4.9.04
Irelandclick.com
Call for barracks to close
Sinn Féin Councillor for North Belfast Carál Ní Chuilín has called for the closure of North Queen Street PSNI station.
Citing housing reasons, the councillor stressed that the four acres of land the near-empty station sits upon, could be better used if it was handed over to the community.
“Currently the station is used on a severely reduced level and is not even open to the public. Anyone who contacts the station is referred to Antrim Road or Tennent Street stations,” Carál Ní Chuilín said.
“The housing waiting lists in North Belfast are sky high and you find people are waiting for years to get anywhere.
“Currently there are over 1,700 people waiting to be housed, and 83 per cent of those are Catholic.
“Considering the existing situation and the significant development of land for much-needed housing around the station. The waste of space for a part-time station, that is in operation only for a few hours a day, is absurd.
“The site, which could provide much needed social housing and facilities such as playgrounds, would go some way to alleviating the local community’s housing shortage and lack of amenities.
“It should be handed over to the community without delay. There is absolutely no justification for keeping this station open.”
The PSNI refused to comment on the station’s future.
Journalist:: Áine McEntee
Call for barracks to close
Sinn Féin Councillor for North Belfast Carál Ní Chuilín has called for the closure of North Queen Street PSNI station.
Citing housing reasons, the councillor stressed that the four acres of land the near-empty station sits upon, could be better used if it was handed over to the community.
“Currently the station is used on a severely reduced level and is not even open to the public. Anyone who contacts the station is referred to Antrim Road or Tennent Street stations,” Carál Ní Chuilín said.
“The housing waiting lists in North Belfast are sky high and you find people are waiting for years to get anywhere.
“Currently there are over 1,700 people waiting to be housed, and 83 per cent of those are Catholic.
“Considering the existing situation and the significant development of land for much-needed housing around the station. The waste of space for a part-time station, that is in operation only for a few hours a day, is absurd.
“The site, which could provide much needed social housing and facilities such as playgrounds, would go some way to alleviating the local community’s housing shortage and lack of amenities.
“It should be handed over to the community without delay. There is absolutely no justification for keeping this station open.”
The PSNI refused to comment on the station’s future.
Journalist:: Áine McEntee
