Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Infrastructure – in the Northern Ireland Assembly am 2:00 pm ar 11 Mehefin 2024.
Brian Kingston
DUP
2:00,
11 Mehefin 2024
I thank the Minister for that stock reply. As the Minister, the Principal Deputy Speaker and other Members will be aware, unadopted alleyways are a major problem in Belfast, particularly in areas of older housing. No statutory agency will take responsibility, and, particularly with the growth of private landlords, you get alleyways that become a hazard for residents. They cannot put out their bins, and some areas get severely overgrown and become a fire risk because people cannot get out or a fire engine cannot get in. I note what the Minister said about a meeting held at the council. Is the Minister willing to continue or commence discussion with, in particular, Belfast City Council and the Housing Executive to find a solution or to support resolution of the matter? No one wants to take responsibility, and it is a real issue that affects many residents.
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