Minister Heather Humphreys announced over 2.1 million supporting the purchase of a record 48 vehicles in rural communities.

The local minister says she's conscious of the great expenses families have in the winter time.

The funding is being delivered under The Community Climate Action programme.

The funding is part of a €2.6m national allocation under the Town Centre First Initiative.

Minister Heather Humphreys today described the late Mary Kerr-Conlon as a trailblazer for women in politics.

Of the 1,145 carers who have been awarded Long-Term Carers Contributions, 474 people have been awarded a state pension for the first time.

Child Benefit is available to anyone across the country who is 18 and in full-time education, or who has a disability.

It's part of a €16.5 million investment to deliver 185 community projects across the country.