Stormont to consult on Belfast city centre pedestrianisation

Stormont Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced plans to consult the public on increasing pedestrianisation in Belfast city centre.

The proposal follows the hosting of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast, during which a section of the city centre around City Hall was temporarily closed to vehicular traffic.

According to figures cited by the Minister, footfall cameras recorded 1,653,999 visitors in the city centre between Sunday, 2 August and Sunday, 9 August. The busiest day of the year to date was recorded on the Saturday of the festival, with 289,560 visitors.

Minister Kimmins stated that the week-long festival demonstrated the benefits of pedestrianisation and offered an opportunity for the public to share their views on whether to increase pedestrian zones in the future. She noted that her department’s long-term strategy, "seven foundations for a better future", includes creating cleaner, greener town centres through a person-centred approach over the next decade.

Gerry Lennon, chief executive of Visit Belfast, described the event as a watershed moment that placed the city on a global stage.