Belfast Healthy Cities Chief Executive, Charlene Brooks, recently met with Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins MLA to discuss shared ambitions for creating more inclusive, climate-conscious, and age-friendly infrastructure across Belfast and Northern Ireland. The meeting focused on key public health priorities, including the expansion of active travel infrastructure, improved access to quality green spaces, and the vital role of embedding health equity into long-term urban planning and infrastructure policy.
Belfast’s status as a WHO-designated Healthy City was highlighted, along with the strength of partnership working across organisations including Belfast City Council, Public Health Agency, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
Belfast Healthy Cities emphasised the urgent need to connect urban planning with public health outcomes and noted the collaborative approach taken by the Department for Infrastructure. The discussion drew on evidence presented by Professor Ruth Hunter of Queen’s University Belfast and Board Member of Belfast Healthy Cities, including insights from the GroundsWell project which focuses on the links between green spaces and population health.
Charlene Brooks, Chief Executive of Belfast Healthy Cities, said:
“Creating healthier cities isn’t just about healthcare – it’s about the places we live and work in, and how we plan for the future. Green infrastructure and active travel systems have a vital role to play in addressing climate change and promoting good health outcomes for all. I welcome the Minister’s interest in these issues and her commitment to working collaboratively across departments. Together, we can work towards Belfast being a city that prioritises wellbeing, inclusion and sustainability.”
The meeting also addressed how cross-departmental working can strengthen action on the social and environmental determinants of health, an approach that lies at the heart of the WHO Healthy Cities Network. Topics discussed included climate change as a public health challenge, the importance of walkable neighbourhoods, and reducing transport poverty through better access to services and opportunities.
Minister Liz Kimmins MLA, Minister for Infrastructure, said:
“I was pleased to meet with Belfast Healthy Cities and learn more about their work to create healthier, greener and more inclusive communities. There is a clear opportunity for my Department to strengthen its contribution to public health through infrastructure that prioritises active travel, green spaces and inclusive urban design. I look forward to continuing this important conversation and ensuring that the needs of all citizens, particularly our older population, are reflected in our planning and delivery.”
Belfast Healthy Cities will continue to work with government, local authorities, and community partners to promote a joined-up, evidence-based approach to infrastructure that delivers long-term benefits for health, sustainability, and social equity.
For more information about Belfast Healthy Cities, visit www.belfasthealthycities.com