Member's statement: South Belfast Roadworks: Impact on Business
Member's statement by Ms Kate Nicholl on .
- MLA
- Ms Kate Nicholl
- Party at the time
- Alliance Party
- Date
- 18 February 2025
- Type
- Member's statement
- Business
- Members' Statements
- Heading
- South Belfast Roadworks: Impact on Business
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 4806128
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Although infrastructure improvements are essential for economic growth, we must recognise the serious impact that they can have on local businesses. When vital roadworks disrupt trade, we need to act swiftly to support those who are affected. Several businesses have been in touch with me regarding the ongoing closure of Knockbracken Road in South Belfast. The closure is not just an inconvenience: it is harming their ability to operate. Delivery lorries are struggling to access the premises, causing delays and confusion for the suppliers. Customers faced with very long detours are choosing not to visit at all, and businesses are concerned that the sharp decline in footfall may lead to customers going elsewhere and never returning.
Those businesses are vital to our local economy. They provide jobs and essential services. I have recently learnt that the Knockbracken Road will not reopen until July 2025. I have written to the new Ministers for the Economy and Infrastructure to urge them to explore urgent solutions, such as accelerating the completion of the roadworks to reopen the Knockbracken Road more quickly; the implementation of better interim measures, such as improved signage and access routes to help navigate the disruption, which would be helpful; and financial relief options, such as a rate reduction or compensation. It is not just an inconvenience for those businesses and the people who rely on them, it is impacting on their lives. I am committed to ensuring that they get the support that they need now.
247 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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