Alliance Calls For Return Of Culture Night To Belfast's Annual Calendar

Alliance Titanic Councillor Fiona McAteer has voiced the party's desire to see Culture Night reinstated as an annual event in Belfast. Speaking after a meeting of Belfast City Council's City Growth and Regeneration Committee, where plans for Culture Night 2025 were discussed, she stressed the importance of restoring the event's original purpose: to celebrate cultural expression and support local artists and businesses.

Cllr McAteer said: "Culture Night was a celebration of the arts and cultural sector in Belfast, and it has been sorely missed since it was postponed during the pandemic.

"During yesterday's City Growth and Regeneration Committee, I was pleased that we could discuss and explore recommendations for planning the delivery of Culture Night this year.

"It's important we restore the original purpose of the event, to celebrate cultural expression and support local artists and businesses. With support from Belfast City Council, we can do that.

"Culture Night is one of Belfast's largest cultural and creative events, showcasing the best the city has to offer. It provides something for everyone and has previously attracted hundreds of thousands of people who come together to celebrate creativity, diversity, and inclusion.

"Alliance wants to see Culture Night back on the annual agenda, and ensure its growth into a larger, better, and more sustainable event that is fully inclusive of individuals from all backgrounds, including families and those with disabilities.

"I hope to see a variety of local artists from across the city showcased at Culture Night 2025, and that this event serves as a catalyst for the sector to flourish."

SDLP Welcomes Approval Of NI Climate Commissioner Role

SDLP Economy Spokesperson Sinéad McLaughlin MLA has welcomed the Assembly's approval of draft regulations to establish a Northern Ireland Climate Commissioner.

Ms McLaughlin highlighted that this role will be the first of its kind in the UK and stressed that it must mark a new period of urgency and accountability in addressing the climate crisis. 

The newly established office will operate independently, tasked with monitoring the implementation of climate action plans, advising government departments on strategy, and commissioning research to inform evidence-based, cross-departmental policy.  Speaking after the Assembly debate, Ms McLaughlin said: "The establishment of a Climate Commissioner is long overdue. The Climate Change Act, passed in 2022, placed a legal duty on the First and deputy First Ministers to create this office. While it is deeply frustrating that this step has taken so long, we should be proud that Northern Ireland is now the first region in these islands to create such an independent role.

"Given the cross-departmental nature of climate action, the need for independent oversight is both clear and urgent. We cannot afford siloed working. We need joined-up leadership to ensure that every department plays its part in helping us adapt to a changing climate, while protecting workers, communities and those most at risk from the transition.

"Let me be clear: establishing a Climate Commissioner is not just a legal obligation – it is a moral one. We have a duty to be responsible stewards of the planet and to pass it on to the next generation in better shape than we inherited it.

"The job is not finished. We must go further and we must go faster. If we continue on our current trajectory, Northern Ireland will not reach net zero until 2118. That is utterly unacceptable. The powers now exist to drive meaningful action – but it is the political will, and the engagement of wider society, that will ultimately decide whether we meet the moment."

Beryl To Take Over Belfast Bikes With Introduction Of E-Bikes

Belfast City Council has announced that Beryl will be the new operator of the Belfast Bikes scheme, bringing with them the introduction of e-bikes for the first time. This upgrade is made possible by £500,000 in funding from the Department for Infrastructure's Active Travel grant. The current bike hire service will continue until Beryl takes over later this year, at which point they will begin a phased replacement of the 60 docking stations and introduce an initial fleet of 400 new traditional and electric bikes.

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, highlighted that Belfast Bikes has provided an affordable and sustainable travel option for a decade. He expressed excitement about Beryl's experience in other UK cities and the introduction of e-bikes, which aligns with the Council's goal of creating a better-connected, low-carbon city. Beryl CEO Phil Ellis echoed this enthusiasm, stating their aim to provide a fresh and accessible way to explore Belfast with 400 vehicles, including 100 e-bikes, offering a convenient and sustainable travel choice previously unavailable in the city.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins emphasised the Department's commitment to supporting active travel and creating cleaner, greener connections. She expressed hope that the introduction of e-bikes to the Belfast fleet will encourage more people to consider cycling for shorter journeys, benefiting both the environment and personal wellbeing. The transition between operators will be managed to minimise disruption, with a launch date for the new scheme to be announced in the future.