LARG

08/10/2026

Belfast Bin Collection Days to Change for Some Residents

Bin collection days are changing for thousands of Belfast households from Monday, November 2nd.

Belfast City Council is expanding its fleet of smaller refuse collection vehicles to improve collections on streets where access for standard-sized bin lorries can be difficult. Around 15,348 properties will be affected by the changes.

The council will deliver a letter to each affected household between Thursday, October 15 and Wednesday, October 28. The letter will provide details of all relevant waste services, including both your current and new collection days.

Why are the changes being made?
The council currently operates 29 restricted-access collection routes covering black, blue and brown bins. Two additional smaller 18-tonne refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) have now been purchased. This will allow the number of restricted-access routes to increase from 29 to 47.

The council has also reviewed the existing routes to make them more efficient and ensure that streets where access problems have been regularly reported are included.

What will change?
The new system will create:
Two narrow-access black bin routes
Two narrow-access brown bin routes
One narrow-access blue bin route

The routes will be organised by electoral ward, allowing the council to serve more properties efficiently. The new routes will also have some spare capacity, allowing additional streets to be added in the future if they require smaller collection vehicles.

When does it start?
The new collection arrangements will begin on Monday, November 2nd, 2026. If your property is affected, please look out for a letter from Belfast City Council. It will confirm your new collection dates and explain the arrangements for your household.

14/09/2026

Book Launch

North Belfast Writers Celebrate First Book Launch
A community writing group that began as a casual creative writing class has celebrated a major milestone with the publication of The People’s Pages. The Duncairn Writers’ Hub celebrated the launch of its first published book at The Duncairn arts centre in August 2026.

The North Belfast group began around three years ago as an informal creative writing class. Since then, it has grown into a creative community where local writers can share ideas, develop their skills and tell their stories. With support from Belfast City Council, members have now brought their work together in The People’s Pages, a collection showcasing the creativity and voices of people from the local community.

The launch was a proud moment for the writers and everyone who helped the group develop from its humble beginnings into a published collection. The project is a great example of how local community initiatives can create opportunities for people to discover new talents, make connections and have their voices heard.

Congratulations to the Duncairn Writers’ Hub on this fantastic achievement!

21/08/2026

Residents Raise Concerns About Increasing Rat and Mouse Activity.

Residents have raised concerns about an increase in rat and mouse activity in the area, with several reports of rodents being spotted in gardens, car parks and around local properties.
At a recent residents’ meeting, one resident reported that four small mice and one rat had been caught in their back garden within the past fortnight. It is believed that the rodents may be entering from a neighbouring garden. The resident contacted Pest Control, who agreed to log the area for sewer baiting. Pest Control advised that their officers can treat mice when they are found inside properties, but are unable to treat mice outdoors. Rats, however, can be treated both inside and outside. Residents experiencing similar problems are encouraged to contact Pest Control on 028 9027 0431 and request a visit.

Concerns Around Lancaster Street Car Park
A further concern was raised about the number of rats being seen around the raised beds at Lancaster Street car park. One resident reported that she put more than 400 rat-bait pouches had been used in just over a week, with all of the bait disappearing. Residents say the raised beds, which they report have not been properly maintained for several years, appear to be attracting significant rodent activity. Rats have reportedly been seen running around the area, including climbing onto the nearby wall.

Pest Control reportedly inspected the area a few weeks ago and raised concerns that the sewer at the bottom of the entry may be damaged or broken, which could potentially be contributing to the problem.

Residents are being encouraged to report sightings and request Pest Control assistance where necessary. Keeping a record of sightings and reporting problem areas can also help establish whether there is a wider issue requiring attention. Pest Control: 028 9027 0431

08/08/2026

Action Taken on Overgrown Planters at Great Georges Street Car Park

Residents have raised concerns about the condition of the Council-owned car park at the corner of Great Georges Street, particularly the overgrown planters along the edge of the car park.

At a recent meeting of the LARG Residents Group, residents highlighted that the vegetation had become overgrown and was spreading into the adjoining alleyway. This was making it increasingly difficult for residents to walk through the area and, in particular, to access the alleyway when taking their household bins out.

Following the concerns raised by residents, our Residents Group Chairperson, Cecilia Devlin, contacted Gary Dunlop, OSS Area Manager (Central), City and Neighbourhood Services Department at Belfast City Council, to bring the issue to the Council's attention.

We are delighted to report that the Council has now responded and action has been taken. The overgrown planters have been cut back, helping to clear the alleyway and improve access for local residents.

We would like to thank Gary Dunlop and the Council's City and Neighbourhood Services team for responding to the concerns raised by residents and arranging for the necessary work to be carried out.

Before and after photographs of the area can be seen below.
This is a great example of residents raising a local issue, engaging with the relevant Council department and achieving a positive result for the community.

02/08/2026

Belfast Prepares to Welcome the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann

From today, Belfast will proudly host Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann for the very first time, marking a historic occasion as the city welcomes the world's largest celebration of Irish traditional music and culture.

The eight-day festival will bring together talented musicians, singers, dancers and Irish language enthusiasts from across Ireland and around the world, all competing in the prestigious All-Ireland finals.

More than 800,000 visitors are expected to attend throughout the festival, with a packed programme of street entertainment, traditional music sessions in pubs, live concerts, cultural events and family-friendly activities taking place across the city.
Residents and visitors should be aware that Belfast city centre will be significantly busier than usual. A large section of the city will be pedestrianised, and a number of planned road closures will be in operation to accommodate the event.

The road closures will be in place from 6.00am on Sunday, 2 August, until 5.00am on Monday, 10 August, with the busiest period expected from Thursday, 6 August onwards.

If you're travelling into the city during the festival, allow extra time for your journey, check traffic updates before setting off, and consider using public transport where possible.

Whether you're taking part in the competitions or simply enjoying the atmosphere, the Fleadh promises to be one of the biggest cultural events Belfast has ever hosted.

01/07/2026

Sailortown Bridge

Irish Government Provides €400,000 Boost for Sailortown Bridge Project

Plans for Belfast's proposed Sailortown Bridge have received a significant boost after the Irish Government announced €400,000 in new funding through its Shared Island Fund.
The funding will support the next stage of design work for the landmark pedestrian and cycling swing bridge, which will span the River Lagan, linking the historic Sailortown area with Titanic Quarter and providing improved access to York Street Train Station. The project is expected to strengthen connections between North and East Belfast while encouraging active travel and supporting waterfront regeneration.

The investment forms part of an €800,000 package shared equally between Belfast and Cork to advance priority docklands bridge projects in both cities. Belfast's Sailortown Bridge and Cork's Kent Station Bridge will now continue to be developed through a partnership between the two city councils.

In May 2025, Belfast City Council confirmed it would act as the contracting authority for the project, overseeing procurement and project management.

However, he also stressed that the Department for Infrastructure must commit the funding needed to see the project through to completion, warning against delays caused by future funding uncertainty.

Belfast City Council also welcomed the announcement, describing the proposed bridge as a key element of its A Bolder Vision strategy. The council said the project would help connect communities, improve active travel and support regeneration along the waterfront.

The council confirmed it will continue working with the Department for Infrastructure, Belfast Harbour and the Shared Island team to progress the design phase, building on the £300,000 already provided by DfI for early design work.

16/06/2026

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann

Belfast Unveils Major Transport Plan for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026

Belfast City Council has announced an extensive transport and traffic management plan ahead of this summer’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which is expected to attract around 800,000 visitors to the city from 2nd to the 9th August.

Developed in partnership with Translink, the Department for Infrastructure and the PSNI, the plan includes the pedestrianisation of Belfast city centre to create a safe and welcoming festival zone for what will be the first time the world’s largest celebration of Irish music and culture is hosted in Belfast.

Residents, commuters and visitors are being urged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and avoid driving into the city centre during the eight-day event. Instead, organisers are encouraging the use of public transport, walking and cycling.
To help manage visitor numbers, three dedicated Park and Ride facilities will operate at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Giant’s Park and Belfast Harbour. A free shuttle bus service will connect these sites with key city centre transport hubs. Pre-booking for Park and Ride spaces opens on 6 July.

Translink will maintain normal Metro, Glider and Ulsterbus services, while NI Railways will introduce enhanced capacity and revised timetables to accommodate increased demand.
Special arrangements have also been introduced for city centre businesses, including overnight delivery windows and a dedicated Accreditation and Logistics Hub to support operations throughout the event.

The PSNI has confirmed an increased policing presence across Belfast, while the Department for Infrastructure will implement road closures, temporary traffic restrictions and real-time traffic monitoring to minimise disruption.

Further travel information, including Park and Ride bookings, shuttle bus schedules and transport updates, is available through the official Fleadh and Translink websites.

05/06/2026

Overnight Maintenance Works Continue on A12 Westlink.

Residents living near the A12 Westlink are being advised that essential overnight maintenance works are currently underway as part of an ongoing road infrastructure improvement programme.

The A12 Westlink forms part of the Design Build Finance Operate (DBFO) Package 1 contract and is operated and maintained on behalf of the Department by Highway Management (City) Ltd and its operating partner, Intertoll.

The works involve the renewal of sections of the vehicle restraint system along the A12 Westlink. Construction activity began on the 18th of May and is expected to continue for approximately eight weeks.

To minimise disruption to daytime traffic, the works are being carried out during overnight hours between 11.00pm and 6.00am on weekday nights.

Due to the nature of the maintenance activities, some noise may be experienced by nearby residents. However, contractors have confirmed that every effort is being made to keep noise levels to a minimum while ensuring the work is completed safely and efficiently.

The improvement works are considered essential to maintain road safety standards and the long-term reliability of this key transport route through Belfast.

29/05/2026

Traffic Consultation - Little York Street

A public consultation relating to proposed Traffic Regulation Orders for Little York Street and Little Patrick Street is now live and can be viewed on the Department for Infrastructure website.
The consultation includes four separate orders covering waiting restrictions, loading bays, a one-way system and traffic calming measures. The consultation period for the loading bays, waiting restrictions and one-way system proposals will close on 18 June at 5pm, while the consultation on the traffic calming measures will remain open until 29 June at 5pm.

More info at: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/consultations/traffic-calming-belfast

29/05/2026

NIGHT MARKET - FRIDAY 5TH JUNE 2026 5PM-10PM

Sailortown after dark 🌆🍔🍺🎶

Night Market returns to Sailortown Festival on Friday 5th June with a line-up of street food, makers, music and late-night dockside atmosphere in Barrow Square.

Street food line-up includes: Knead Pizza, CBCheeseys, Oui Poutine, North Coast Smash Burgers, Station 4 Kitchen, Flaming Jo’s, Nomad Grill, Hungry Hungarian, Urban Street Grub and The Lamb Van 🍟🔥🍔

Plus independent makers and artists including: Krumb Bakery, Black Fire Foods, Clay Fairy Ceramics, Bluebell Handmade Jewellery, Haus of Hank, Cloudwine, Soulscapes, Jackson Roze, Triplemoon Crafts, Dogzone, Cyberprint 3D, The Brownie Barn and many many more!

🍺 Bar by Seatons of Sailortown
🥁 Live music & percussion by Bang Bike
🕔 Friday 5th June | 5PM–10PM
📍 Barrow Square, Sailortown
🎟️ Free Entry

Getting there? It’s only around a 7 minute walk from The Big Fish!

Start at The Big Fish, walk along the waterfront past the Obel and AC Marriott, into Clarendon Dock and follow the festival signage.

Alternative access via Princes Dock Street and Pilot Street.

Map link in Bio.