Residents unable to move into Belfast social housing until speed bumps are built

New residents of a South Belfast social housing scheme are unable to move into their new homes until speed bumps are put in place.

The social housing on McClure Street, off the Ormeau Road, was completed at the end of March of this year but residents are unable to move into the property until speed bumps have been installed.

Speaking to Belfast Live, the mother of one resident said: "For the past two years my daughter has been homeless and living with me in my house and has been desperate for somewhere to live.

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"When she was accepted to the property on McClure Street we were over the moon because she would finally have a home of her own and start a new life with her children.

"The houses were completed there at the end of March and since then we have been waiting so that she can move in but there has just been delay after delay due to these speed bumps. We were told that things were going to get sorted and that she would be moving into the house this week, but a couple of weeks before moving we were told again that things would have to be delayed again because the speed bumps still haven't been installed.

"I understand that these are important and will help to keep the families moving in safe, but I cannot understand why it is constantly being put back.

"It would be wonderful if these families would be able to move in and enjoy a nice summer before the start of the school term but now we are being told that it could be the end of August before everything is ready."

St Matthew's Housing Association, who are managing the properties, have said they are working with DfI in order to ensure that the speed bumps are put in place in the coming weeks.

Chief Executive Jim Black said: "There has been a delay in finalising the road traffic calming measures for the project through DfI Roads Service processes, but ourselves and APEX HA are working hard to ensure we complete the works in the coming weeks in order to allow tenants to move into their new homes as quickly as possible"

A Departmental spokesperson said: “As the Highway Authority the Department completed the consultation on the traffic calming element of this new social housing development. The legislative process was completed on the 24 June 2024 and the developer advised of the position. The installation of the traffic calming is a condition within the planning consent and is the responsibility of the developer to install. The Department will continue to work with the Developer to bring this matter to a satisfaction conclusion.”

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