The People and Communities Committee of Belfast City Council met on Tuesday, 11 June 2024, to discuss various community and operational issues. Key topics included updates on leisure centre investments, the use of Blanchflower Pitch, pavement parking, responses to consultations, and funding requests for community initiatives.

Leisure Centre Reinvestment and Improvement Projects

The Committee received an update on the ongoing leisure centre reinvestment and improvement projects. The discussion focused on the progress of various projects aimed at enhancing the facilities and services provided by the leisure centres.

Blanchflower Pitch Usage

The Committee reviewed the Blanchflower Pitch Usage report, which included considerations for the pitch's future use and management. The report highlighted the need for strategic planning to maximize the pitch's utility for community sports and events.

Pavement Parking

The Committee discussed the issue of pavement parking, which affects various groups, including children, people with visual impairments, and those using mobility aids. The Committee considered a Notice of Motion on this topic and agreed to work towards stopping vehicles from blocking pavements through inconsiderate or dangerous parking. The discussion emphasized the need for a public information campaign to raise awareness about the negative impacts of pavement parking.

Consultation Response - Rethinking Our Resources

The Committee reviewed the Council's draft response to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) public consultation on Rethinking Our Resources: Measures for Climate Action and a Circular Economy in NI. The response highlighted the Council's support for measures to improve recycling and waste management, as well as the need for central government financial support to implement these initiatives.

XL Bully Legislation and Safeguarding Measures

The Committee discussed the response from DAERA regarding the new legislation on XL Bully breed type dogs. The response addressed the impacts on local councils and animal welfare charities, as well as the resources required to manage these impacts. The Committee also received an update on the safeguarding measures for XL Bully dogs and the timeline for implementing the new legislation.

Dilapidated Buildings

The Committee considered responses from DAERA, the Department for Communities (DfC), and the Department of Finance (DoF) regarding the issue of dilapidated buildings. The responses highlighted the need for a Dilapidation Bill and funding to assist councils in tackling the problems associated with dilapidated buildings. The Committee agreed to continue working with these departments to address the issue.

Social Supermarkets

The Committee reviewed correspondence from DfC regarding funding for social supermarkets. The response indicated that the departmental budget for 2024/25 had not yet been agreed, but interim funding had been provided to councils. The Committee noted the importance of social supermarkets in supporting vulnerable communities and agreed to continue advocating for increased funding.

Belfast Hills Partnership Funding Request

The Committee considered a request from the Belfast Hills Partnership for additional funding. The Partnership highlighted the rising costs and the need for increased support to continue delivering their services. The Committee agreed to refer the request to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee for decision.

Stadia Community Benefits Initiative

The Committee received an update on the Stadia Community Benefits Initiative for 2023/2024. The initiative aims to maximize the benefits of the stadia for the local community, including promoting equality, tackling poverty, and addressing social exclusion. The Committee noted the progress made and the planned activities for 2024/2025.

Food Service Delivery Plan 2024/25

The Committee approved the draft Food Service Delivery Plan for 2024/25, which outlines the Council's key functions and planned activities for food hygiene, food standards, and other food safety-related responsibilities.

Epizootic Disease - Memorandum of Understanding with DAERA

The Committee reviewed and approved the revised Memorandum of Understanding with DAERA on Epizootic Disease. The MoU outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Council and DAERA in managing outbreaks of animal diseases.

Reference Group on Older People

The Committee noted the minutes of the Reference Group on Older People meeting held on 19 March 2024. The meeting discussed key actions delivered in relation to the Age Friendly Belfast Plan 2023-2027, including infrastructure improvements, social connections, health and well-being initiatives, and financial security support.

Belfast City Youth Council - Joint Workshop

The Committee received an update on the recent workshop with the Belfast City Youth Council (BCYC). The workshop discussed the BCYC's priorities for 2024/25, including environment, education, poverty, health and well-being, and sectarianism and inclusion. The Committee agreed to support the BCYC in developing projects and campaigns to address these issues.

Requests for Events in Parks

The Committee approved requests for events in parks, including the Belfast Rathayatra 2024 (Festival of Chariots) at Crescent Park and the Climate Craic Festival 2024 at Ormeau Park. The events were approved subject to the completion of appropriate event management plans and meeting all statutory requirements.

Somme Commemoration Parade at Dundonald Cemetery

The Committee approved a request from Dundonald Apprentice Boys of Derry to use Dundonald Cemetery for a wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the beginning of the Battle of the Somme on 27 June 2024.

Tree Establishment Report and 'Tree Cities of the World' Accreditation

The Committee noted the progress on the Belfast Tree Strategy and agreed to the publication of the Tree Establishment report. The Committee also noted the Council's achievement in obtaining 'Tree Cities of the World' accreditation.

Unadopted Alleyways Update

The Committee discussed the outcomes of a workshop on unadopted alleyways held on 26 February 2024. The workshop identified key issues and challenges related to the maintenance, repair, and management of unadopted alleyways. The Committee agreed to engage with statutory partners regarding the feasibility of a pilot project on unadopted alleyways and to present a report on the feasibility and potential costs of the pilot to a future meeting.

Parks Opening Hours Pilot and Forth Meadow Community Greenway Consultation

The Committee agreed to proceed with a community consultation on the opening hours pilot for Falls, Woodvale, and Ormeau Parks, as well as the future opening hours of Forth Meadow Greenway. The consultation will seek views on extended opening hours and consider the benefits and impacts on residents and users.

Dual Language Street Signage

The Committee approved the erection of dual language street signs in Irish for eight existing streets within the city, including Wolfhill Avenue South, Legnavea Place, Rosapenna Parade, Somerdale Gardens, Whitewell Crescent, Cliftonville Street, Dungloe Crescent, and Somerton Road.

Naming of New Streets

The Committee approved the naming of new streets in the city, including Gilchrist Meadows off Edenderry Road, and Black Ridge Walk and Black Ridge Green off Monagh By Pass. The Committee also noted applications for dual language street signs in Irish for Black Ridge Walk and Black Ridge Green.

For more details, you can refer to the Agenda frontsheet, the Report to follow 3c - Blanchflower Pitch Usage and Additional Item 5l - Summer Schemes for Childr, the Blanchflower Report to follow, the Combined Pack, and the Public reports pack.