Cllr Brian Smyth
@briansmyth99.bsky.social
Green Party Group Leader and Cllr in Belfast City Council for the Lisnasharragh DEA. In it to build a Greener Cleaner Fairer City. Often grumpy Manchester United and Cliftonville fan.
Smythbrian@belfastcity.gov.uk
Smythbrian@belfastcity.gov.uk
Belfast needs an overdose prevention centre.
Lives are needlessly being lost. We need leadership from Stormont, especially the Health & Justice Ministers.
Are they worried by how some voters will feel about the prospect of an overdose prevention centre, 20 months out from an election?
Lives are needlessly being lost. We need leadership from Stormont, especially the Health & Justice Ministers.
Are they worried by how some voters will feel about the prospect of an overdose prevention centre, 20 months out from an election?
November 10, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Belfast needs an overdose prevention centre.
Lives are needlessly being lost. We need leadership from Stormont, especially the Health & Justice Ministers.
Are they worried by how some voters will feel about the prospect of an overdose prevention centre, 20 months out from an election?
Lives are needlessly being lost. We need leadership from Stormont, especially the Health & Justice Ministers.
Are they worried by how some voters will feel about the prospect of an overdose prevention centre, 20 months out from an election?
Belfast city centre is at a crossroads.
Will community need beat developer greed? We say yes. Time for overdose prevention, safer streets, and real public transport - not empty promises or empty buildings. A greener, fairer Belfast starts now. #BelfastCityCentre #GreenPartyNI
Will community need beat developer greed? We say yes. Time for overdose prevention, safer streets, and real public transport - not empty promises or empty buildings. A greener, fairer Belfast starts now. #BelfastCityCentre #GreenPartyNI
October 22, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Belfast city centre is at a crossroads.
Will community need beat developer greed? We say yes. Time for overdose prevention, safer streets, and real public transport - not empty promises or empty buildings. A greener, fairer Belfast starts now. #BelfastCityCentre #GreenPartyNI
Will community need beat developer greed? We say yes. Time for overdose prevention, safer streets, and real public transport - not empty promises or empty buildings. A greener, fairer Belfast starts now. #BelfastCityCentre #GreenPartyNI
I spoke on Nolan this morning and called on Translink & Department of Infrastructure to reduce the cost of public transport over the Xmas period. Put increased services in place to get Belfast & NI moving.
Ease congestion and make it economically viable for people to get on the bus or train.
Ease congestion and make it economically viable for people to get on the bus or train.
October 7, 2025 at 5:56 PM
I spoke on Nolan this morning and called on Translink & Department of Infrastructure to reduce the cost of public transport over the Xmas period. Put increased services in place to get Belfast & NI moving.
Ease congestion and make it economically viable for people to get on the bus or train.
Ease congestion and make it economically viable for people to get on the bus or train.
People in NI have been failed for decades by the Stormont Executive.
Migrants aren't to blame for collapsing public services, a lack of social homes, rising NHS waiting lists. It's down to Stormont and how they have prioritised division over investment in abandoned communities.
Migrants aren't to blame for collapsing public services, a lack of social homes, rising NHS waiting lists. It's down to Stormont and how they have prioritised division over investment in abandoned communities.
September 25, 2025 at 1:46 PM
People in NI have been failed for decades by the Stormont Executive.
Migrants aren't to blame for collapsing public services, a lack of social homes, rising NHS waiting lists. It's down to Stormont and how they have prioritised division over investment in abandoned communities.
Migrants aren't to blame for collapsing public services, a lack of social homes, rising NHS waiting lists. It's down to Stormont and how they have prioritised division over investment in abandoned communities.
Belfast City Council has agreed to partly fund a 2 year trail of a weekend night bus services beginning in November.
This will hugely benefit the night time economy and help people get out of the City Centre late at night. Delighted this is finally happening.
This will hugely benefit the night time economy and help people get out of the City Centre late at night. Delighted this is finally happening.
September 19, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Belfast City Council has agreed to partly fund a 2 year trail of a weekend night bus services beginning in November.
This will hugely benefit the night time economy and help people get out of the City Centre late at night. Delighted this is finally happening.
This will hugely benefit the night time economy and help people get out of the City Centre late at night. Delighted this is finally happening.
When racist violence erupted last summer, inaction from the executive let it fester and emboldened fascists. Stormont has a leadership vacuum on this and other issues.
When far-right thugs try to lynch migrant workers outside McDonalds, silence from elected representatives is complicity.
When far-right thugs try to lynch migrant workers outside McDonalds, silence from elected representatives is complicity.
September 10, 2025 at 12:07 PM
When racist violence erupted last summer, inaction from the executive let it fester and emboldened fascists. Stormont has a leadership vacuum on this and other issues.
When far-right thugs try to lynch migrant workers outside McDonalds, silence from elected representatives is complicity.
When far-right thugs try to lynch migrant workers outside McDonalds, silence from elected representatives is complicity.
It's been reported today that nearly half of those arrested in Northern Ireland last August during the racist violence, have previously been reported for domestic abuse.
Don't tell me the biggest threat to women and children comes from immigrants, it's mostly comes from local straight white men.
Don't tell me the biggest threat to women and children comes from immigrants, it's mostly comes from local straight white men.
August 7, 2025 at 9:00 PM
It's been reported today that nearly half of those arrested in Northern Ireland last August during the racist violence, have previously been reported for domestic abuse.
Don't tell me the biggest threat to women and children comes from immigrants, it's mostly comes from local straight white men.
Don't tell me the biggest threat to women and children comes from immigrants, it's mostly comes from local straight white men.
I've been contacted by local residents about another potential pollution incident in the Loop River.
I've informed NIEA and Andrew Muir's office, but both I believe are weak and ineffective. It's not a question of if, but when water quality becomes a risk to human health in NI.
I've informed NIEA and Andrew Muir's office, but both I believe are weak and ineffective. It's not a question of if, but when water quality becomes a risk to human health in NI.
August 3, 2025 at 5:00 PM
I've been contacted by local residents about another potential pollution incident in the Loop River.
I've informed NIEA and Andrew Muir's office, but both I believe are weak and ineffective. It's not a question of if, but when water quality becomes a risk to human health in NI.
I've informed NIEA and Andrew Muir's office, but both I believe are weak and ineffective. It's not a question of if, but when water quality becomes a risk to human health in NI.
A message to all other Belfast City Councillors: Hopefully BCC acquires the Assembly Rooms in next few months, but don't pat yourselves on the back, thinking job done.
This is only the end of the beginning. We still have more to do in delivering a city centre people will be proud of.
This is only the end of the beginning. We still have more to do in delivering a city centre people will be proud of.
July 24, 2025 at 3:44 PM
A message to all other Belfast City Councillors: Hopefully BCC acquires the Assembly Rooms in next few months, but don't pat yourselves on the back, thinking job done.
This is only the end of the beginning. We still have more to do in delivering a city centre people will be proud of.
This is only the end of the beginning. We still have more to do in delivering a city centre people will be proud of.
Cherryvale Park update:
he huge fallen tree from Storm Eowyn has now been cleared, we will be undertaking tree planting come the Autumn. I have asked for this in other South & East Belfast parks.
I've also asked for any new entrance on that side to include pedestrian access.
he huge fallen tree from Storm Eowyn has now been cleared, we will be undertaking tree planting come the Autumn. I have asked for this in other South & East Belfast parks.
I've also asked for any new entrance on that side to include pedestrian access.
June 5, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Cherryvale Park update:
he huge fallen tree from Storm Eowyn has now been cleared, we will be undertaking tree planting come the Autumn. I have asked for this in other South & East Belfast parks.
I've also asked for any new entrance on that side to include pedestrian access.
he huge fallen tree from Storm Eowyn has now been cleared, we will be undertaking tree planting come the Autumn. I have asked for this in other South & East Belfast parks.
I've also asked for any new entrance on that side to include pedestrian access.
sMYTH BUSTING the Green Party, Pt 3: The Greens don't get the cost of living crisis
The working and middle classes are being squeezed, while Stormont shows no ambition or bravery.
We want to build a new Green economy, create thousands of jobs/apprenticeships, and end fuel poverty.
The working and middle classes are being squeezed, while Stormont shows no ambition or bravery.
We want to build a new Green economy, create thousands of jobs/apprenticeships, and end fuel poverty.
June 3, 2025 at 9:47 AM
sMYTH BUSTING the Green Party, Pt 3: The Greens don't get the cost of living crisis
The working and middle classes are being squeezed, while Stormont shows no ambition or bravery.
We want to build a new Green economy, create thousands of jobs/apprenticeships, and end fuel poverty.
The working and middle classes are being squeezed, while Stormont shows no ambition or bravery.
We want to build a new Green economy, create thousands of jobs/apprenticeships, and end fuel poverty.
sMYTH BUSTING the Green Party, part 2: The Greens want to ban cars. No we don't.
We want to strengthen public transport & active travel. Our roads are congested & filled with dirty air. 34% of people in Belfast don't have access to a car. Is this really the best we can do?
We want to strengthen public transport & active travel. Our roads are congested & filled with dirty air. 34% of people in Belfast don't have access to a car. Is this really the best we can do?
May 25, 2025 at 1:50 PM
sMYTH BUSTING the Green Party, part 2: The Greens want to ban cars. No we don't.
We want to strengthen public transport & active travel. Our roads are congested & filled with dirty air. 34% of people in Belfast don't have access to a car. Is this really the best we can do?
We want to strengthen public transport & active travel. Our roads are congested & filled with dirty air. 34% of people in Belfast don't have access to a car. Is this really the best we can do?
sMTYH BUSTING, the Green Party, part 1.
The Greens only care about the environment. Well that's not exactly the case, let's talk about Housing.
The Greens only care about the environment. Well that's not exactly the case, let's talk about Housing.
May 16, 2025 at 8:50 AM
sMTYH BUSTING, the Green Party, part 1.
The Greens only care about the environment. Well that's not exactly the case, let's talk about Housing.
The Greens only care about the environment. Well that's not exactly the case, let's talk about Housing.
I'm often sent photos of needle finds in the city centre, this from 9am. Which I've reported to be cleaned.
Some in BCC want to ignore the issue & for me to be quiet. I'm not going to & I'll get louder, we need an overdose prevention centre: Save lives & build collective safety.
Some in BCC want to ignore the issue & for me to be quiet. I'm not going to & I'll get louder, we need an overdose prevention centre: Save lives & build collective safety.
April 22, 2025 at 9:28 AM
I'm often sent photos of needle finds in the city centre, this from 9am. Which I've reported to be cleaned.
Some in BCC want to ignore the issue & for me to be quiet. I'm not going to & I'll get louder, we need an overdose prevention centre: Save lives & build collective safety.
Some in BCC want to ignore the issue & for me to be quiet. I'm not going to & I'll get louder, we need an overdose prevention centre: Save lives & build collective safety.
We need a new approach to drug and alcohol misuse in Belfast. We can't ignore rising drug deaths & the impact of zero tolerance policies.
Let's make Belfast the first harm reduction city in Ireland, support our night time economy & make this city a model of progressive change.
Let's make Belfast the first harm reduction city in Ireland, support our night time economy & make this city a model of progressive change.
April 16, 2025 at 9:02 AM
We need a new approach to drug and alcohol misuse in Belfast. We can't ignore rising drug deaths & the impact of zero tolerance policies.
Let's make Belfast the first harm reduction city in Ireland, support our night time economy & make this city a model of progressive change.
Let's make Belfast the first harm reduction city in Ireland, support our night time economy & make this city a model of progressive change.
Today I got my tax comparison for 25/26, it estimates I'll pay £1338 more. I'm fine with that, I want our shattered public services rebuilt.
Yet I want the rich to pay their fair share, instead of working/middle classes taking the burden the most. Our kids deserve better than a future in poverty.
Yet I want the rich to pay their fair share, instead of working/middle classes taking the burden the most. Our kids deserve better than a future in poverty.
March 21, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Today I got my tax comparison for 25/26, it estimates I'll pay £1338 more. I'm fine with that, I want our shattered public services rebuilt.
Yet I want the rich to pay their fair share, instead of working/middle classes taking the burden the most. Our kids deserve better than a future in poverty.
Yet I want the rich to pay their fair share, instead of working/middle classes taking the burden the most. Our kids deserve better than a future in poverty.
As thousands of people come into Belfast City Centre to celebrate St Patrick's Day, one of its most important & historic buildings lies left to rot by the failure of private developers.
It's time for Assembly Rooms to come into public ownership & save it for future generations.
It's time for Assembly Rooms to come into public ownership & save it for future generations.
March 17, 2025 at 11:36 AM
As thousands of people come into Belfast City Centre to celebrate St Patrick's Day, one of its most important & historic buildings lies left to rot by the failure of private developers.
It's time for Assembly Rooms to come into public ownership & save it for future generations.
It's time for Assembly Rooms to come into public ownership & save it for future generations.
Dear Castlebrooke,
Please sell up and sod off.
Yours sincerely
The people of Belfast.
Please sell up and sod off.
Yours sincerely
The people of Belfast.
March 7, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Dear Castlebrooke,
Please sell up and sod off.
Yours sincerely
The people of Belfast.
Please sell up and sod off.
Yours sincerely
The people of Belfast.
Another devastating pollution incident and all the Alliance minister can offer are words that he is concerned.
Our rivers and Lough Neagh are dying in open sight and we have a minister who is weak and ineffective in tackling this public health crisis.
Our rivers and Lough Neagh are dying in open sight and we have a minister who is weak and ineffective in tackling this public health crisis.
February 15, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Another devastating pollution incident and all the Alliance minister can offer are words that he is concerned.
Our rivers and Lough Neagh are dying in open sight and we have a minister who is weak and ineffective in tackling this public health crisis.
Our rivers and Lough Neagh are dying in open sight and we have a minister who is weak and ineffective in tackling this public health crisis.
Vehicle access to Cherryvale Park is back in place after the damage from the recent storm.
Thanks to the efforts of Belfast City Council staff in getting this sorted.
Thanks to the efforts of Belfast City Council staff in getting this sorted.
February 6, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Vehicle access to Cherryvale Park is back in place after the damage from the recent storm.
Thanks to the efforts of Belfast City Council staff in getting this sorted.
Thanks to the efforts of Belfast City Council staff in getting this sorted.
Up the Mancunian Reds.
February 2, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Up the Mancunian Reds.
Cherryvale Park has reopened to pedestrians only. A gate on the Ravenhill Road has been made available.
Council is working to resolve the vehicle entrance at the front which suffered from extensive damage during last week's storm.
Council is working to resolve the vehicle entrance at the front which suffered from extensive damage during last week's storm.
January 29, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Cherryvale Park has reopened to pedestrians only. A gate on the Ravenhill Road has been made available.
Council is working to resolve the vehicle entrance at the front which suffered from extensive damage during last week's storm.
Council is working to resolve the vehicle entrance at the front which suffered from extensive damage during last week's storm.
Cherryvale Park remains closed until midweek due to structural damage to the front entrance, brick pillars and fencing. Most of the tree that collapsed at the entrance has been removed.
Contractors begin work on Monday and safely secure the area, before it can reopen to the public.
Contractors begin work on Monday and safely secure the area, before it can reopen to the public.
January 25, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Cherryvale Park remains closed until midweek due to structural damage to the front entrance, brick pillars and fencing. Most of the tree that collapsed at the entrance has been removed.
Contractors begin work on Monday and safely secure the area, before it can reopen to the public.
Contractors begin work on Monday and safely secure the area, before it can reopen to the public.
Approx 300 reports of trees down across Belfast and that's not counting trees in parks. Which we will have a sense of tomorrow.
Going to take a few days to clean up across the city.
Going to take a few days to clean up across the city.
January 24, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Approx 300 reports of trees down across Belfast and that's not counting trees in parks. Which we will have a sense of tomorrow.
Going to take a few days to clean up across the city.
Going to take a few days to clean up across the city.
Entrance to Cherryvale Park blocked and seriously damaged due to a large tree that has collapsed. Stay at home and keep safe.
I'll keep people updated.
I'll keep people updated.
January 24, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Entrance to Cherryvale Park blocked and seriously damaged due to a large tree that has collapsed. Stay at home and keep safe.
I'll keep people updated.
I'll keep people updated.