Debate contribution: Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann
Debate contribution by Mr Andy Allen MBE on .
- MLA
- Mr Andy Allen MBE
- Party at the time
- Ulster Unionist Party
- Date
- 14 September 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Opposition Business
- Heading
- Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5685948
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I thank the Member for his intervention and concur with his remarks. I extend my thanks to Niall and, again, to all involved in making sure that the fleadh was such a success. We particularly welcome the involvement of bands from the unionist tradition, which has been highlighted by other Members. Belfast Bands Forum deserves credit for its work with Comhaltas and Belfast City Council to make that happen. As we know, those relationships take time and effort. We know that culture can, at times, be a difficult subject in this place, but there should be room for all of us to celebrate what matters to us in a respectful manner and to appreciate what matters to our neighbours. That does not require anyone to step outside their identity; it requires openness and a willingness to take part. The fleadh showed what can be achieved when that happens. The question now is what we learn from it. The motion touches on pedestrianisation, of which we can see the benefits. Giving people more space to walk around, if they can, enjoy music or sit outside a cafe can make a real difference to a city centre. The only caution that I raise is about access. For someone with limited mobility — I have experience of that — a longer distance from a car park or bus stop can be the difference between being able to come into town and having to stay at home. Some people depend on accessible parking or on being dropped off close to their destination. Concerns were raised about access during the fleadh. We need to hear directly from those who had difficulties and make sure that their experience shapes any proposal from the outset. Disabled people, older people and others who depend on vehicle access must be properly considered alongside residents and businesses. What might work during a major festival needs careful consideration before we seek to make it a permanent arrangement. We should ask what else Belfast could host. Can we build on this experience to bring more large outdoor concerts, cultural festivals and other events into the city throughout the year? The council, Departments and event organisers should look together at suitable spaces, transport access and the support needed to make that possible. That should include looking at how vacant or underused spaces could be brought back into use. There may also be opportunities in other towns and cities across Northern Ireland. We should use the experience gained from the fleadh to help bring those forward. Local musicians and arts organisations should benefit too. They keep our cultural life going throughout the year, often with limited resources, as Members have highlighted. If we want more events of this quality, we need to support the people who make them possible. We are also open to looking at greater flexibility in licensing. Extended hours were provided for under a major events order during the fleadh. With input from businesses, residents and those responsible for public safety, we should assess how those arrangements worked before deciding what further changes are needed. With the fleadh returning to Belfast next year, there is an opportunity to put what we have learned into practice. Let us build on the success, support more events and make sure that everyone has the opportunity to take part. We support the motion.
563 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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