Minutes:
The Lord Mayor informed the Council that Mr. Stephen Hewitt, Building Control, had recently retired after thirty-five years’ service with the Council, and wished him well in his retirement.
The Lord Mayor highlighted the recent announcement that Belfast would be the host city for the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026, the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music and culture, which would take place from 2nd August, 2026 to 9th August, 2026.
Alderman McCullough referred to a recent statement from Belfast Pride in respect of the Belfast Pride parade.
Alderman Lawlor commemorated the 125th anniversary of the Irish Guards and paid tribute to all Irish Guards past and present.
Councillor R. Brooks welcomed the installation of communication boards in the Council playground on Grampian Avenue, Titanic, and highlighted that further boards would be installed in playgrounds located within the Taughmonagh and Alderman Tommy Patton Memorial Parks. She stated that the installation of communication boards was a positive step in creating accessible and inclusive spaces for all children.
Councillor Bunting highlighted that April was World Autism Acceptance month and praised the work of Belvoir ASD Family Support Group in helping to support children and their families.
Councillor Flynn highlighted International Transgender Day of Visibility, which took place on 31st March, 2025.
Councillor Collins welcomed the installation of a new pedestrian crossing at Upper Dunmurry Lane. He also expressed his solidarity with members of the ‘Mothers Against Genocide’ group who had been arrested following a protest outside the Dáil Éireann, Leinster House, Dublin, on Sunday 30th March, 2025.
Condolences
The Lord Mayor expressed his sorrow, on behalf of the Council, on the recent passing of staff member Mr. Edward (Ted) Long, City and Neighbourhood Services Department, who had served with the Council for thirty-five years.
The Lord Mayor extended his condolences, on behalf of the Council, to staff member Ms. Sandra Robinson, Office of the Lord Mayor, on the recent passing of her mother.
Councillor Bunting extended sympathy, on behalf of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), to all those that had lost loved ones in the past month.
Councillor M. Donnelly offered his condolences to former Councillor Marie Cush and her family, following the recent passing of her husband.
Congratulations
The Lord Mayor congratulated, together with Councillor Groogan, the Council’s Belfast 2024 and Digital Services teams on receiving their recent Northern Ireland Local Government Association Awards (NILGA) awards. The Digital Services team were awarded the “Best Use of Data and Technology Award” for their bespoke Customer Relationship Management (CRM) digital solution for Regional Enterprise, and the Belfast 2024 Team were awarded the “Engaging Communities Award” for their Belfast 2024 Programme.
The Deputy Lord Mayor congratulated Braniel Primary School on their recent success in winning Division Two of the South Belfast Primary School Football League. He extended his thanks to Mr. Tomes of Holy Rosary Primary School for his work in organising the league and ensuring its success.
The Deputy Lord Mayor congratulated Ormiston (DEA) constituent, Elijah Saunders, on his selection to the Irish Ice Hockey Association’s U13 Saints team, who competed in the SEDMHA ice hockey tournament in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Councillor Kelly congratulated Linfield Football Club on its recent success in winning the Northern Ireland Football League Premiership title for the fifty-seventh time in the club’s history. The Lord Mayor acceded to a request from Councillor Kelly that he send a letter of congratulations to Linfield Football Club.
Councillor R. Brooks congratulated the Ulster Tower Street Community Development Association on being awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Councillor Ferguson congratulated Clonduff Football Club and Cregagh Wanderers Football Club on reaching the final of the Northern Amateur Football League Cochrane Corry Cup and wished both clubs well in the final.