In the last 7 days (since Saturday 01 June 2024), the council has held the following meetings:

1. Annual Council Meeting on Monday 03 June 2024

Annual Council Meeting - Monday 03 June 2024

The Annual Council Meeting on Monday was a significant event, marking the installation of new civic dignitaries and addressing several key issues.

Installation of New Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor

Mickey Murray was installed as the new Lord Mayor of Belfast. This is a historic moment as Murray is the first openly gay Lord Mayor of Belfast. In his inaugural speech, he emphasized the importance of representation and inclusivity:

Growing up as a young gay person, I never imagined that my future would lead into this chamber and this chair. This may just be another Lord Mayor to some, but for my community, this day is particularly symbolic. — Lord Mayor Mickey Murray

Andrew McCormick was installed as the new Deputy Lord Mayor. McCormick highlighted his commitment to serving all communities in Belfast, particularly those from working-class backgrounds.

Strategic Policy and Resources Committee Minutes

The council approved the minutes of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee meetings held on 24th and 31st May 2024. Key topics included:

• City Centre Regeneration Scheme: Ongoing efforts to revitalize the city centre.
• Organisational Reviews and Change Programme: Updates on internal reviews aimed at improving council efficiency.
• Living with Water Programme Update: Progress on initiatives to manage water resources and reduce flooding risks.
• North Foreshore Giants Park Belfast Limited Leisure-Led Development Update: Developments in leisure facilities at Giants Park.
• City Hall Income Generation Proposals: Controversial proposals to increase fees for weddings at City Hall, which were debated but ultimately not sent back to committee for further consideration.

Councillor Collins opposed the fee hikes, arguing they were excessive and misaligned with the council's role as a civic entity:

The proposals are to go from £100 to £350 on a weekday. That's a 350% increase and on a weekend the price will go from £100 to £500, a 500% increase. We are not a corporate entity that is in competition with other businesses in the city centre to provide wedding venues. — Councillor Collins

Northern Ireland Water Legal Challenge

The council discussed Northern Ireland Water's refusal to connect new homes to the sewage system, which is hindering housing development. Councillor Donnelly emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue:

We have people sofa surfing, we have people living in overcrowded homes, we have people aspiring to get a house and what we have is developments sitting here ready to go and NI Water are just point blank refusing to connect them. — Councillor Donnelly

The council reaffirmed its commitment to exploring all legal options to resolve this issue.

People and Communities Committee Minutes

The council approved the minutes of the People and Communities Committee meeting held on 2nd May 2024. Key topics included:

• Exiled Booty Legislation Update: Progress on legislation affecting exiled individuals.
• Alli Gates Phase 5 Consultation Update: Ongoing consultations for the installation of alley gates to improve community safety.
• GLL Leisure Management Contract: Updates on the performance and compliance of the leisure management contract.
• Strategic Cemeteries and Crematorium Working Group Update: Developments in cemetery and crematorium management.
• Social Value Levy Fund: Discussions on the allocation of funds to benefit local communities.

Councillor Maggie raised concerns about the needs-based assessment for pitch allocations at Blanchflower Stadium, particularly its impact on women's sports. She proposed a 50/50 split in allocations for men's and women's sports, which was agreed to be reconsidered by the committee.

Themes and Implications

Representation and Inclusivity

The installation of Mickey Murray as Lord Mayor marks a significant step towards greater representation and inclusivity in Belfast. His tenure is expected to focus on connecting with diverse communities and promoting equality.

Housing and Infrastructure

The council's discussions on Northern Ireland Water's refusal to connect new homes highlight ongoing challenges in addressing the housing crisis. The outcome of legal explorations will be crucial for future housing developments.

Community Safety and Engagement

The ongoing consultations and updates on alley gates and the Social Value Levy Fund reflect the council's commitment to improving community safety and engagement. These initiatives aim to address local concerns and enhance the quality of life for residents.

These meetings underscore the council's efforts to address critical issues ranging from representation and inclusivity to housing and community safety. The decisions made will have lasting impacts on the city's development and community well-being.

In the last 7 days (since Saturday 04 May 2024), the council has held the following meetings:

1. Council Meeting on Tuesday 07 May 2024
2. City Growth and Regeneration Committee on Wednesday 08 May 2024
3. Climate and City Resilience Committee on Thursday 09 May 2024

Council Meeting - Tuesday 07 May 2024

The Council Meeting on Tuesday was significant, with several key discussions and decisions.

Irish Language Policy

A major point of contention was the draft Irish Language Policy. The proposal aims to enhance the visibility and use of the Irish language across council facilities and communications. This includes bilingual signage and branding. The policy has been in development for years and is now set to go out for a 12-week public consultation.

The debate was intense. Councillor Bunting from the DUP opposed the policy, arguing it was divisive and lacked cost transparency. She stated:

This policy is a predetermined expansion of a pre-existing policy that was balanced. Why are officials and other parties content to implement narrow, far-reaching reforms which reverse these previously balanced agreements? — Councillor Bunting

In contrast, Councillor McLaughlin supported the consultation, emphasizing that it was a progressive step and part of a normal policy development process:

No consultation that this council puts out has an attributed cost right away because the fundamental nature of consultation is that it actually may end up changing the end policy. — Councillor McLaughlin

The motion to delay the policy until the Irish Language Commissioner is in place was defeated, with 17 votes for and 36 against.

Roselawn Crematorium Incident

There was also a discussion about a recent incident at Roselawn Crematorium involving inappropriate behavior by individuals. The council condemned the actions and emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to ensure such incidents do not recur. Councillor Verner stated:

Roselawn, particularly the crematorium, is a place of sanctuary. It's a place of respect. It's a place that belongs to this council.

City Growth and Regeneration Committee - Wednesday 08 May 2024

The City Growth and Regeneration Committee focused on several initiatives to boost the city's economic development.

Night Bus Service

The committee discussed the potential for a night bus service to support the hospitality and arts sectors. Councillor Duffy reiterated the importance of this service for both economic and safety reasons, particularly for workers needing safe transportation home. The committee agreed to write to the new Minister for Infrastructure to request funding for this initiative.

Climate and City Resilience Committee - Thursday 09 May 2024

The Climate and City Resilience Committee addressed several environmental issues.

Citizens' Assemblies for New Ireland

The committee revisited a motion calling for citizens' assemblies to discuss the future of Ireland. Councillor Flynn highlighted the importance of engaging citizens in conversations about constitutional change. The committee agreed to reiterate their call to the new Taoiseach to establish these assemblies.

Themes and Implications

Language and Identity

The ongoing debate around the Irish Language Policy highlights the broader issues of cultural identity and inclusion within Belfast. The consultation process will be crucial in determining how the council balances these concerns with practical implementation.

Environmental and Urban Resilience

The discussions in the Climate and City Resilience Committee reflect a growing focus on sustainability and citizen engagement in shaping the future. The call for citizens' assemblies is part of a broader trend towards participatory governance.

Public Safety and Infrastructure

The push for a night bus service underscores the council's commitment to public safety and economic support for the hospitality sector. This initiative, if funded, could significantly enhance the city's night-time economy and worker safety.

These meetings illustrate the council's efforts to address complex issues ranging from cultural policies to urban resilience and public safety. The outcomes of these discussions will have lasting impacts on the city's development and community cohesion.