Minutes:
Councillor Carson congratulated St. Oliver Plunket Primary School on having been announced as the gold winner of the Award for Making a Difference - Primary School of the Year in the 2023 Pearson National Teaching Awards and asked the Lord Mayor to host a reception for representatives from the school to recognize the achievement. The Lord Mayor acceded to Councillor Carson’s request.
Councillor McCabe congratulated the Council on its recent success at the Onus NI Awards, where it received a platinum award for being a safe employer and a safe city award, which recognised the Council’s work with city partners.
Councillor Kelly congratulated boxer, Lewis Crocker on winning the WBA Continental Europe welterweight title.
The Lord Mayor commended boxer, Tyrone McKenna who had announced his retirement from the sport and wished him well for the future.
Councillor Bunting congratulated all of the groups which had recently taken part in the Belfast in Bloom awards, and commended Council officer, Ms. L. Murray, for organizing the contest.
Councillor R. Brooks and Councillor Flynn congratulated the Ledley Hall Boys’ and Girls’ Club for being awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service and also PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland, St. Vincent de Paul and the Chinese Welfare Society who had also received recognition. The Lord Mayor acceded to a request from Councillor Flynn to offer commiserations to Ardcarn Local Residents Group, which was nominated but did not receive an award, to commend the residents group on its invaluable work.
Councillor Murray acknowledged World Aids Day and Homeless Awareness Week and recommended that Members take time to visit some of the city’s homeless services to see their invaluable work.
Councillor Smyth commended Mr. Conor McKinney on his work which had successfully returned the starlings to the Albert Bridge and he requested that the Lord Mayor write to Mr. McKinney to acknowledge his achievement. The Lord Mayor acceded to the request.
Councillor McCormick commended Bangor Rugby Club who had been singing in the city centre to raise money for PIPS Suicide Prevention.
Councillor Doherty thanked the Council and the Lord Mayor for hosting the Remembrance Day for Roads Victims event in the City Hall.
Councillor S. Douglas commended the Council and for its Christmas lights switch-on event and remarked that the event’s success was in part, due to the traffic restrictions within the city centre.
Councillor de Faoite offered condolences to the family of the late Bishop Tony Farquhar, former Auxiliary Bishop of Down and Connor and asked the Lord Mayor to write to his sister to express condolences on behalf of the city. The Lord Mayor acceded to the request.
Councillor I. McLaughlin commended the organisers and participants of the Annual Shankill Winterfest.
Councillor Collins congratulated author, Mr. Michael Magee on his success from his novel, Close to Home and requested that the Lord Mayor write to him to congratulate him on his successes. The Lord Mayor acceded to the request.
Councillor McMullan acknowledged the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and paid tribute to Disability Action and Council officers who had organised an event in the City Hall to recognise the day.