Large-scale events featuring artists such as Sam Fender and Fontaines DC in Belfast this summer might be uncertain because of disputes regarding "safety measures."
Music events at the council-managed Boucher Road Playing Fields formerly utilized a nearby location belonging to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) as an emergency exit area.
However, according to MountaintravellerNews NI, the fire department has not granted Belfast City Council (BCC) permission to utilize the location.
The NIFRS along with the council mentioned that they were actively working together to address the situation and guarantee that appropriate health and safety measures could be implemented.
The playing fields frequently host large concerts that attract crowds of around 40,000 spectators.
Multiple major music events are scheduled for this summer featuring artists such as Sam Fender, along with Fontaines DC who will be backed by Kneecap. Additionally, there’s a two-day celebration known as the Farmer's Bash festival.
A location next to the sports fields—a previously utilized NIFRS training center—has served as an entry and exit pathway in past years.
The council owns the land and has leased it to the fire department.
It left the location last year following the inauguration of a new training facility situated outside Cookstown, County Tyrone.
The dispute regarding entry to the Belfast location primarily revolves around concerns of safety and security.
It is also clear that the fire department has raised questions about whether utilizing the location could affect the reduction in rates for vacant buildings.
'Process of divestment'
A spokesperson from NIFRS stated that the location is presently undergoing "a disposal procedure."
"NIFRS has left the premises and would support an arrangement transferring the lease back to Belfast City Council’s management. This move would allow for appropriate health and safety measures to be established ahead of the upcoming summer events," she stated additionally.
The NIFRS remains actively involved with Belfast City Council and various partners concerning the disinvestment procedures and activities planned for Boucher Playing Fields.
A representative from the council stated, "The council has been collaborating with NIFRS to ensure that appropriate health and safety measures can be established for these concerts."
This encompasses access via the NIFRS website for emergency exits.
In an attempt to address the issues, it has been reported that the council also reached out to Stormont's Department of Health, responsible for overseeing the NIFRS.
A spokesperson from the health department stated: "This matter falls under the purview of NIFRS and its governing board."
MCD Productions, which is organizing several of the concerts at the playing fields this summer, was likewise contacted for remarks.
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