Social fund passed for residents affected by outdoor concerts in Belfast

A social fund going towards local residents and businesses affected by large outdoor concerts in Belfast has passed the first stage at the city council.

Plans to introduce the ‘social value fund’ to be charged to promoters of large events in the city were approved by Belfast City Council ’s People and Communities Committee on Tuesday.

The plans, which were dealt with behind closed doors during the committee meeting, still have to be approved by the full council.

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Councillors had warned of disruption to residents and businesses in the South Belfast area, with Boucher Playing Fields playing host to a number of large scale events this summer.

Bruce Springsteen is set to open a series of outdoor events at the venue next Thursday 9 May.

Sinn Féin’s Balmoral councillor Geraldine McAteer welcomed the approval of the social value fund at the committee, and said while the events are a big boost for the local economy, they come with disruption for residents.

“Bruce Springsteen will be a mega event for the city and it will no doubt lift the mood this spring and give a major boost to tourism and local businesses,” Cllr McAteer said.

It is also a huge logistical challenge for concert organisers and we can’t escape the fact that many local residents who live close to Boucher Playing Fields will struggle with the disruption to their daily lives before, during and after concerts.

“Roads will be closed, metal fences will be put up and thousands of concert goers will pass by their doors.”

Consultation meetings have taken place with local residents, who have expressed concerns over access to their homes during the concerts, traffic management and security.

“The meetings have been very positive and constructive with residents suggesting solutions to some issues and helping to shape the subsequent plans for the concert days,” Cllr McAteer added.

“Having said that, residents have still had to put up with issues ranging from some people using their gardens as toilets to bottles and rubbish being left behind - which is moreso the case at events with young concert goers.

“I am therefore delighted that concert promoters are ‘giving back’ to residents through this Social Fund and that Council is now making this Fund available to communities.

“In the coming days, I will be getting ideas from residents as to what they would like to see the funds used for - this could be for, for example, community fun day events or community led activity projects.”

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