by Q Radio News
The MP for South Belfast has renewed her call for Stormont's First and Deputy First Ministers to establish a taskforce to oversee transformation of the Holylands area.
It comes ahead of St. Patrick's day; a holiday which some residents say they dread every year due to the large crowds of young people gathering and partying there.
Over the years, the events have often resulted in anti-social behaviour and noise disturbances.
Footage circulated social media last year of large crowds partying in the Holylands despite coronavirus rules in place against public gatherings
SDLP MP Claire Hanna said students and young people must have sensible heads on and not put themselves or others at risk, particularly this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
However, Ms Hanna said the Holylands has systemic problems which require long-term solutions.
She said, "While we have made significant progress against COVID-19, it is still taking lives every day.
"We are not out of the woods and people need to show good judgement, exercise personal responsibility and not come to the Holylands.
"The behaviour of previous years isn’t acceptable at any time, but especially not when covid is a live risk.”
SDLP MP Claire Hanna
Meanwhile, Ms Hanna added the Holylands needs attention all year round, not just around St. Patrick's day.
“While people need to take personal responsibility for their own actions, the Executive can’t just ignore the Holylands area the other 364 days of the year. The area has systemic problems that require long term, strategic solutions and regeneration.
“In September last year, I wrote to the Joint First Ministers urging them to establish a dedicated taskforce to oversee transformation in this area of Belfast. I have yet to receive a response or any indication this work has begun, despite chasing up multiple times.
“The chronic issues that affect this area require coordinated and strategic response, as several Departments and public bodies must be engaged to ensure meaningful change is delivered.
"These relate primarily to the poor quality and proliferation of houses in multiple occupation, with insufficient use of anti-social behaviour clauses by landlords or enforcement by authorities and overlap with functions of the Council and PSNI.
“I repeat my call for the Joint First Ministers to step up and work to deliver meaningful change in the Holylands, for students and residents. Actions speak louder than words.”
A clear up in the Holylands following street parties
Meanwhile, local residents say St. Patrick's day is a holiday they look forward to with "dread" rather than anticipation because of the notorious partying.
Despite coronavirus restrictions in place, the Holylands Residents Network says "covid parties" have been happening there since the pandemic began.
They also feel this week will be no different.
Residents representative Ray Farley has backed the idea of a taskforce to transform the Holylands area and that over the years, the anti-social behaviour of some short term residents has been allowed to continue without any meaningful action being taken.
Ray Farley speaking to Q Radio
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