Kimmins commits to more Belfast pedestrianisation as Fleadh success shapes city plans

The success of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann has strengthened plans for more pedestrianisation in Belfast city centre, with Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins confirming that proposals will go before the public within weeks.

More than 1.6 million visits were recorded across the eight-day festival, when a number of city centre streets were closed to traffic to accommodate crowds, performances and events.

The temporary arrangements have intensified the debate over how Belfast’s main streets should be used beyond major events — and whether more space should be permanently given to pedestrians.

Ms Kimmins has now said her Department’s forthcoming Belfast Transport Plan consultation will include proposals to expand pedestrianisation in the city centre.

Consultation coming within weeks

The Infrastructure Minister said the Fleadh had provided a practical demonstration of what a less traffic-dominated Belfast could look like.

“When I came into office, I set out my Department’s Seven Foundations for a Better Future. These included creating cleaner, greener, town centres through a person-centred approach to all we do over the next decade.

“The huge success of the Fleadh has just shown us exactly what that can look like and how we can build on this success for next year, with an even bigger event.

“The measures introduced for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann clearly demonstrated the benefits of pedestrianisation and has led for calls for a more permanent solution. This has shown how we can make Belfast a nicer place for people and their families to live, to work and to visit.”

The commitment comes amid growing discussion about whether the traffic restrictions used during the Fleadh could provide a model for longer-term changes to Belfast’s central streets.

New Belfast Transport Plan

Ms Kimmins confirmed that work has already been taking place on wider proposals for transport across Belfast.

“My Department has already been working diligently behind the scenes to prepare a new Transport Plan for the Belfast area.

“In the next few weeks, I will bring forward a consultation which includes proposals for the expansion of pedestrianisation in Belfast city centre.”

The consultation will be significant because it moves the debate beyond the temporary arrangements introduced for the Fleadh and towards specific proposals on which residents, businesses and other city users will be able to have their say.

No final pedestrianisation scheme has yet been approved, however. The forthcoming process will be a consultation, with the detail of the proposed changes still to be published.

‘Put people first’

The Minister said her wider ambition was to reshape town and city centres while reducing reliance on cars and encouraging other forms of travel.

“It is my ambition to reshape our town and city centres to put people first, creating more attractive, accessible, and vibrant places while reducing car dependency and encouraging sustainable travel choices.

“I want to hear everyone’s views on these proposals to ensure that everything we do is accessible for all.”

The focus will now turn to the publication of the Belfast Transport Plan consultation in the coming weeks, when the public will be able to see the proposed extent of additional pedestrianisation and have their say on how Belfast city centre could change.