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IdeaspaceNI

@ideaspaceni.bsky.social
158 followers 78 following 237 posts

Ideas for Belfast/NI. Infrastructure plans, public realm ideas, innovative ideas for a better future. Repost interesting articles on environment & development.

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IdeaspaceNI @ideaspaceni.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Still some greenery in the public alley behind Villa Italia and Holohans. Cone and see. Cant wait to get other alley back. Ive missed it. 🪴 🌿 🪴
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Cycul @cycul.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
1 year ago the @NIAuditOffice recommened @infrastructure-ni.gov.uk establish a co-designed stakeholder forum. DfI told Peter Martin (DUP) – chair of Infra Committee – in Jan ‘26 that a forum would meet in May ‘26. Still no forum. ✅ Still no oversight. ✅ Still no engagement.✅ Still no delivery.✅
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CMJohnston @cmjohnston.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
*Shares appreciated* Dear BlueSky, our drinking water comes from just beside here (Lough Neagh, County Antrim) Otters, kingfishers, swans, cormorants and more call this home Due to a near-collapsed local government there are few solutions Please raise awareness @chrisgpackham.bsky.social
Boat on algae-covered river Football on algae on river
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Cllr Brian Smyth @briansmyth99.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
Belfast I bloody well love you. You have excelled this week in a way many couldn't have imagined. We're going to build a better Belfast.
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IdeaspaceNI @ideaspaceni.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
All out of 1 eurobin. If you provide bins that have no lids and are a free for all this is what you get, dumped house clearances. Luckily they're now washed and ready for new homes. @belfastcc.bsky.social
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Brendan Hark! T'is nearly Halloween. @brendanjharkin.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Belfast throwing together 20 new temporary pubs all called stuff like "The Widow's Elbow" and "Alexander Hamilton's Bidet" by gluing chipboard to bare brick is giving me the most intense Giro D'Italia energy THE BOOM IS BACK BABY
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IdeaspaceNI @ideaspaceni.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Imagine a place where fruit trees and food grows, local people can eat healthily from the produce and everyone gets involved. So many growing spaces for veg and fruit. This is a plan I'd love to come to fruition here. Imagine greenhouses and raised planters! We need to make our own food again.
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IdeaspaceNI @ideaspaceni.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Today's litter pick around Camden Street, Belfast. 1 full bag!!!!
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IdeaspaceNI @ideaspaceni.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
New alleyway benches being used as intended. Nice to see staff of Villa Italia using them.
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IdeaspaceNI @ideaspaceni.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Claremont Alleyway garden still doing what nature does best and fighting back when its basically a construction site around it atm.
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Pádraic Fogarty @whittledaway.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
"Scientists surveying the area found three times more seabed organisms and twice as many species compared to nearby unprotected waters" news.mongabay.com/short-articl...
news.mongabay.com
Seabed life triples after bottom trawling ban in Scotland protected area
Nearly a decade since Scotland established the South Arran Marine Protected Area and banned bottom trawling across much of it, life on the seafloor has thrived, a new study has found. Scientists surve...
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Queen's University Belfast @qubelfastofficial.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
What impact do urban green spaces have on our health, wellbeing and safety? Over the last 15 years, our experts have been investigating what difference the Connswater Community Greenway, an urban regeneration initiative in east Belfast, has made to the lives of those living in the local community.
ow.ly
New 15-year study shows urban greenway delivers major gains in health, wellbeing, and safety
A landmark 15-year study of the Connswater Community Greenway has found significant improvements in physical activity, mental wellbeing, and community connection, alongside major increases in use and ...
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BelfastCitizen @belfastcitizen.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
action.friendsoftheearth.uk/petition/sav...
action.friendsoftheearth.uk
Save Lough Neagh
Lough Neagh is a national treasure, but it’s facing ongoing filthy pollution from animal to human waste. It’s causing toxic algae to bloom, killing animals like birds, fish and even dogs. Larger than ...
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Chris Baraniuk @chrisbaraniuk.com · 06/05/2026
🚨 Everyone, I have some personal news! 🚨 Today, I am announcing my new coaching service for writers - yes, journalists, but also anyone who uses writing in their work and who wants to stand out in a world increasingly awash with AI-generated copy! 🤖 🚫 chrisbaraniuk.com/coaching/
chrisbaraniuk.com
Chris Baraniuk: Non-fiction Writing Coach & Mentor
Chris Baraniuk, freelance science journalist, is a writing coach & mentor based in Northern Ireland.
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Brenda Gough @brendagough.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
And just like that.....The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit releases its report. Anyone fucking listening yet? eciu.net/media/press-...
eciu.net
Food prices set to rise by 50% since start of cost-of-living crisis,…
The current oil price shock could push food prices up to the grim milestone by November 2026, as climate and energy shocks have driven inflation since 2021.
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IdeaspaceNI @ideaspaceni.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Back to clearing everyones bins from footpaths. They don't belong here!!!! @qubelfastofficial.bsky.social
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Cllr Brian Smyth @briansmyth99.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
The Ravenhill Rd/Ormeau Embankment pedestrian and cycle scheme goes public tomorrow. This is a chance to create an active travel corridor in South East Belfast, leading into the city centre. I would encourage all who want to see liveable, cleaner streets locally to support this.
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IdeaspaceNI @ideaspaceni.bsky.social · 04/04/2026
These are for residents of Holyland. To look at and admire, to get involved by planting more, to make their area slightly nicer and make it a place they want to live. We want to get people involved. Thanks to BHDU and city council for the funding. We've had fun planting them up. Watch out for more.
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Reclaim the Agenda @reclaimtheagenda.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
KEEP 2 ROYAL AVENUE PUBLIC Sign our open letter calling on Belfast City Council to to halt attempts to put 2 Royal Avenue in commercial hands, and urge councillors to keep the space as a community resource in public ownership. my.actnowni.org/petitions/keep-2-royal-avenue-public
KEEP 2 ROYAL AVENUE PUBLIC 
Sign our open letter calling on Belfast City Council to to halt attempts to put 2 Royal Avenue in commercial hands, and urge councillors to keep the space as a community resource in public ownership.
my.actnowni.org/petitions/keep-2-royal-avenue-public
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BelfastCitizen @belfastcitizen.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
c.org/FbHXKp7sHx
c.org
Sign the Petition
Save Botanic Meadow, Belfast
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IdeaspaceNI @ideaspaceni.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Bit closer to home for me. Right out my back. The new apartments coming from a derelict Snooker Hall are taking shape nicely. And look at these funky interlocking blocks. Never seen these before in building.
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Forward South Partnership @forwardsouthpb.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
Thanks to everyone who came to the Big Spring Clean event. Great cleanup and planting completed before we needed to refuel. #bettertogether
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IdeaspaceNI @ideaspaceni.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
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IdeaspaceNI @ideaspaceni.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
It's the small acts that matter. Cleaning the alleyway this morning. Join me on Thurs to clean some more for the Big Spring Clean. 11am at 1 Elmwood or Collingwood green area. Litter picking, painting and planting. With Forward South, liveherelovehere and qub.
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IdeaspaceNI @ideaspaceni.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
Trying my best in Claremont Alleyway garden with all the construction taking place. Its a little more colourful.
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Patrick Brannigan @patrickjmb.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Nice background here via @ulstermuseum.org www.ulstermuseum.org/article/elis...
ulstermuseum.org
Elisabeth Frink's 'Flying Figures'
June 2024 marked the 60th anniversary of the unveiling of Elisabeth Frink's 'Flying Figures' on the Ulster Bank in Shaftesbury Square.
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IdeaspaceNI @ideaspaceni.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
A S Belfast institution, the Elizabeth Frink sculptures are back up. On the Ulster Museum. Good to see! Photo from Belfast Art Galleries on FB. 📸
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Cllr Brian Smyth @briansmyth99.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
Memo to the Department for Infrastructure: Instead of spending money on adverts to encourage people to cycle in Belfast, when large parts of the city aren't safe for it, how about investing in safe cycling infrastructure? These tick box exercises serve no one, but yourselves.
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IdeaspaceNI @ideaspaceni.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
Donnybrook st brightened. More to come around S Belfast. Lick of paint would do no harm either. Upcoming event on Thurs 19th March 11-2pm to litter lick, paint and tidy South Belfast. Just come along.
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IdeaspaceNI @ideaspaceni.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
The garden is not what it usually is obvs because of the construction. The vid is how its looking as they're about to add the scaffolding soon. Can't wait to get planning after it all settles down. I'd say after summer.
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IdeaspaceNI @ideaspaceni.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
First planters in at Bradbury Place beside the Butterfly Bistro cafe. Hope to get the area cleaned with Big Clean in March. Needs a lick of paint and a few grafitti tags removed to make the most of it. Also may need bigger 🪴 plants to start to make a bigger impact. Daffodils will be out soon though.
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IdeaspaceNI @ideaspaceni.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
Some more planters planted up for Donnybrook Street. Coming soon.
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IdeaspaceNI @ideaspaceni.bsky.social · 15/02/2026
Planted up and ready to be put in place all over South Belfast. Dull places will be awash with colour and make the forgotten spaces come to life.
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Cllr Brian Smyth @briansmyth99.bsky.social · 14/02/2026
Delighted my proposal for a city wide graffiti removal and power washing team in Belfast will become reality. We've put a lot of work into the city centre in recent years, now it's time to expand this. Every neighborhood deserves cleaner greener streets.
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IdeaspaceNI @ideaspaceni.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
I have been completing a project to get more planters into South Belfast neighbourhoods. Just delivered some and will be delivering & planting more in coming months. We need to brighten up dead space. Look out for planters coming to Stranmillis, Sandy Row/Lisburn Rd, Bradbury Pl & other places soon
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Cycul @cycul.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
“@niauditoffice.bsky.social did in 40 pages what MLAs failed to for 20 years – check whether @infrastructure-ni.gov.uk plans were anything other than wood pulp” sluggerotoole.com/2026/01/31/d... @otoolematthew.bsky.social @seamasbelfast.bsky.social @briansmyth99.bsky.social @erichanvey.bsky.social
sluggerotoole.com
DFI punched in the face over its active travel strategy…
For two decades, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) published unchallenged plans regarding its Active Travel strategies. Like Tyrell Biggs’ pre-fight plan to defeat Mike Tyson, their plans eventu...
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Cllr Brian Smyth @briansmyth99.bsky.social · 31/01/2026
I spoke to Frank Mitchell about the failure of the Hill Street pedestrianisation scheme this week. It's reflective of wider problems, at Stormont, especially Sinn Fein & DUP don't want to make NI work. When will they put their big boy & big girl pants on, govern this place & improve people's lives?
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Met Office - weather and climate @metoffice.gov.uk · 26/01/2026
There are multiple warnings in place for #StormChandra, including amber warnings for rain and strong winds ⚠️ Flooding and damaging winds are expected later today and on Tuesday in parts of the UK. For further details 👉 bit.ly/WxWarning
A map of the UK showing where warnings for rain and snow are in place on Monday and Tuesday 26th and 27th January 2026A map of the UK showing where warnings for strong winds are in place on Tuesday 27th January 2026
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Met Office - weather and climate @metoffice.gov.uk · 26/01/2026
#StormChandra will bring severe gales to some areas on Tuesday with the strongest winds in the west ⚠️ Winds will often come from a more unusual southeasterly or easterly direction, so places usually sheltered will bear the brunt of the winds. Here's what to expect 👇
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Patrick Brannigan @patrickjmb.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
Arcs 🌈 Rugby Rd. #Belfast #SpéirGhorm
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IdeaspaceNI @ideaspaceni.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
@qubelfastofficial.bsky.social IReach buildings taking shape. I hope they bring a renewed will to keep the area spick and span. Gates for the alleyways needed so you arent looking at overfilled Eurobins and unkemped back yards that landlords dont want to keep. Images 3 and 4 of the buildings.
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IdeaspaceNI @ideaspaceni.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
Scouting locations for my planter 🪴 installation within South Belfast. Can't wait till get them installed. Brightening up the area. Although look at that rainbow earlier. 🌈
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IdeaspaceNI @ideaspaceni.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
Happy New Year from Camden street. Everything looks better in snow.
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IdeaspaceNI @ideaspaceni.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
Missing my alleyway garden this week, pottering about. Its so dull out there atm. Eugh. 1st image is what im missing. 2nd image is the other alleyway directly off this one. Grey is annoying me.
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Green Party Northern Ireland @greenpartyni.org · 30/12/2025
Stormont knew. They were warned. They did it anyway. Declassified files show officials knew for decades that intensive agriculture was poisoning Lough Neagh - too many animals, leaking slurry tanks, toxic silage effluent and failed “voluntary” codes. 1/4
Digital graphic about Lough Neagh pollution. On the left, a tilted Belfast Telegraph front page shows a satellite image of a deep‑green Lough Neagh and a child holding a protest sign, with the headline: “EXCLUSIVE | They knew: Declassified files prove Stormont understood Lough Neagh’s pollution decades ago – but then made it worse.” Across the bottom, a dead otter lies on a muddy shoreline, its wet fur streaked and patched with bright blue‑green algal slime. On the right against a black background, bold white text reads “STORMONT KNEW / THEY DID IT ANYWAY”, with the Green Party Northern Ireland logo in the lower corner.
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Brendan Hark! T'is nearly Halloween. @brendanjharkin.bsky.social · 30/12/2025
Catching the last glimpse of the sunset tonight, reflected by the Royal Mail building.
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IdeaspaceNI @ideaspaceni.bsky.social · 30/12/2025
New wall in alley needs a bit of a makeover eh?. Maybe some climbing plants when construction is finished. 🪴
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Patrick Brannigan @patrickjmb.bsky.social · 24/12/2025
River Lagan and Shaws Bridge 3 miles from Belfast City Centre #SpêirGhorm
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Eoghan Daltun 🌍 @irishrainforest.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
A reminder that 90% of Ireland's so-called 'forests' are industrial plantations, virtually empty of nature. It doesn't have to be like this: with a bit of thought, we could satisfy our timber needs AND have huge tracts of natural forest ecosystems, bursting with life.
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Starling3232 @starling3232.bsky.social · 21/12/2025
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/light-r... A depressing read in so many ways Belfast would be much different today if we had heavy rail or trams running along the old County Down railway We’re now 23 years on and we still require a mass transit solution for east Belfast,Newtownards and beyond
belfasttelegraph.co.uk
Light rail scheme 'best for Belfast'
BELFAST would be an ideal location for a modern tramway project, one of the driving forces behind the £400m LUAS scheme in Dublin said today.
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