Following a full council meeting of Belfast City Council (1 December), it was agreed that £600k will go to the renovation of the Assembly Rooms ahead of the Fleadh next summer, whilst £50k will go to both Friar’s Bush and Riddel’s Warehouse. 

Cllr Long said: “I was delighted to support funding for the Assembly Rooms, as well as to put forward funding for Friar's Bush and Riddel's Warehouse. For too long, Belfast's historic sites have been neglected, and all three projects will help to preserve our built heritage and history.

“This investment will undoubtedly help to revitalise and regenerate our city and improve what we have to offer to tourists, especially during Fleadh when we hope to welcome a million visitors to Belfast. It will also help local residents learn more about Belfast's rich and diverse heritage.

“Friar's Bush is thought to be Belfast's oldest Christian burial site and contains graves linked to cholera epidemics and the famine, in addition to well-known citizens of the city. This historical site is also an important area of biodiversity.

“Riddel's Warehouse is another hidden gem and is a 19th Century industrial site with a four storey ironmongery warehouse.

“Alliance has long supported the Belfast City Council’s acquisition of the Assembly Rooms, and this money will make a start on securing the property.

“All these sites represent Belfast’s rich history, and it is vital that we take every step to prevent them from falling into ruin so that generations to come can learn from and experience them. This funding will help address that need.”