11 August 2026

SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole MLA has said the opportunity to build on the legacy of the successful 2026 Belfast Fleadh can’t be squandered.

He has written to First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly outlining a number of measures to build on the Fleadh and learn lessons for future events.

Among his proposals are greater pedestrinisation of Belfast city centre, licensing law reform, improved public transport services, targeted use of good relations funding and the establishment of an annual music festival.

South Belfast MLA Matthew O’Toole said:

“This past week has been extraordinary. Belfast has been transformed and the Fleadh has shown us not just the very best of our city, but the enormous potential that too often goes unrealised. More than a million people from across this island and further afield came together to celebrate music, culture and everything that is good about this place. It was glorious.

“The challenge now is to capture some of that magic and make it part of Belfast every day. A city centre with more space for people, better public transport, licensing laws fit for a modern European city and more opportunities to bring music, culture and life onto our streets. The Fleadh showed us what Belfast can be when we get these things right.

“There is clearly a huge appetite for events that bring people together and breathe life into our city. That is why I am proposing an annual music festival that builds on what we have seen this week, bringing people into Belfast and supporting our hospitality, tourism and cultural sectors.

“Too often something special happens here and we fail to build on it. That cannot be allowed that to happen this time. We have just experienced one of the most special weeks Belfast has ever seen. The ambition now has to be to take what worked, learn from it and build a better city because of it.”