This includes Ormeau Park, Botanic Gardens, Belmont Park, Falls Park, and Woodvale Park.

Cllr McDonough-Brown has said: “Having been campaigning on this issue for a number of years now, it’s incredibly welcome to see this consultation finally go ahead.

“Our parks here in Belfast, in South Belfast especially, are fantastic assets for the local community in terms of improving both mental and physical health through access to green spaces. It’s unacceptable that people aren’t able to fully make use of them all throughout the year.

“Whether you’re a runner, a cyclist, a dog-walker, a young family, or anyone else simply seeking to get out of the house, it’s not good enough that in the latter half of the year after 4:30pm you’re faced with closed signs and blocked entries to our city parks.

“Whilst there are practical challenges, there are also practical solutions, such as investing in the resources necessary to light parks up in the winter months when it may be darker, and we must be exploring those kinds of options.

“With two parks in East Belfast having successfully extended opening hours in the past, it’s clear that it can be done. I would encourage everyone to either attend one of the drop-in consultation sessions, or fill out the questionnaire online and make your voice heard.”