Plans to expand pedestrianisation in Belfast city centre are expected to go to public consultation in the next few weeks, after temporary street closures during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann were linked to a recorded footfall of more than 1.6 million over the eight-day festival.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said the consultation would give the public an opportunity to comment on proposals for introducing more pedestrianisation in the city centre. The announcement is relevant to Armagh residents who travel to Belfast for work, shopping, education, healthcare, events or other business, although the proposals described by the Department for Infrastructure apply to Belfast rather than Armagh.
Temporary closures prompt calls for a longer-term change
Some Belfast streets were closed to traffic during the Fleadh. The Department for Infrastructure said the event demonstrated the potential benefits of pedestrianisation and prompted calls for a more permanent solution.
Minister Kimmins said the experience showed how Belfast could become a more attractive place for people and families to live, work and visit. She also described the festival as an opportunity to build on its success for next year, when a bigger event is planned.
“The huge success of the Fleadh has just shown us exactly what that can look like and how we can build on this success for next year, with an even bigger event.”
The Minister said her department had already been preparing a new Transport Plan for the Belfast area. The upcoming consultation is expected to include proposals for expanding pedestrianisation in Belfast city centre, but the supplied announcement does not give details of the streets involved, the proposed timetable, traffic arrangements or any alternative routes.
Minister says public views will shape proposals
Kimmins said the wider aim was to reshape town and city centres around people, with cleaner, greener and more accessible places. She said the approach was intended to reduce dependence on cars and encourage sustainable travel choices.
“I want to hear everyone’s views on these proposals to ensure that everything we do is accessible for all.”
No consultation opening date, closing date or method of responding was provided in the announcement. Residents in Armagh who regularly travel to Belfast should therefore wait for the Department for Infrastructure’s consultation details before making plans based on the proposed changes.
The statement was issued by the Department for Infrastructure on 11 August 2026. Media queries are being directed to the department’s press office.
