DUP raise concerns over plans for more cycle lanes across Belfast

During a meeting of Belfast City Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, councillors confirmed support for a consultation process for the Open Ormeau plan, which would see lanes closed at designated times, as well as pedestrianisation of streets in the city centre and beyond.

The motion stated there was “significant opportunity for Belfast City Council also to play its role in the recovery and the enhancement of our city by taking the car out of many of our streets”.

It continued: “The Council therefore agrees that a programme of temporary road closures be rolled out across the city on specific days, such as at weekends, in consultation with local communities, disability organisations and businesses.”

But DUP Alderman Brian Kingston said: “The wording of the motion is based on the desire to encourage walking and cycling, and that is positive, where people can be encouraged to walk and cycle and indeed run.

“But that does not mean residents will appreciate streets being closed to cars, buses and other vehicles when that is being imposed on them. We do think that proposals need to come from local communities with strong support in place.

“One recent proposal showed there was not widespread support for a road closure. Many businesses believe it will be detrimental to their survival.

“We need joined-up thinking on this matter. We should also be aware of the wider impact of road closures such as access to the city centre, and the consequences of one action on other parts of the city”

He added: “The motion asks the council to agree to roll out these closures in the belief this will help with recovery. The DUP would not agree with that. It also proposes a second action that the matter be brought to the area working groups, to be reconvened at the earliest opportunity to attempt to identify potential sites in each part of the city.

“Again this has the appearance of the council deciding where they believe roads should be closed. Then presumably there would be a consultation on that with opposition likely at local level. We think this is the wrong approach.”

SDLP Councillor Donal Lyons responded: “I find myself in the familiar position of disagreeing with Alderman Kingston, and I want to challenge him on his use of language. The suggestion is that Open-Ormeau does not enjoy widespread support, that somehow it is an imposition by the council upon communities and so forth.

“This whole idea has been led by a community group, independent of all parties, with no political agenda outside of trying to reallocate space in the area that they live in. This framing of any change as some sort of subversive activity is just tiresome.”