South and East Belfast Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Maskey Welcomes Minister To St Georges Market

Published: 2 November, 2007

Alex Maskey and Gerry Adams on a previous visit to St Georges market

Alex Maskey and Gerry Adams on a previous visit to St Georges market

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey today welcomed Conor Murphy, Minister for the Department of Regional Development(DRD) to St George's Market, in central Belfast.

The MLA and Belfast City Councillor for Laganbank, hopes that Conor Murphy's visit will highlight the growing problem of parking restrictions in the surrounding streets around St. George's market, and the impact this is having on the traders business and on the neighbouring residents.

Maskey said,

" It is wonderful to have the Minister visit this fine historic building. St George's Market is the oldest covered market in Ireland. Completed in 1896, St George's is an important part of the regeneration of this part of the city centre. The recent £4.5m refurbishment and renovation of St. George's Market has provided a new lease of life for what is one of Belfast's best known landmarks."

"I hope to work with Conor Murphy, and his colleagues in DRD, and Belfast City Council, along with the traders and local residents to find a solution to the current problems surrounding parking restrictions."

The clampdown on parking around the market has resulted in traders suffering a downturn in custom, and has also resulted in creating further parking problems in residential areas close by.

"I want to assure Traders at the Market and the local residents that Sinn Fein will work with the appropriate public bodies to find an solution to the problem. One such solution, could be the creation of a designated parking area for the market, with the possibility of a shuttle service. We want to ensure that traders and residents concerns are addressed and the citizens of Belfast can continue to enjoy this vibrant Market."