Menu
13/05/2013
'Blight Summit' Addresses Eyesores
A 'Blight Summit' has been held by the Department of the Environment to address "eyesores" in Northern Ireland's towns and cities.
Environment Minister Alex Attwood gathered district councils to the summit on Friday.
At the summit in Clifton House, Belfast, councils heard how Belfast City Council has recently demolished eyesores on the Antrim Road and at the Falls/Broadway junction.
It has also cleaned and painted the graffiti-covered old bank at the junction of Tates Avenue and Lisburn Road.
Alex Attwood called on all district councils to "use the full force of the law to deal with urban blight issues such as defective, ruinous and dilapidated buildings and neglected building sites".
Mr Attwood said: "Urban blight is a significant and growing problem, it discourages local investment and has an adverse impact on local businesses and tourism. Ruinous buildings and neglected building sites spoil the appearance and attractiveness of the areas in which they are located and degrade the quality of life for local residents.
"We don’t need to tolerate these eyesores. We have the laws to deal with them. Let’s use them. The removal of the Strand Hotel in Portstewart was a clear example of DOE using its powers. There have been more urgent works notices on listed buildings in the last eighteen months than in the previous thirty-eight years.
"Belfast City Council has been able to use the existing law very successfully to take action against ruinous and dilapidated buildings and neglected sites throughout the city. That is why I call on councils to learn from Belfast and I encourage all councils to take such action in their respective districts. However, I also appreciate there may be a need to strengthen the existing laws to allow for more effective action to be taken, for example, in respect of abandoned building sites. I will certainly be addressing that.”
(IT/MH)
Environment Minister Alex Attwood gathered district councils to the summit on Friday.
At the summit in Clifton House, Belfast, councils heard how Belfast City Council has recently demolished eyesores on the Antrim Road and at the Falls/Broadway junction.
It has also cleaned and painted the graffiti-covered old bank at the junction of Tates Avenue and Lisburn Road.
Alex Attwood called on all district councils to "use the full force of the law to deal with urban blight issues such as defective, ruinous and dilapidated buildings and neglected building sites".
Mr Attwood said: "Urban blight is a significant and growing problem, it discourages local investment and has an adverse impact on local businesses and tourism. Ruinous buildings and neglected building sites spoil the appearance and attractiveness of the areas in which they are located and degrade the quality of life for local residents.
"We don’t need to tolerate these eyesores. We have the laws to deal with them. Let’s use them. The removal of the Strand Hotel in Portstewart was a clear example of DOE using its powers. There have been more urgent works notices on listed buildings in the last eighteen months than in the previous thirty-eight years.
"Belfast City Council has been able to use the existing law very successfully to take action against ruinous and dilapidated buildings and neglected sites throughout the city. That is why I call on councils to learn from Belfast and I encourage all councils to take such action in their respective districts. However, I also appreciate there may be a need to strengthen the existing laws to allow for more effective action to be taken, for example, in respect of abandoned building sites. I will certainly be addressing that.”
(IT/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 November 2013
15% Rise In Littering Fines Being Issued
New figures have shown a 15% rise in the number of fines issued for littering. In the 12 months to April some 3,742 fixed penalty notices were issued by 26 local councils, according to a report by the BBC. However, the figures also show a disparity in the issuing of fines from council to council.
15% Rise In Littering Fines Being Issued
New figures have shown a 15% rise in the number of fines issued for littering. In the 12 months to April some 3,742 fixed penalty notices were issued by 26 local councils, according to a report by the BBC. However, the figures also show a disparity in the issuing of fines from council to council.
26 June 2014
Planning Applications 'Speedier And Fairer' - Durkan
New figures show that 92% of 'Large Scale Planning Applications' are being dealt with within six months, beating the set target of 75%. Turnaround times for planning applications are improving, becoming "speedier and fairer", Environment minister Mark H Durkan said.
Planning Applications 'Speedier And Fairer' - Durkan
New figures show that 92% of 'Large Scale Planning Applications' are being dealt with within six months, beating the set target of 75%. Turnaround times for planning applications are improving, becoming "speedier and fairer", Environment minister Mark H Durkan said.
28 June 2019
£23m Pledged For Recycling Services
A fresh £23 million has been allocated to make recycling easier and improve the quality of recycled material in Northern Ireland.
£23m Pledged For Recycling Services
A fresh £23 million has been allocated to make recycling easier and improve the quality of recycled material in Northern Ireland.
29 April 2010
Belfast's Hidden Rivers 'Uncovered'
A new Belfast City Council supported arts project is to 'uncover' the hidden rivers that flow under Belfast's modern streets. 'Resounding Rivers' will draw attention to the importance of rivers such as the Blackstaff and Farset, as well as the Lagan herself, in the development and history of our city.
Belfast's Hidden Rivers 'Uncovered'
A new Belfast City Council supported arts project is to 'uncover' the hidden rivers that flow under Belfast's modern streets. 'Resounding Rivers' will draw attention to the importance of rivers such as the Blackstaff and Farset, as well as the Lagan herself, in the development and history of our city.
12 December 2006
George Best Belfast City Airport Planning Agreement
The next stage in the review of the George Best Belfast City Airport (GBBCA) Planning Agreement has been announced today following the publication of the Panel report. The publication of the report follows an extensive public consultation exercise to consider the way forward including an Examination in Public (EiP) which was held in June 2006.
George Best Belfast City Airport Planning Agreement
The next stage in the review of the George Best Belfast City Airport (GBBCA) Planning Agreement has been announced today following the publication of the Panel report. The publication of the report follows an extensive public consultation exercise to consider the way forward including an Examination in Public (EiP) which was held in June 2006.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
