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Forum looks to the future of Belfast Holyland

7 May 2009

Over 60 key stakeholders met today to agree a joint approach in tackling the issues affecting the Holyland area of South Belfast.

The forum, hosted by the Minister for Employment and Learning, Sir Reg Empey, brought together representatives from over 30 organisations to discuss a number of issues arising from the St Patrick’s Day disturbances in the area and to consider actions which can be put in place to prevent anything similar happening again.

Among the key issues addressed were student behaviour, planning, accommodation, community safety and alcohol related problems.

Speaking after the event, the Minister said: “Today’s event has proven to be exceptionally useful and is intended to build upon the existing good work undertaken by a number of agencies and organisations in the area.

“A number of action points have been agreed today and will be taken forward for implementation or further investigation by the organisations responsible.  This is not a one off meeting.  I have committed to holding a further meeting in the autumn to assess progress and examine what further actions we need to consider.”

Today’s event, at Malone House, was attended by Ministers and senior officials from a number of Government Departments, statutory, private and voluntary agencies, including the PSNI, Belfast City Council, Higher Education Institutions and student representatives.

The forum was convened by the Minister following severe trouble in the Carmel Street area of the Holyland on St Patrick’s Day this year.  A number of people, including students, were arrested by police following the disturbances.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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