Sandy Row's struggling traders deserve £145k more than 'unnecessary' Grand Central Irish signs, says Belfast councillor demanding help for businesses hurt by Boyne Bridge closure

City councillor Tracy Kelly argues the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) handing over six figures for the signs while failing to aid traders shows the Stormont body is “continuing to ignore the plight of businesses in Sandy Row” directly caused by continuing work around the new train and bus station.

Mrs Kelly believes that as the DfI gave the green light for Grand Central, it should find some way of reducing the hurt from the station’s construction – and would be better spending £145,000 on that, instead of Irish language signs.

She accuses the DfI of “choosing to ignore its responsibilities” now trade in the area has collapsed by 40% due to a major route into and out of Sandy Row being sealed off for around 12 months to facilitate additional work at the station.

“Businesses in Sandy Row have suffered significantly due to the DfI’s decisions, yet not a single penny has been allocated to support those affected,” the DUP councillor said.

“Instead, the department has found £145,000 for signage that is neither necessary nor a priority. This is a disgraceful neglect of the real issues facing our community."

Although some help is on the cards in the form of a grant from another Stormont department that will give shop fronts a makeover, business owners say they need money in their tills to keep the lights on, either in terms of financial aid or a rates cut.

Mrs Kelly told the News Letter that the Irish language signs move “speaks volumes about the DfI’s approach”, adding: “It is unacceptable that resources can be found for unnecessary projects while businesses and residents in Sandy Row are left struggling.

"The department must recognise its responsibility and take urgent steps to support those who have been impacted. The people of Sandy Row deserve better than to be ignored.”

She also accused the DfI of “turning its back on those whose livelihoods have been damaged by its actions”, which she contrasted with the campaigning she and her party colleague, MLA Edwin Poots, have been carrying out, including pushing for the shop makeover grant.

A DfI spokeswoman maintained it is “fitting that the Irish language will be visible at the station” for both Irish-language commuters and Belfast visitors.

"This is a positive development to promote wider awareness and support for the Irish language,” added the spokeswoman.

“[Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins] met with Mr Poots, councillor Kelly and a number of Sandy Row stakeholders and residents this week to discuss a range of issues affecting the area.

"The minister outlined her commitment to continue that engagement and to provide support where possible on issues within the department’s remit.”

Last autumn, Durham Street was sealed off to knock down the historic Boyne Bridge as part of work on Grand Central, and the closure is going to last for much of this year.

Trade was decimated, with business owners saying the situation around Sandy Row is now worse than during Covid – and many are worried they won’t see 2026.