17th February 2025
Martina Connolly, CEO of Belfast ONE BID, recently spoke to The Irish News expressing deep disappointment at the Department for Infrastructure' (DFI) lacks of of response over the the continued presence of 'temporary' safety barriers at Castle Place, despite repeated calls for action.
A “TEMPORARY” safety barrier is to remain in place for now in Belfast city centre more than two years after it was erected, despite repeated calls for urgent action on removing the “eyesore”.
Martina Connolly, CEO of Belfast ONE Business Improvement District (BID), spoke of the frustration among traders that the barrier remains in such a prominent part of the city centre.“Belfast ONE BID and the private sector businesses that have heavily invested millions in this area are deeply disappointed by the lack of response from the DfI
regarding the barrier,” she said.
“This barrier has now been in place for over two years and despite repeated requests for an update, there has been no resolution.” She said Belfast ONE BID has proposed temporary solutions to improve the appearance of the area while a permanent solution is being discussed. “However, we have received no correspondence or update on this either. “Given the significant private sector investment in the area, it is unacceptable that we have reached this stage without action. We urge the Department to progress this matter and resolve this issue as soon as possible.”
A DfI spokesperson said: “We are currently progressing plans to enable a permanent cycle lane to be installed at this location and will be engaging with key stakeholders to discuss design proposals.” They added: “In the meantime, in the interests of safety, the barrier will remain in place.”
