Debate contribution: Infrastructure: Castlereagh South

Debate contribution by Ms Kate Nicholl on 21 October 2025.

MLA

Ms Kate Nicholl

Party at the time

Alliance Party

Date

21 October 2025

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Adjournment

Heading

Infrastructure: Castlereagh South

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 5197797

Read the official Assembly record

Text

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. This is my first Adjournment debate, and I am delighted to bring the topic to the Chamber, which covers a wide range of issues that are consistently raised with me and other Alliance representatives across the Castlereagh South, from Knockbreda right up to Carryduff. It is a privilege to represent such a vibrant and growing area. The demand for housing is a particularly clear indication of its popularity, but it also brings a series of challenges and issues that must be resolved. That is what we are here to discuss. Housing alone does not make a community or a neighbourhood. When I talk about infrastructure, I do not just mean roads, public transport and planning, although they are all very important: I am also talking about community infrastructure. I want to address four key areas of concern and opportunity: green spaces and active travel; pedestrian safety and traffic; public transport; and planning and development. The issue of green spaces is a major priority in Castlereagh South and is raised with me on every doorstep when we do outreach work in the area. It is clear that more land ought to be secured for future green space use and that that needs to be considered as part of future development plans. We want to see parks being developed and expanded. There are brilliant examples of really positive work, including at Carryduff Park. I have been able to work with our councillors, Paula, local schools and councils to support improved biodiversity. The greenway is a separate project that needs to be progressed by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, but it feeds into a much wider need for active travel routes and cycle lanes in the area. Simple things like footway clearing make such a real difference but are often neglected. There is also a need for upgrades to Lough Moss leisure centre. The people of Carryduff deserve so much better. The development of the walkway from St Ita's Primary School has been agreed. That is a real win, but I would be grateful if the Minister could look into it further and provide an update on the progress there. Pedestrian safety and traffic comes up in my office time and time again. My office is on the Saintfield Road, and we are told that there is an urgent need for safe pedestrian crossings on the Saintfield Road, especially at the Church Road roundabout in Carryduff. The Church Road pedestrianisation is a recurring topic, and traffic volumes are extremely high and growing in the area. I have spoken in the Chamber about the roadworks along the Saintfield, Knockbracken and Ballymaconaghy Roads. That is before we get into the anticipated impact of future roadworks related to the Glider expansion, if it happens, on the Saintfield Road traffic. The Four Winds roundabout experiences very heavy traffic volumes. There is positive work in relation to that upgrade, but I would appreciate an update from the Minister on that today if she can give it to us. Forestside traffic is a major concern, especially with the Lidl development coming into play. Entry and exit points are in need of improvement, especially at the roundabout as you come off the main road. Traffic there has such an impact on the arterial and commuter routes. The Hillsborough Road pedestrian crossing at Lough Moss Leisure Centre is something that we have raised with officials and we know that they will be reassessing it. Residents are really keen to see results there. Parking at Hydebank playing fields and a controlled crossing on the Purdysburn Road for St Ita's Primary School have also been raised, as was parking in and around Cairnshill Integrated Primary School. Regarding public transport, there is a really poor bus service to Four Winds and Carryduff, with frequent delays, overcrowding and no-shows. We have spoken to Translink about that, and we have written about it, but it is a recurring problem and there does not seem to be a solution. Buses frequently terminate at Forestside rather than go all the way up to Cairnshill. That has been raised with me on many occasions by constituents, especially during busy periods. In the run-up to Christmas, we really need to see improvements on what happened last year. When buses terminate early, it puts people off using them, which has an impact on moving people into active travel. There really is a need for improved connectivity between Belfast and Lisburn. The final of the four points that I want to raise is around planning and development. Planning applications should include green spaces and play parks, and there should be greater focus on enhancing community infrastructure in housing developments. So many families are moving into areas where there is nothing for children. A lack of green spaces is really felt. Walkability and connectivity between developments should be prioritised, rather than there being a patchwork of developments. We need to create a sense of community and connection. I would be interested in knowing how the Department could facilitate that. There is a need for better linkages and walkways between housing developments. Knockbracken Healthcare Park is on otherwise unused land. There have been discussions with the Health Minister. Could that land include a community centre? There is a real need for place-building for community development, and the Department for Infrastructure can play a role in that. We need to see commitment to, and the delivery of, the Carryduff public realm project. So many developments are coming up in the area. When issues arise with developers, it is difficult for MLAs to advocate for their constituents. What support can the Department give to residents who are having issues with developers and do not know what support they can get? Castlereagh South is a brilliant, diverse, shared community that is growing and developing every day, but it cannot just be about housing. People are calling out for improved infrastructure that not just improves connectivity but supports community development and, ultimately, builds a stronger sense of neighbourhood. Alliance will continue to champion those issues. I am grateful to the Minister for being here. She is patient in answering my multiple questions and letters about the area, and I look forward to hearing her response to the debate.

1,045 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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