Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said the draft Eastern Transport Plan (ETP), now published for consultation, builds on the Fleadh and shows how reimagining public spaces can deliver social, cultural and economic gains.

Speaking as the draft plan was released, Minister Kimmins said: "Previous large-scale events within Belfast city, such as the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, demonstrated the potential benefits of pedestrianisation and offered useful insights for future pedestrian-friendly proposals. It allowed people to experience Belfast in a different way with streets animated by music, culture and community instead of dominated by traffic. "Therefore, the Belfast city centre section of the ETP includes a range of proposals aimed at creating a people-centred city that is more accessible, attractive and sustainable. These proposals include the expansion of pedestrianisation in the city centre as well as enhanced walking and cycling routes."

Outlining the ambition for the city core, the Minister added: "Our aim is to create a city centre that is a destination for people, recognising and maximising its value as a key asset. It should be a place where people want to visit, spend time and enjoy the environment but also strikes the right balance between the place and movement functions that are both needed for the vitality of a city centre such as Belfast.

"This consultation is open until 25 January 2027 and I would urge everyone to have their say on this very important subject." The consultation documents are available at: www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/consultations/public-engagement-eastern-transport-plan-etp-2035-belfast-city-centre-and-belfast-metropolitan-area