Community Section

Liaison and consultation with local residents, Relevant Authorities, including the statutory agencies and emergency services, as well as other interested parties and TAAs (Temporary Adjacent Areas) is ongoing and commenced prior to the signing of the contract. The Public Liaison Manager responds to all queries and complaints from the general public. She regulary meets community and political representatives and liaises closely with the PSNI.

a)      Emergency Services

Consultations with the Emergency Services has been an integral and essential part of our liaison efforts. We liaise closely with the PSNI, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and the Northern Ireland Fire Service to ensure that they are aware of each phase of work, including road closures, lane closures and any other traffic management activities that may affect their operations.  Meetings are held and site meetings on request to discuss any concerns. The Fire Service have also made comments on the design specifics in relation to the underpasses to ensure the safety of the public, once the scheme is completed.

b)      Local residents

Consultation and liaison with local residents is central to the successful operation and completion of the contract. A Public Liaison Manager, Ms Anne Monaghan, has been appointed by HMC to take forward all liaison activities. Information letters and leaflets are prepared and distribued in relation to major pieces of work and any noisy night-time works.

HMC works closely with the following groups: St. James’ Community Forum, the M1 Coordinating Committee, Greater Village Regeneration Trust, the Frank Gillen Centre, Lower Falls Community Group, Blackstaff Community Development Association and Roden Street Community development Group based at Grosvenor Recreation Centre.

Roden Street Community Development Group

Representatives from Grosvenor Recreation Centre Left - Right Belle Black, Maura Millen, Christina Black and Anne Monaghan

Roden Street Community Development Group located at Grosvenor Recreation Centre will be affected by the first part of the works as part of the land, which is owned by Belfast City Council, has been acquired for location of the temporary bailey bridge across the Grosvenor Road. A new temporary five-a-side playing field has been erected to facilitate the Centre, user groups and the local community for the duration of the work.

The Roden Street Community Development Group has been operational since 1993 and their primary aim is to improve the lives and opportunities of those living in the Grosvenor area, as well as offering users and customers top-quality services. The group fully manage Grosvenor Recreation Centre and provide a range of services and programmes to the local community.

HMC meets regularly with the management of the Centre to address any concerns they have and deal with ongoing issues, which arise as part of any construction project of this size.

Youth Diversionary Activities

Over the summer months HMC works with communities on a number of projects to provide diversionary activities for young people. This is part of HMC’s commitment to local communities.

Liaison With Schools

The activities for young people will be complemented by ongoing liaison with local schools. An information day for principals and staff was held on 4th April 2006 in the Beechlawn Hotel and over fifty schools were invited to attend. HMC presented information on the scheme and issued advice on construction activities for distribution to pupils and parents. The Public Liaison Manager also visits local schools providing site security and safety advice.