Black Mountain trail will link communities in West Belfast

Belfast City Council approved new walking trails to connect Black Mountain Shared Space with Upper Whiterock Road and Moyard Parade, including three pedestrian access points and landscaping.

New walking trails were approved at a Belfast City Council planning meeting on January 20 to link the Black Mountain Shared Space on Ballygomartin Road with Upper Whiterock Road and Moyard Parade. The council will install gated access points, stockproof fencing, seating, information signs, landscaping and related site works, with three pedestrian access points planned. The scheme covers about 10.6 hectares, includes two historic ringforts, and is designed to maintain cattle grazing while adding native tree and shrub planting. Black Mountain Shared Space is a community hub opened in 2024 that removed sections of a peace wall to create a neutral environment. Key details: - The project was considered by the Belfast City Council Planning Committee on January 20 and was approved as a proposed development. - Planned access points are at Ballygomartin Shared Space, Moyard Parade and Whiterock Road, and works include gated accesses, stockproof fencing, seating, signage and landscaping. - The site measures approximately 10.6 hectares, lies largely outside Belfast settlement limits, and contains two historic circular raths (ringforts). - The council report states the proposal is not visually intrusive, is sensitive to the countryside location, and is not expected to significantly affect designated natural heritage sites. - There were no objections from statutory or non-statutory consultees and no third-party representations; planning officers recommended permission be permitted. - The plan notes five trees will be removed to allow access steps, while 35 native trees (including birch, rowan, cherry and alder) are proposed as part of landscaping. Summary: The project is reported as intended to improve access to the Belfast Hills and to enhance the council's network of green infrastructure for local communities. It is described as sensitive to the rural setting and designed to protect biodiversity and existing agricultural use. Undetermined at this time.