Field with U2 Concert History Faces Future as GAA Pitch
A field in the Botanic area of south Belfast, known for hosting a U2 concert in 1997, is currently at the centre of discussions regarding its future use as a new Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) pitch.
The Belfast City Council has identified this land, located beside Queen's University's Physical Education Centre (PEC), as a potential site for the new sports facility. Presently, the site accommodates a community garden and an environmental research initiative, though it remains uncertain if these will need to be relocated.
In the summer of 1997, over 30,000 attendees witnessed Bono and U2 perform on this field, marking a significant cultural event for the area.
Opinions vary regarding the future of this green space within the Lower Botanic Gardens. The local group Friends of the Field, responsible for establishing the community garden in recent years, has expressed concerns about the proposed changes.
The group has requested to speak at the upcoming full meeting of Belfast City Council scheduled for Monday evening, emphasizing their desire to be actively involved in any future planning decisions.
Currently, no definitive timeline has been set for the development and installation of the new GAA pitch.
Community Garden Efforts Highlighted
Alicia Mulholland, a local resident and member of Friends of the Field, shared her apprehensions with NI.
"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,"
She also noted that the site hosts the EU-funded Upsurge research project, which explores nature-based solutions to mitigate climate change impacts.
Potential for Coexistence of GAA Pitch and Community Garden
Representatives from Sinn Féin, the largest party on Belfast City Council, recently visited the Botanic site and engaged with Friends of the Field volunteers, including Mulholland.
Belfast South MLA Deirdre Hargey expressed the view that the introduction of a GAA pitch does not necessarily preclude the continuation of the community garden and environmental projects.
"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 added that the site had been designated for a Gaelic pitch previously, noting that a temporary pitch existed until 2020 but was removed due to uneven ground conditions.
"We believe, now that the council have granted the permission, that they're going to move ahead in terms of developing this space."
Alliance Party councillor Tara Brooks, who also met with Friends of the Field volunteers, acknowledged the necessity for additional GAA facilities but voiced concerns about the potential impact on the community garden and the Upsurge project, which she advocates to retain.
"The thing that I really want to happen here is more clarity. I think there has been a real lack of information and clarity,"
Social Democratic and Labour Party councillor Gary McKeown concurred with calls for improved communication.
"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."
Sports Pitch Shortage and Council Actions
Belfast faces a shortage of sports pitches, particularly for GAA activities. In response, the council recently resolved to restore another south Belfast location, Boucher Road Playing Fields, to sports and community use.
These fields have also served as the city's largest outdoor concert venue in recent years, accommodating up to 40,000 attendees.
