Belfast’s shortage of cycle lanes has long been an issue, and the latest announcement from Stormont’s Department for Infrastructure (DfI) won’t be music to the ears of those hoping this situation is rectified.
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has unveiled a £580,000 funding package to upgrade three-quarters-of-a-mile of Stranmillis Embankment’s eastern footway and cycle track.
There are only two miles of segregated cycle lanes in the city, prompting many to question why money is not being spent building more of these, rather than upgrading a cycle track that is already there.
Mr O’Dowd said the cycle track will benefit from “new intuitive red surfacing and splayed kerbs to increase safety and usable width”.
“I am committed to ensuring that active travel is an attractive option for those who want to walk, wheel and cycle for many of the shorter everyday journeys,” he added.
“Part of this commitment includes maintaining the existing assets that we have to ensure that they remain attractive to users.”
Brian Smyth
Meanwhile, one Belfast Green Party councillor has given his take on Irish League refereeing, branding it “substandard officialdom”.
Brian Smyth’s few choice words followed the weekend’s fixture between Linfield and Cliftonville.
Cllr Smyth said the standard of officials in the Irish League is “poor right across the board”, with one off-side call against Cliftonville in the game coming in for particular criticism.
“If players aren’t up to standard, they are dropped, managers sacked, yet we are stuck with this level of substandard officialdom,” added the Reds fan.
Cllr Gary McKeown on the lower Ormeau Road
Over in south Belfast, it seems DfI is removing some ornate street lamps — and not everyone is happy.
The lamps on the lower Ormeau Road have been a fixture for years, but they are to be replaced — because “apparently it’s too expensive to keep them”, according to one councillor.
Councillor Gary McKeown took to X to voice his frustration over DfI’s actions.
“I’m in disbelief that DfI plans to rip out the ornate street lamps on the lower Ormeau Road — the ones that carry the hanging baskets during the summer — to replace them with ‘unpainted galvanised columns’,” he said.
“These complement the area, but are being scrapped with zero consultation.”
Cllr McKeown said he understands the move was made for financial reasons.