Businesses operating within the pedestrianised zone for the upcoming Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann are being asked to plan ahead and apply for access passes so essential deliveries can continue during the event.

Temporary road closures and pedestrianisation will cover a significant part of Belfast city centre from Sunday 2 to Sunday 9 August to create a safe, welcoming environment for residents and visitors. Belfast City Council has been liaising directly with firms but is now encouraging any business that has not yet considered arrangements to get in touch. Further online information sessions will be held on Monday 6 and Tuesday 7 July, with multiple time slots available for sign-up.

"This applies to all businesses operating inside the road closure area – from newsagents to hairdressers, pharmacies to banks," explains Councillor Joe Duffy, Chair of the council's City Growth and Regeneration Committee.

"If you're within the zone, we want to hear from you. If you aren't sure if this includes you, check the map on our website – belfastcity.gov.uk/fleadh – and then come along to our sessions or get in touch with our teams to talk through what's planned, and how it may impact you.

"Closing the city centre to vehicle traffic for eight days is a major undertaking and it's important all businesses take the time to consider how it may affect them, their customers and their staff – this includes things like employee travel and customer access, as well as deliveries, parking and commercial waste collections."

To support operations, the council is establishing an Accreditation and Logistics Hub at Duncrue Street. Running 24/7 for the duration of the eight-day event, it will be the single point of control for all vehicle access into the pedestrianised area, including food and drink deliveries, emergency and support vehicles, and other essential services such as commercial waste, postal and medical deliveries. Most deliveries and waste collections will be scheduled overnight between 4am and 8am. Every vehicle entering the zone will require a pass issued in advance by the hub, and all deliveries and collections must be finished by 9am daily. Routes to and from the hub and into the event area will be tightly managed to align with the council's overnight street cleansing, and temporary refrigeration and storage will be available at the hub for those who need it.

Many premises within the event zone have already received access passes, and there is still time for others to apply.

"The key here is to plan ahead and be prepared, whether you're a venue, an office or a retail outlet," said Councillor Duffy.

"Our teams are working closely with businesses to understand their specific requirements, put arrangements in place and build in flexibility where we can. We recognise businesses also need to work with their own suppliers and delivery companies, so now is the time to come forward if you're not sure about what you will need, so we can support you through the process."

Businesses can register for next week's information sessions at belfastcity.gov.uk/fleadh, where they will also find details on access passes and how to apply. Those wishing to speak directly with the council team can use the contact details provided on the website.

A business readiness checklist and an event zone map will be delivered to all city centre premises as a final reminder, alongside tailored information for the small number of residents within the area. Adjustments to the council's commercial waste service for city centre customers will also apply during the Fleadh; service details are on the website and customers will be notified of revised times.

Free 'Fleadh friendly' resources are available now for businesses, including window stickers, posters and bunting to promote special offers, welcome visitors and highlight space for musicians travelling to perform. Download links and a wider business toolkit with additional planning guidance are available via the council's website.