Quarterlands Blog

Local voices are coming together to defend and celebrate a place like no other

The Lagan Valley.

As pressure increases from overdevelopment and under-regulation, we’re documenting what’s at stake: biodiversity, heritage, climate resilience, and fighting to preserve the well-being of our community. Here you’ll find updates on our campaign, thoughtful reflections from residents, and stories that shine a light on both the threats we face and the hope we hold.

We’re a grassroots group standing for something bigger than ourselves. Thank you for reading, sharing, and standing with us.

Blaris Development
Why YOU Must Object to the Blaris Project Development

Why You Must Object to the Blaris Project Before 7th February 2025 The proposed Blaris [...]

31
Jan
Artist by river
Why We Wrote to… NIEA

As part of our ongoing advocacy for the environment, the Quarterlands Group recently wrote to [...]

29
Jan
Belfast Lough’s Dirty Secret: How Planning Failures Are Flushing Our Future Away

Belfast Lough’s Dirty Secret: How Planning Failures Are Flushing Our Future Away Northern Ireland’s waterways [...]

23
Jan
Community Voice Ignored in Quarterlands Planning

Local voices have been dismissed in favour of developers, jeopardizing Drumbeg’s future. Our community must [...]

14
Jan
Which bodies are responsible for sewage spills in NI?

The ultimate responsibility for allowing sewage on streets lies with a combination of organizations, regulatory [...]

10
Dec
For the figures in the graph, the sources are as follows: River Lagan Untreated Sewage Volumes (2019-2023): Data derived from Northern Ireland Water’s publicly available reports and figures regarding combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and wastewater treatment issues. Aggregated estimates based on disclosures in the BBC Spotlight programme (The Sewage Scandal, 2024) and official NI Water documentation. EU Environmental Threshold: Based on EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) guidelines for acceptable discharge levels into water bodies. These guidelines are widely referenced in environmental compliance standards across Europe.
Sewage and the River Lagan

Sewage and the River Lagan: A Crisis in the Making This is no longer a [...]

06
Dec
Urgent Need for Transparency in Planning Process

We repeatedly asked for guidance on planning – we could only object on planning grounds. [...]

03
Dec
Infrastructure in Crisis: Quarterlands Road Development Impact

Drumbeg’s infrastructure is already strained. Roads, schools, and sewage systems cannot handle more development without [...]

28
Nov
Site Junction - Quarterlands Road 23.12.24
LCCC’s Denials Defy Reality

Flooding on Quarterlands Road: LCCC’s Denial Defies Reality As Quarterlands Road continues to be aware [...]

26
Nov
Quarterlands Development Threatens Rural Character

The proposed development at Quarterlands Road disrupts Drumbeg’s rural heritage. With no local amenities, residents [...]

25
Nov