A field in south Belfast’s Botanic area, famous for hosting a U2 concert attended by over 30,000 fans in the summer of 1997, now faces controversy over city council plans to develop a new Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) pitch there.
Site’s Rich History and Current Features
The location, adjacent to Queen’s University’s Physical Education Centre (PEC), previously featured a temporary GAA pitch until 2020, when uneven terrain led to its removal. Today, the green space supports a community garden established by the Friends of the Field group and hosts the EU-funded Upsurge research project. This initiative explores nature-based solutions to combat climate change effects.
Local Concerns and Calls for Dialogue
Friends of the Field expresses deep worries about the proposal. The group seeks to speak at Belfast City Council’s next full meeting on Monday evening and pushes for direct involvement in future decisions. No firm timeline exists for the pitch development.
Alicia Mulholland, a local resident and group member, shares her anxiety: “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t worried. Lots of volunteers have put hundreds and hundreds of hours of work into this place to improve the biodiversity, to protect the nature that we have on site, and to develop this community garden.”
Political Perspectives
Sinn Féin representatives, including Belfast South MLA Deirdre Hargey, recently visited the site and met with volunteers. Hargey maintains optimism: “I do believe within the wider footprint of the Botanic gardens and the park that we can facilitate both. I think they’re both really valuable projects. And I also believe actually that both projects can work and complement each other.”
She notes the site’s long-standing designation for a Gaelic pitch and anticipates progress now that council permission is granted.
Alliance Party councillor Tara Brooks, after meeting the group, acknowledges the GAA’s needs but stresses preserving the garden and Upsurge project. “The thing that I really want to happen here is more clarity. I think there has been a real lack of information and clarity,” she states.
Social Democratic and Labour Party councillor Gary McKeown echoes this: “I think this has been handled really poorly. It’s been unfair on the people doing great work in the community garden. It’s also unfair on the GAA. There needs to be proper engagement, consultation and conversations moving forward.”
Addressing Belfast’s Sports Pitch Shortage
Belfast faces a shortage of GAA facilities. The council recently approves returning Boucher Road Playing Fields—once the city’s largest outdoor concert venue for up to 40,000 people—to sports and community activities.
