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14/03/2025
Traffic Disruption Expected In Belfast For St Patrick's Day Events
Police are advising the public to plan ahead for potential traffic disruption in Belfast on St Patrick's Day, Monday, 17 March, due to several events taking place in the city.
The SPAR Craic 10K event will commence at 9:00 am from Belfast City Hall, with participants running through the city centre before finishing in Ormeau Park. Traffic management systems and signage will be in place, and motorists are advised to follow directions from police and exercise caution along the route.
Later, from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm, significant traffic disruption is expected due to the St Patrick's Day carnival parade. The parade will depart from City Hall at 1:30 pm, travelling through key city centre streets, including Chichester Street, Victoria Street, High Street, Castle Place, and Donegall Place, before returning to City Hall.
Chief Superintendent Gerard Pollock emphasised the importance of safe and responsible celebrations. "I want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable St Patrick’s Day. If you’re going out in Belfast I would urge everyone to celebrate safely and responsibly. If you are socialising, stay with your friends, drink responsibly and make a plan to get home safely," he said.
He also highlighted the PSNI's commitment to addressing attitudes and behaviours towards women and girls, referencing the Power to Change campaign. "I also ask that everyone over the weekend is mindful of their attitudes and behaviours towards women and girls. Power to Change asks men and boys to think about the impact their behaviour or their friend’s behaviour has and how to step in safely," Chief Superintendent Pollock stated.
The PSNI has been working with event organisers and partners, including Belfast City Council, Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, and local schools, to ensure resources and plans are in place for the day. He also reiterated that residential areas of south Belfast are not suitable party destinations.
"We want everyone to have an enjoyable and safe day. We would like everyone to enjoy the Public Holiday and to act responsibly, think of others and have a great St Patrick's Day," Chief Superintendent Pollock concluded.
The SPAR Craic 10K event will commence at 9:00 am from Belfast City Hall, with participants running through the city centre before finishing in Ormeau Park. Traffic management systems and signage will be in place, and motorists are advised to follow directions from police and exercise caution along the route.
Later, from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm, significant traffic disruption is expected due to the St Patrick's Day carnival parade. The parade will depart from City Hall at 1:30 pm, travelling through key city centre streets, including Chichester Street, Victoria Street, High Street, Castle Place, and Donegall Place, before returning to City Hall.
He also highlighted the PSNI's commitment to addressing attitudes and behaviours towards women and girls, referencing the Power to Change campaign. "I also ask that everyone over the weekend is mindful of their attitudes and behaviours towards women and girls. Power to Change asks men and boys to think about the impact their behaviour or their friend’s behaviour has and how to step in safely," Chief Superintendent Pollock stated.
The PSNI has been working with event organisers and partners, including Belfast City Council, Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, and local schools, to ensure resources and plans are in place for the day. He also reiterated that residential areas of south Belfast are not suitable party destinations.
"We want everyone to have an enjoyable and safe day. We would like everyone to enjoy the Public Holiday and to act responsibly, think of others and have a great St Patrick's Day," Chief Superintendent Pollock concluded.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
