A West Belfast councillor has called for 'Belfast's worst roundabout' to be transformed into the city's first wildflower roundabout.
Sinn Féin's Ronan McLaughlin says the roundabout which connects the Glen Road to the Monagh Bypass is a high priority of his as an elected representative. He has called for the Department for Infrastructure to work with him to make the vision come to fruition.
Residents in the Glen Road area have echoed Cllr McLaughlin's calls for change to the roundabout. They say it is "problematic" and "an absolute eyesore".
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Speaking to Belfast Live, the West Belfast councillor said: "Ever since I was elected in 2019, I have been dealing with issues relating to the roundabout. It is the worst roundabout in Belfast.
"Over the last couple of years I have been trying to find a permanent solution and for me that was to turn the roundabout into Belfast's first wildflower roundabout. As a result, I have secured funding from a private partner who is willing to front the initial costs. This would be at no cost to the taxpayer.
"The problem is, the DfI have put in unrealistic barriers to try and get the issue resolved. I contacted the Minister's office last week, so we can try and get a long term solution sorted.
"I am now publicly calling on the Department for Infrastructure to work with me and Belfast City Council to make this Belfast first wildflower roundabout and for the future maintenance to be handled by Belfast City Council. Enough is enough. We deserve better."
A spokesperson for the Department for Infrastructure told Belfast Live that officials would meet with Cllr McLaughlin to speak about options for the roundabout in question.
They added: "As part of the Department’s overall objective to enhance the living environment, the Department encourages improvement to the appearance of public roads by permitting controlled planting of roundabout central islands, road verges and suitable spaces which are within our control. However, it is important as is the case with any work undertaken by third parties on the public road network that is done in a controlled and appropriate manner.
"Officials from the Department are happy to meet with Cllr McLaughlin to discuss planting options suitable for this roundabout."
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