Agenda item

            Moved by Councillor Groogan,

            Seconded by Councillor Lyons,

      That the minutes of the proceedings of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 18th February, 2022, omitting matters in respect of which the Council has delegated its powers to the Committee, be approved and adopted.

Bonfire Management

Amendment

                  Moved by Councillor McLoughlin,

                  Seconded by Councillor Magee,

                   That the matter would be placed on the agenda for the March meeting of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, in order that a progress update would be provided to the Members.

            The amendment was put to the Council and passed.

Update on Draft Amenity Bye Laws

Amendment

                  Moved by Councillor Michael Collins,

                  Seconded by Councillor Matt Collins,

                  That the matter be referred back to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee for further consideration.

            On a recorded vote, sixteen Members voted for the amendment, and thirty-two against, and it was declared lost.

Bloody Friday - 50th Anniversary Commemoration

Amendment

                  Moved by Councillor McLaughlin,

                  Seconded by Councillor McCabe,

                  That the decision of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, under the heading “Bloody Friday – 50th Anniversary Commemoration” be amended as follows:

“This Council remembers with great sadness the horror of the events of 21st July 1972, which became known as ‘Bloody Friday’, when the Provisional IRA exploded over 20 bombs across this City within a period of 80 minutes, resulting in the deaths of 9 people and physical injuries to over 130 others. The Council commits to providing its citizens with the opportunity to engage in a programme of commemoration but also education, designed to build positive relationships for the future.

On this 50th anniversary year, the Council will reach out to survivors and family members of those killed or injured on ‘Bloody Friday’ through organisations such as the South East Fermanagh Foundation which have supported them, to organise acts of solemn remembrance for all victims and survivors of this atrocity, and to organise other suitable events which will capture our rejection of terrorism in this City, both during ‘The Troubles’ and in the future.

In addition, the Party Leaders will discuss the potential for holding a separate day of reflection to remember all of the victims of the Troubles in Belfast.”

This Council recognises the hurt and trauma of all victims, families and survivors from the past conflict here in the City of Belfast. The Council notes that throughout the following years and decades there will be significant anniversaries for citizens of this City regarding the conflict on this part of the island.

The Council reiterates its commitment to doing everything in its power to ensure that violence is a thing of the past.

Belfast City Council will ensure that all those who were affected by our recent past are recognised equally.

That is why the Council will dedicate one day a year in which we remember the past and create a space for victims and survivors of all communities to commemorate and remember the past, while encouraging reconciliation between our communities.

Lastly, the Council will seek to erect a memorial for all those impacted by our past and will be dedicated to all victims, survivors, and families.”

                  The amendment proposed by Councillor McLaughlin, therefore read:

“This Council remembers with great sadness the horror of the events of 21st July 1972, which became known as ‘Bloody Friday’, when the Provisional IRA exploded over 20 bombs across this City within a period of 80 minutes, resulting in the deaths of 9 people and physical injuries to over 130 others. The Council commits to providing its citizens with the opportunity to engage in a programme of commemoration but also education, designed to build positive relationships for the future.

On this 50th anniversary year, the Council will reach out to survivors and family members of those killed or injured on ‘Bloody Friday’ through organisations such as the South East Fermanagh Foundation which have supported them, to organise acts of solemn remembrance for all victims and survivors of this atrocity, and to organise other suitable events which will capture our rejection of terrorism in this City, both during ‘The Troubles’ and in the future.

This Council recognises the hurt and trauma of all victims, families and survivors from the past conflict here in the City of Belfast. The Council notes that throughout the following years and decades there will be significant anniversaries for citizens of this City regarding the conflict on this part of the island.

The Council reiterates its commitment to doing everything in its power to ensure that violence is a thing of the past.

Belfast City Council will ensure that all those who were affected by our recent past are recognised equally.

That is why the Council will dedicate one day a year in which we remember the past and create a space for victims and survivors of all communities to commemorate and remember the past, while encouraging reconciliation between our communities.

Lastly, the Council will seek to erect a memorial for all those impacted by our past and will be dedicated to all victims, survivors, and families.”

            On a vote, twenty-three Members voted for the amendment and twenty-seven against, and it was declared lost.

Adoption of Minutes

            The minutes of the proceedings of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 18th February were thereupon approved and adopted, subject to the foregoing amendment.