and effort to make these events possible.

As we celebrate our heritage, let's also ensure everyone enjoys the occasion safely and responsibly, taking pride in showcasing our traditions in the best possible way.

I wish everyone attending a very enjoyable Eleventh Night and a happy and memorable Twelfth!

🇬🇧

Lagan Valley DUP

As communities across Northern Ireland mark the Twelfth, I want to wish everyone a very happy, safe and enjoyable 12th of July period.

The Twelfth is an important part of our cultural heritage and an opportunity for families, friends and communities to come together in celebration.

Whether you’re attending a parade, spending time with family, or simply enjoying the bank holiday, I hope you have a fantastic weekend and stay safe.

Happy Twelfth! 🇬🇧

Lagan Valley DUP

⬇️⬇️⬇️

𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲

My constituency office will be closed during the July holiday period and will reopen on Monday 20th July.

Before we close, I want to thank everyone who has contacted my office so far this year. It has been a privilege to assist constituents with a wide range of issues, and I appreciate the trust that so many people continue to place in my team and me.

I hope everyone enjoys the holiday period, and to those celebrating over the coming days, I wish you a safe and enjoyable Twelfth season!

Lagan Valley DUP

⬇️⬇️⬇️

One more sleep

🌧️ 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 – 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀𝘄𝗮𝘆 / 𝗗𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗵𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 🌧️

Following concerns raised with me by local residents about the longstanding issue of flooding under the railway bridge on the Kingsway at Derriaghy, I contacted the Department for Infrastructure to ask what action was being taken.

I'm pleased to say the Department has confirmed that, after previous reports earlier this year, the gullies and drainage lines at the location were cleaned and jetted, which appears to have resolved the issue for now. ✅

More importantly, DfI has also advised that it is now exploring longer-term improvements to the drainage infrastructure at this location to increase capacity and help prevent flooding in the future.

I'll continue to keep an eye on the situation and press for those longer-term works to be taken forward.

If you notice any further issues in the area, please don't hesitate to let me know!

Lagan Valley DUP