Menu
13/02/2014
New Security Installed At West Belfast Peaceline
Sinn Féin Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile has said Minister David Ford and the Department of Justice must act to reassure the fears of residents living along Strand Walk.
His calls come after the installation of new security 'netting' which, as yet, remains unclosed.
Cllr Ó Donnghaile said: "At the time of this fence going up I said it was regrettable and that no one in the Short Strand wanted to live in an area surrounded by walls; but we also accept the fears of our neighbours who live on the interfaces.
"The latest security measure was hailed as a perfect balance, to ease tensions and add to the security of residents, but up until now it remains unclosed and residents are as vulnerable as they ever were.
"Community organisation in the area are frustrated that in the run-up to the summer the netting still hasn’t closed and we now discover in order to close this, it takes in the region of four hours and a cherry-picker. I’m not sure if Minister Ford has ever been on the ground during violence at our interfaces but I can assure him that four hours and cherry-picker will be of little solace to the elderly and disabled residents living along Strand Walk.
"The Minister also claimed on radio this morning that he wasn’t sure if there was a connection between 'flag protests' and recent violence inflicted on the Short Strand; after months of illegal parades and roadblocks, orchestrated attacks on the Short Strand area and indeed attacks against members of his own party, I find that claim somewhat disingenuous.
(CVS/CD)
His calls come after the installation of new security 'netting' which, as yet, remains unclosed.
Cllr Ó Donnghaile said: "At the time of this fence going up I said it was regrettable and that no one in the Short Strand wanted to live in an area surrounded by walls; but we also accept the fears of our neighbours who live on the interfaces.
"The latest security measure was hailed as a perfect balance, to ease tensions and add to the security of residents, but up until now it remains unclosed and residents are as vulnerable as they ever were.
"Community organisation in the area are frustrated that in the run-up to the summer the netting still hasn’t closed and we now discover in order to close this, it takes in the region of four hours and a cherry-picker. I’m not sure if Minister Ford has ever been on the ground during violence at our interfaces but I can assure him that four hours and cherry-picker will be of little solace to the elderly and disabled residents living along Strand Walk.
"The Minister also claimed on radio this morning that he wasn’t sure if there was a connection between 'flag protests' and recent violence inflicted on the Short Strand; after months of illegal parades and roadblocks, orchestrated attacks on the Short Strand area and indeed attacks against members of his own party, I find that claim somewhat disingenuous.
(CVS/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 April 2024
Work To Begin On New North Belfast Housing Development
The Department for Communities that preparatory works has now begun for the physical redevelopment of the Adam Street site on Duncairn Gardens in North Belfast. As a result of extensive public consultation, social housing will be provided through a residential-led regeneration scheme.
Work To Begin On New North Belfast Housing Development
The Department for Communities that preparatory works has now begun for the physical redevelopment of the Adam Street site on Duncairn Gardens in North Belfast. As a result of extensive public consultation, social housing will be provided through a residential-led regeneration scheme.
09 April 2024
Police Investigating Man's Death Following Ballynahinch Collision
The PSNI have launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the death of an elderly man following a collision in Ballynahinch. It it understood that police were called at approximately 4.10pm on Monday 08 April, to reports of the "sudden death"of an elderly man at a quarry in the Newcastle Road area of Seaforde.
Police Investigating Man's Death Following Ballynahinch Collision
The PSNI have launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the death of an elderly man following a collision in Ballynahinch. It it understood that police were called at approximately 4.10pm on Monday 08 April, to reports of the "sudden death"of an elderly man at a quarry in the Newcastle Road area of Seaforde.
25 March 2024
PSNI Name Kilkeel Murder Victim As Bobbie McKee
The PSNI's Major Investigation Team have named the man who was murdered in Kilkeel on Thursday, 21st March as Bobbie McKee. Mr McKee, who was 69-years-old, was pronounced dead after his body was located in a property in the Newcastle Road area last Thursday afternoon following a report of a concern for safety for a couple.
PSNI Name Kilkeel Murder Victim As Bobbie McKee
The PSNI's Major Investigation Team have named the man who was murdered in Kilkeel on Thursday, 21st March as Bobbie McKee. Mr McKee, who was 69-years-old, was pronounced dead after his body was located in a property in the Newcastle Road area last Thursday afternoon following a report of a concern for safety for a couple.
02 February 2024
Appeal For Witnesses Following West Belfast Collision
Police officers investigating a two-vehicle road traffic collision in west Belfast have issued an appeal for witnesses and dash-cam footage On 10 January officers received a report of a collision involving a car and motorcycle at approximately 5.30pm at the junction of Divis Street and Westlink on-slip, in the city-bound lanes.
Appeal For Witnesses Following West Belfast Collision
Police officers investigating a two-vehicle road traffic collision in west Belfast have issued an appeal for witnesses and dash-cam footage On 10 January officers received a report of a collision involving a car and motorcycle at approximately 5.30pm at the junction of Divis Street and Westlink on-slip, in the city-bound lanes.
01 February 2024
Men Sentenced For Ballymena Drug And Money Laundering Operation
Three men were sentenced for offences linked to a drugs and money laundering operation in the Ballymena area yesterday, 31 January. At Antrim Crown Court, Troy Carley (27), Neil Lowry (30) and Marc Mitchell (32) were sentenced for a number of offences.
Men Sentenced For Ballymena Drug And Money Laundering Operation
Three men were sentenced for offences linked to a drugs and money laundering operation in the Ballymena area yesterday, 31 January. At Antrim Crown Court, Troy Carley (27), Neil Lowry (30) and Marc Mitchell (32) were sentenced for a number of offences.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A mainly dry evening and night with isolated showers dying out and some longer clear spells. Then it will cloud over towards morning with some heavy showers. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
