22/06/2011
Keep Calm, Keep The Peace, Says Council
A united call for calm and a commitment to engage and listen to all communities affected by recent unrest in east Belfast has come from the leaders of all political parties on Belfast City Council.
Mayor Niall Ó Donnghaile, who convened the meeting of party leaders attended by Sinn Fein, DUP, SDLP, Alliance Party and Progressive Unionist Party at Belfast City Hall, said that the immediate focus had to be on working to prevent further trouble.
But he emphasised that all the parties were committed to exploring the causes of the disturbances with a view to finding long term solutions to problems in the area.
The Mayor (pictured) said: "There has been widespread recognition of the damage being caused to the city as a result of this trouble, but it is the ordinary local people who are being most seriously affected.
"The council will work with the [Stormont] Assembly, community and church leaders, elected politicians and statutory agencies to try to ensure a society that can live in safety and at peace with their neighbours."
Councillor Ó Donnghaile also paid tribute to those who worked hard over the past couple of nights to try to bring the situation under control and to workers from Belfast City Council and other organisations who were involved in the clean-up this morning.
High Level
NI First Minister Peter Robinson has also offered to try and resolve the situation after it emerged that talks have been taking place between community and political leaders in an attempt to defuse tensions.
Mr Robinson told the BBC that if people felt they need to have issues addressed "I will meet them".
He said people were horrified at what had happened and recognised the "reputational damage" it was doing to the economy.
(BMcC)
Mayor Niall Ó Donnghaile, who convened the meeting of party leaders attended by Sinn Fein, DUP, SDLP, Alliance Party and Progressive Unionist Party at Belfast City Hall, said that the immediate focus had to be on working to prevent further trouble.
But he emphasised that all the parties were committed to exploring the causes of the disturbances with a view to finding long term solutions to problems in the area.
The Mayor (pictured) said: "There has been widespread recognition of the damage being caused to the city as a result of this trouble, but it is the ordinary local people who are being most seriously affected.
"The council will work with the [Stormont] Assembly, community and church leaders, elected politicians and statutory agencies to try to ensure a society that can live in safety and at peace with their neighbours."
Councillor Ó Donnghaile also paid tribute to those who worked hard over the past couple of nights to try to bring the situation under control and to workers from Belfast City Council and other organisations who were involved in the clean-up this morning.
High Level
NI First Minister Peter Robinson has also offered to try and resolve the situation after it emerged that talks have been taking place between community and political leaders in an attempt to defuse tensions.
Mr Robinson told the BBC that if people felt they need to have issues addressed "I will meet them".
He said people were horrified at what had happened and recognised the "reputational damage" it was doing to the economy.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 February 2012
Council Announces Investment Package
A £150 million investment package aimed at boosting the local economy has been unveiled by Belfast City Council.
Council Announces Investment Package
A £150 million investment package aimed at boosting the local economy has been unveiled by Belfast City Council.
29 November 2011
City Council's Noise Squad Hits Small Screen
Belfast City Council's 'noise police' are to hit the small screen shortly with these 'silent heroes' set to become TV stars in a new documentary being screened on BBC1 for the next three weeks. Noisy parties, barking dogs and faulty house alarms: it's all in a day's work for members of Belfast City Council's noise team.
City Council's Noise Squad Hits Small Screen
Belfast City Council's 'noise police' are to hit the small screen shortly with these 'silent heroes' set to become TV stars in a new documentary being screened on BBC1 for the next three weeks. Noisy parties, barking dogs and faulty house alarms: it's all in a day's work for members of Belfast City Council's noise team.
30 September 2005
Belfast City Council promises 'bags' of birthday fun
Belfast City Council is hoping to grab a bigger slice of a multi-million pound trend to host children’s birthday parties outside the home by launching a new enhanced party service at its leisure centres.
Belfast City Council promises 'bags' of birthday fun
Belfast City Council is hoping to grab a bigger slice of a multi-million pound trend to host children’s birthday parties outside the home by launching a new enhanced party service at its leisure centres.
17 October 2013
Belfast Council Launches Business Development Programme
Local manufacturers are being offered help with reducing costs and increasing profits through a new business development programme funded by Belfast City Council. The Manufacturing Efficiency Programme is open to small and medium-sized companies in the city from the manufacturing subsectors.
Belfast Council Launches Business Development Programme
Local manufacturers are being offered help with reducing costs and increasing profits through a new business development programme funded by Belfast City Council. The Manufacturing Efficiency Programme is open to small and medium-sized companies in the city from the manufacturing subsectors.
01 March 2024
Belfast Region City Deal Investment Creates 'Significant Opportunities'
Belfast City Council has hosted an event for business leaders to learn more about the opportunities being created by the Belfast Region City Deal programme of investment – and how they can connect to, and benefit from them.
Belfast Region City Deal Investment Creates 'Significant Opportunities'
Belfast City Council has hosted an event for business leaders to learn more about the opportunities being created by the Belfast Region City Deal programme of investment – and how they can connect to, and benefit from them.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A few fog patches at first, soon clearing to leave a dry day with some patchy cloud and good sunny spells. Light and variable winds. Feeling mild in sunny spells. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:Dry and quite chilly overnight under prolonged clear spells and light winds. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.