Latest news with #McAnulty
Scoop
10 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
Government, Opposition Scrap Over Common Infrastructure Ground
Article – RNZ Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has agreed to work with his counterparts on the 30-year plan, but the discussion got heated. A reference to $250,000 was corrected to $250 million in this story. Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has committed to working directly with the Opposition, when putting together the Government's response to the 30-year infrastructure plan due out next week. He says that co-operation comes on the proviso that infrastructure decisions are always political in nature – and it did not stop the discussion from repeatedly descending into a fingerpointing tit-for-tat over which government was to blame for what. Labour housing, infrastructure and public investment spokesperson Kieran McAnulty kicked off the scrutiny week select committee hearing on Thursday afternoon, making an effort to 'start on a positive note' on how bipartisanship could work for infrastructure policy, suggesting that would provide more certainty to the sector. 'I agree,' Bishop said. 'That's part of the reason why we campaigned on a 30-year national infrastructure plan being developed in government.' The plan has been developed independently by the Infrastructure Commission since late 2023 and is due to be launched at Parliament next week, with the government required to respond within six months. Bishop said he planned a Parliamentary debate, so all the political parties' views could be included in that response, but McAnulty wanted more. 'At the moment, frankly, the attitude of some ministers of bipartisanship is, 'We'll work with you, if you agree with us', and I don't think that's good enough,' he said, garnering an emphatic 'yeah' from Green MP Julie Anne Genter. Bishop said completely depoliticising infrastructure was not possible, which was to be expected in a democracy. 'You know, if we all agreed, this would be a fairly boring place,' he said. McAnulty agreed with an agreement to disagree. 'We think some of the things you've done are stupid… what I would like to see is a commitment,' he said. 'There's an opportunity there to work with the other side to actually identify where there is broad agreement and include that in your response.' More than just a debate, he wanted the response to include an explanation of which infrastructure projects the government and opposition parties agreed on. Bishop: 'I'm happy to commit to that now. Just making the obvious point … we may not always agree. 'For example, you guys have got to figure out where you're at on PPPs, for example, because you've had about nine different positions. McAnulty: 'We know where we're at with that.' Bishop: 'You sure?' McAnulty: 'Yes, I am actually… this is one of the things that I'm actually trying to avoid, right, is that we can't help ourselves. 'This is the game we're in. We talk about bipartisanship, but we also take every opportunity to have a crack at each other.' Bishop: 'Well, you just said some of the stuff we've done was stupid.' McAnulty: 'Exactly my point, we can't help ourselves.' Bishop said parties could agree on a lot, when it came to infrastructure, and 'sometimes there's a bit more heat than light in this debate'. McAnulty said he did not think the public would know that. The minister pressed on, deferring to Infrastructure Commission chief executive Geoff Cooper to explain the projects expected across the country from about 110 organisations, including all but 14 of the country's councils. The result was a list showing investment worth $206 billion, broken down by region and sector, which Cooper said started to paint a much clearer picture of investment. 'The point is to have… almost a single source of truth for what's in the pipeline,' Bishop said. Committee chair Andy Foster – a former Wellington mayor – said the information should be included in councils' long-term plans and they should be contributing. Bishop had an easy solution. 'Well, if they don't do it, we can just mandate that they do it – but I'd rather not, because that takes time and money,' he said. 'I'd rather they just do it.' 'Enough of those mandates for councils,' interjected Labour local government spokesperson Tangi Utikere. 'We make them do all sorts of things for the right reasons and this would be the same thing,' Bishop responded. Clashes over cancellations While the first half hour was not entirely bonhomie, unicorns and rainbows, the verbal finger pointing was surely on show in the second half of Bishop's appearance. McAnulty asked if the minister accepted cancelling projects across successive governments had affected sector confidence. 'Depends exactly what you're talking about,' Bishop said. 'I accept that, after 2017, the radical change in direction of the National Land Transport Plan at the time had a significant impact.' 'So you're willing to say that one government cancelled projects that had an effect, but you're not willing to concede that you guys cancelling projects has?' McAnulty responded. Bishop said it showed the limits of bipartisanship. 'Our view was that they're the wrong projects for the country, he said. 'Depends which one, but generally too expensive, not good value for money, in some cases undeliverable. 'It was the right thing to do to say, 'You know what, we're actually just not going to proceed with that'.' Genter said many council projects were also defunded under the coalition and the iReX ferry replacement could have been rescoped, rather than dumped. Predictably, this kicked off a four-minute cancellation-measuring contest – which government cancelled more projects? Who cancelled more projects that were already contracted? 'You can have an intention to do something, it doesn't mean it will end up happening,' Bishop concluded – or seemed to. 'The last government lived in fiscal fantasy land.' 'Only because your government made a decision to give billions of dollars to landlords,' Genter fired back. Foster was eager to move on, asking Bishop about whether Kāinga Ora had managed to bring social housing build costs down to the same level as private developers – a topic well traversed in the last scrutiny week in December. The minister did not have the latest numbers, 'because this is not the vote Housing and Urban Development estimates', but the agency was making 'good progress' and would report back on that publicly. He and Utikere then argued some more over the roughly $250 million allocated for cancellation of the ferries contract – whether that was part of Bishop's responsibilities – with Bishop saying it belonged to Rail Minister Winston Peters and Utikere saying, when they'd asked Peters, he'd referred it to Bishop. Utikere: 'And the minister doesn't even know … that's very disappointing.' Bishop: 'Yes. So's your behaviour.' Utikere: 'No, it's not actually, minister, my behaviour is about scrutinising the executive – that is our responsibility. 'It is disappointing that you don't know the answer to just over a quarter of a billion dollars' worth of taxpayers money that has been set aside in your Budget.' Foster stepped in again, suggesting Bishop's answer was that it was best for his ministerial staff to provide an answer and they did. Treasury deputy secretary Leilani Frew said negotiations for the ferry contract exit were still continuing, as well as wind-down costs. The discussion soon wound down too – after a series of patsy questions and a discussion about the causes of 15,000 fewer people being employed in construction. Bishop argued it was an expected side-effect of bringing down the official cash rate, which would – in turn – have the biggest effect on reinvigorating the sector, McAnulty argued housing could be an avenue for stimulating growth. In the end, the public got a commitment to bipartisanship. Whether it lasts remains to be seen, but investors watching this scrappy select committee may be hesitant to bet the house on it.
Scoop
11 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
Government, Opposition Scrap Over Common Infrastructure Ground
A reference to $250,000 was corrected to $250 million in this story. Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has committed to working directly with the Opposition, when putting together the Government's response to the 30-year infrastructure plan due out next week. He says that co-operation comes on the proviso that infrastructure decisions are always political in nature - and it did not stop the discussion from repeatedly descending into a fingerpointing tit-for-tat over which government was to blame for what. Labour housing, infrastructure and public investment spokesperson Kieran McAnulty kicked off the scrutiny week select committee hearing on Thursday afternoon, making an effort to "start on a positive note" on how bipartisanship could work for infrastructure policy, suggesting that would provide more certainty to the sector. "I agree," Bishop said. "That's part of the reason why we campaigned on a 30-year national infrastructure plan being developed in government." The plan has been developed independently by the Infrastructure Commission since late 2023 and is due to be launched at Parliament next week, with the government required to respond within six months. Bishop said he planned a Parliamentary debate, so all the political parties' views could be included in that response, but McAnulty wanted more. "At the moment, frankly, the attitude of some ministers of bipartisanship is, 'We'll work with you, if you agree with us', and I don't think that's good enough," he said, garnering an emphatic "yeah" from Green MP Julie Anne Genter. Bishop said completely depoliticising infrastructure was not possible, which was to be expected in a democracy. "You know, if we all agreed, this would be a fairly boring place," he said. McAnulty agreed with an agreement to disagree. "We think some of the things you've done are stupid... what I would like to see is a commitment," he said. "There's an opportunity there to work with the other side to actually identify where there is broad agreement and include that in your response." More than just a debate, he wanted the response to include an explanation of which infrastructure projects the government and opposition parties agreed on. Bishop: "I'm happy to commit to that now. Just making the obvious point ... we may not always agree. "For example, you guys have got to figure out where you're at on PPPs, for example, because you've had about nine different positions. McAnulty: "We know where we're at with that." Bishop: "You sure?" McAnulty: "Yes, I am actually... this is one of the things that I'm actually trying to avoid, right, is that we can't help ourselves. "This is the game we're in. We talk about bipartisanship, but we also take every opportunity to have a crack at each other." Bishop: "Well, you just said some of the stuff we've done was stupid." McAnulty: "Exactly my point, we can't help ourselves." Bishop said parties could agree on a lot, when it came to infrastructure, and "sometimes there's a bit more heat than light in this debate". McAnulty said he did not think the public would know that. The minister pressed on, deferring to Infrastructure Commission chief executive Geoff Cooper to explain the projects expected across the country from about 110 organisations, including all but 14 of the country's councils. The result was a list showing investment worth $206 billion, broken down by region and sector, which Cooper said started to paint a much clearer picture of investment. "The point is to have... almost a single source of truth for what's in the pipeline," Bishop said. Committee chair Andy Foster - a former Wellington mayor - said the information should be included in councils' long-term plans and they should be contributing. Bishop had an easy solution. "Well, if they don't do it, we can just mandate that they do it - but I'd rather not, because that takes time and money," he said. "I'd rather they just do it." "Enough of those mandates for councils," interjected Labour local government spokesperson Tangi Utikere. "We make them do all sorts of things for the right reasons and this would be the same thing," Bishop responded. Clashes over cancellations While the first half hour was not entirely bonhomie, unicorns and rainbows, the verbal finger pointing was surely on show in the second half of Bishop's appearance. McAnulty asked if the minister accepted cancelling projects across successive governments had affected sector confidence. "Depends exactly what you're talking about," Bishop said. "I accept that, after 2017, the radical change in direction of the National Land Transport Plan at the time had a significant impact." "So you're willing to say that one government cancelled projects that had an effect, but you're not willing to concede that you guys cancelling projects has?" McAnulty responded. Bishop said it showed the limits of bipartisanship. "Our view was that they're the wrong projects for the country, he said. "Depends which one, but generally too expensive, not good value for money, in some cases undeliverable. "It was the right thing to do to say, 'You know what, we're actually just not going to proceed with that'." Genter said many council projects were also defunded under the coalition and the iReX ferry replacement could have been rescoped, rather than dumped. Predictably, this kicked off a four-minute cancellation-measuring contest - which government cancelled more projects? Who cancelled more projects that were already contracted? "You can have an intention to do something, it doesn't mean it will end up happening," Bishop concluded - or seemed to. "The last government lived in fiscal fantasy land." "Only because your government made a decision to give billions of dollars to landlords," Genter fired back. Foster was eager to move on, asking Bishop about whether Kāinga Ora had managed to bring social housing build costs down to the same level as private developers - a topic well traversed in the last scrutiny week in December. The minister did not have the latest numbers, "because this is not the vote Housing and Urban Development estimates", but the agency was making "good progress" and would report back on that publicly. He and Utikere then argued some more over the roughly $250 million allocated for cancellation of the ferries contract - whether that was part of Bishop's responsibilities - with Bishop saying it belonged to Rail Minister Winston Peters and Utikere saying, when they'd asked Peters, he'd referred it to Bishop. Utikere: "And the minister doesn't even know ... that's very disappointing." Bishop: "Yes. So's your behaviour." Utikere:"No, it's not actually, minister, my behaviour is about scrutinising the executive - that is our responsibility. "It is disappointing that you don't know the answer to just over a quarter of a billion dollars' worth of taxpayers money that has been set aside in your Budget." Foster stepped in again, suggesting Bishop's answer was that it was best for his ministerial staff to provide an answer and they did. Treasury deputy secretary Leilani Frew said negotiations for the ferry contract exit were still continuing, as well as wind-down costs. The discussion soon wound down too - after a series of patsy questions and a discussion about the causes of 15,000 fewer people being employed in construction. Bishop argued it was an expected side-effect of bringing down the official cash rate, which would - in turn - have the biggest effect on reinvigorating the sector, McAnulty argued housing could be an avenue for stimulating growth. In the end, the public got a commitment to bipartisanship. Whether it lasts remains to be seen, but investors watching this scrappy select committee may be hesitant to bet the house on it.
The Advertiser
a day ago
- Health
- The Advertiser
'Concerning': COVID and flu cases rising, as NSW Health issues warning
COVID cases have risen by 22 per cent and influenza cases by 32 per cent in a week in Hunter New England, health data shows. "The upswing in COVID has come at the same time as influenza is on the rise," a NSW Health statement said. COVID cases had increased since early May. "Concerningly, the rate with the largest increase is in people aged 90 and over," the statement said. The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report, released on Thursday, said "COVID and influenza vaccinations are especially important at this time for people who are at risk of severe disease". The report showed weekly counts of unplanned emergency department presentations for COVID had spiked to about 400 statewide. Hospital admissions had risen to more than 100. For influenza-like illness, these figures were about 500 and less than 100 respectively. In NSW, 3475 people in NSW tested positive for COVID in the week ending June 14. This was a 10 per cent rise on the previous week. "Most people with COVID do not test for the virus, so the latest figures represent a small proportion of all people who have the virus," the statement said. Dr Jeremy McAnulty, of Health Protection NSW, said COVID was "circulating at moderate levels in the community and is likely to increase". "While most people have already received their primary course of COVID vaccinations, we're urging people - especially those aged 65 and over - to get a booster to protect themselves," Dr McAnulty said. "Boosters are recommended for people 75 and older every six months, and those 65 and older at least every 12 months. "COVID is a serious illness and can cause hospitalisation and death, especially in people who are older, have other risk factors or are immunocompromised." He said people with COVID aged 70 and older, or those with other risk factors, were "eligible for a course of antivirals, which can prevent serious illness" if taken early enough. "These people should make a plan with their doctor about what to do if they do get sick, including what test to take, and how to access antivirals quickly." The Newcastle Herald reported last month that the Hunter's health network recorded 882 COVID deaths from 2019 to 2023. The data, which included New England and Central Coast, was similar to flu and pneumonia (829) and liver disease (863). Canadian research, published in Nature Communications this month, examined frequent COVID vaccination in vulnerable people. The report said there had been concerns that repeated boosters may contribute to "T-cell exhaustion", which could "negatively affect the quality of immune protection". T-cells help protect the body from infection. The study found repeated COVID vaccination was "not associated with increased T-cell exhaustion in older frail adults, immunosuppressed individuals or healthy adults". University of Melbourne research, released this week, said "catching common respiratory viruses raises your short-term risk of a heart attack or stroke". "Common viruses, such as those that cause flu and COVID, can trigger them," the study said, adding that vaccination could help reduce this. COVID cases have risen by 22 per cent and influenza cases by 32 per cent in a week in Hunter New England, health data shows. "The upswing in COVID has come at the same time as influenza is on the rise," a NSW Health statement said. COVID cases had increased since early May. "Concerningly, the rate with the largest increase is in people aged 90 and over," the statement said. The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report, released on Thursday, said "COVID and influenza vaccinations are especially important at this time for people who are at risk of severe disease". The report showed weekly counts of unplanned emergency department presentations for COVID had spiked to about 400 statewide. Hospital admissions had risen to more than 100. For influenza-like illness, these figures were about 500 and less than 100 respectively. In NSW, 3475 people in NSW tested positive for COVID in the week ending June 14. This was a 10 per cent rise on the previous week. "Most people with COVID do not test for the virus, so the latest figures represent a small proportion of all people who have the virus," the statement said. Dr Jeremy McAnulty, of Health Protection NSW, said COVID was "circulating at moderate levels in the community and is likely to increase". "While most people have already received their primary course of COVID vaccinations, we're urging people - especially those aged 65 and over - to get a booster to protect themselves," Dr McAnulty said. "Boosters are recommended for people 75 and older every six months, and those 65 and older at least every 12 months. "COVID is a serious illness and can cause hospitalisation and death, especially in people who are older, have other risk factors or are immunocompromised." He said people with COVID aged 70 and older, or those with other risk factors, were "eligible for a course of antivirals, which can prevent serious illness" if taken early enough. "These people should make a plan with their doctor about what to do if they do get sick, including what test to take, and how to access antivirals quickly." The Newcastle Herald reported last month that the Hunter's health network recorded 882 COVID deaths from 2019 to 2023. The data, which included New England and Central Coast, was similar to flu and pneumonia (829) and liver disease (863). Canadian research, published in Nature Communications this month, examined frequent COVID vaccination in vulnerable people. The report said there had been concerns that repeated boosters may contribute to "T-cell exhaustion", which could "negatively affect the quality of immune protection". T-cells help protect the body from infection. The study found repeated COVID vaccination was "not associated with increased T-cell exhaustion in older frail adults, immunosuppressed individuals or healthy adults". University of Melbourne research, released this week, said "catching common respiratory viruses raises your short-term risk of a heart attack or stroke". "Common viruses, such as those that cause flu and COVID, can trigger them," the study said, adding that vaccination could help reduce this. COVID cases have risen by 22 per cent and influenza cases by 32 per cent in a week in Hunter New England, health data shows. "The upswing in COVID has come at the same time as influenza is on the rise," a NSW Health statement said. COVID cases had increased since early May. "Concerningly, the rate with the largest increase is in people aged 90 and over," the statement said. The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report, released on Thursday, said "COVID and influenza vaccinations are especially important at this time for people who are at risk of severe disease". The report showed weekly counts of unplanned emergency department presentations for COVID had spiked to about 400 statewide. Hospital admissions had risen to more than 100. For influenza-like illness, these figures were about 500 and less than 100 respectively. In NSW, 3475 people in NSW tested positive for COVID in the week ending June 14. This was a 10 per cent rise on the previous week. "Most people with COVID do not test for the virus, so the latest figures represent a small proportion of all people who have the virus," the statement said. Dr Jeremy McAnulty, of Health Protection NSW, said COVID was "circulating at moderate levels in the community and is likely to increase". "While most people have already received their primary course of COVID vaccinations, we're urging people - especially those aged 65 and over - to get a booster to protect themselves," Dr McAnulty said. "Boosters are recommended for people 75 and older every six months, and those 65 and older at least every 12 months. "COVID is a serious illness and can cause hospitalisation and death, especially in people who are older, have other risk factors or are immunocompromised." He said people with COVID aged 70 and older, or those with other risk factors, were "eligible for a course of antivirals, which can prevent serious illness" if taken early enough. "These people should make a plan with their doctor about what to do if they do get sick, including what test to take, and how to access antivirals quickly." The Newcastle Herald reported last month that the Hunter's health network recorded 882 COVID deaths from 2019 to 2023. The data, which included New England and Central Coast, was similar to flu and pneumonia (829) and liver disease (863). Canadian research, published in Nature Communications this month, examined frequent COVID vaccination in vulnerable people. The report said there had been concerns that repeated boosters may contribute to "T-cell exhaustion", which could "negatively affect the quality of immune protection". T-cells help protect the body from infection. The study found repeated COVID vaccination was "not associated with increased T-cell exhaustion in older frail adults, immunosuppressed individuals or healthy adults". University of Melbourne research, released this week, said "catching common respiratory viruses raises your short-term risk of a heart attack or stroke". "Common viruses, such as those that cause flu and COVID, can trigger them," the study said, adding that vaccination could help reduce this. COVID cases have risen by 22 per cent and influenza cases by 32 per cent in a week in Hunter New England, health data shows. "The upswing in COVID has come at the same time as influenza is on the rise," a NSW Health statement said. COVID cases had increased since early May. "Concerningly, the rate with the largest increase is in people aged 90 and over," the statement said. The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report, released on Thursday, said "COVID and influenza vaccinations are especially important at this time for people who are at risk of severe disease". The report showed weekly counts of unplanned emergency department presentations for COVID had spiked to about 400 statewide. Hospital admissions had risen to more than 100. For influenza-like illness, these figures were about 500 and less than 100 respectively. In NSW, 3475 people in NSW tested positive for COVID in the week ending June 14. This was a 10 per cent rise on the previous week. "Most people with COVID do not test for the virus, so the latest figures represent a small proportion of all people who have the virus," the statement said. Dr Jeremy McAnulty, of Health Protection NSW, said COVID was "circulating at moderate levels in the community and is likely to increase". "While most people have already received their primary course of COVID vaccinations, we're urging people - especially those aged 65 and over - to get a booster to protect themselves," Dr McAnulty said. "Boosters are recommended for people 75 and older every six months, and those 65 and older at least every 12 months. "COVID is a serious illness and can cause hospitalisation and death, especially in people who are older, have other risk factors or are immunocompromised." He said people with COVID aged 70 and older, or those with other risk factors, were "eligible for a course of antivirals, which can prevent serious illness" if taken early enough. "These people should make a plan with their doctor about what to do if they do get sick, including what test to take, and how to access antivirals quickly." The Newcastle Herald reported last month that the Hunter's health network recorded 882 COVID deaths from 2019 to 2023. The data, which included New England and Central Coast, was similar to flu and pneumonia (829) and liver disease (863). Canadian research, published in Nature Communications this month, examined frequent COVID vaccination in vulnerable people. The report said there had been concerns that repeated boosters may contribute to "T-cell exhaustion", which could "negatively affect the quality of immune protection". T-cells help protect the body from infection. The study found repeated COVID vaccination was "not associated with increased T-cell exhaustion in older frail adults, immunosuppressed individuals or healthy adults". University of Melbourne research, released this week, said "catching common respiratory viruses raises your short-term risk of a heart attack or stroke". "Common viruses, such as those that cause flu and COVID, can trigger them," the study said, adding that vaccination could help reduce this.
7NEWS
2 days ago
- Health
- 7NEWS
NSW Health's urgent warning as COVID makes nationwide comeback amid flu season
COVID cases are rising again across NSW, just as flu season starts to bite. At total of 3475 people were confirmed to have COVID in the week ending June 14, which was a 10 per cent increase on the previous week, NSW Health revealed on Thursday. The department is urging residents to get their COVID booster shot to protect themselves as the virus continues to spread. Cases have been steadily rising across the state since May, with the largest increase among people aged 90 and older. But the number of confirmed cases likely represents only a fraction of the true total, as most people no longer test for the virus. The uptick is not limited to NSW. According to COVID Life, every state and territory has recorded an increase in June, with NSW, Victoria and Queensland seeing the sharpest rises. Health Protection NSW executive director Dr Jeremy McAnulty warned COVID is circulating at moderate levels and could escalate further, especially if people let their guard down. 'COVID is a serious illness and can cause hospitalisation and death, especially in people who are older, have other risk factors, or are immunocompromised,' McAnulty said. Deakin University professor and chair of epidemiology Catherine Bennett told last month that a new COVID-19 variant — NB.1.8.1 — is spreading rapidly across Australia. 'It is related to variants that we've seen, it looks like two of them have kind of combined but it has some new mutations as well,' Bennett said. 'If you're exposed, you're more likely to catch it.' She added that vaccines can still offer protection. McAnulty also urged people, particularly those aged 65 and older, to get their booster dose. 'While most people have already received their primary course of COVID vaccinations, we're urging people, especially those aged 65 and over, to get a booster to protect themselves,' he said. 'Boosters are recommended for people 75 years and older every six months, and those 65 and older at least every 12 months.' In addition to vaccination, he said there are simple actions that can help slow the spread. 'While vaccination is the best protection, if we all do the right things, like staying home if we're sick, wearing a mask if you do need to go out when unwell, and avoiding crowded spaces for gatherings, we can protect each other from these nasty viruses,' McAnulty said. All COVID-19 vaccinations remain free for everyone in Australia, including those without a Medicare card.
Belfast Telegraph
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Co Down woman to become first from NI to reach impressive milestone at Belfast City Marathon this weekend
Elaine McAnulty from Banbridge has travelled the world to compete in marathons, fundraising for charity Cancer Focus NI. Referring to her extensive fundraising, the seasoned runner said: 'The achievement of completing my 400th marathon will be made sweeter knowing I have made a difference to local people on their cancer journey. 'I have been proud to fundraise for Cancer Focus NI over the past number of years and I am always delighted to see everyone at the charity's cheering station, spurring me on as I make my way around the route.' Ahead of the Moy Park Belfast City Marathon this weekend, McAnulty spoke about the atmosphere runners can expect: 'The Belfast City marathon can be just as enjoyable as the New York marathon, it's all about the atmosphere and making your family proud'. She's offered some advice to first-time marathon runners, saying: 'Anything can happen on the day, the most important thing is to have fun. The atmosphere is electric and the support from the local community across Belfast is unbelievable, it really helps get you across the finish line'. Over 22,000 participants are expected to take to Belfast for the marathon this bank holiday weekend. John Allen, chairman of the Belfast City Marathon organising committee, said: "This year's Bank Holiday weekend will see the biggest marathon in our 43-year history, with 6,500 runners taking on the 26.2-mile challenge. 2,750 relay teams and 1,200 8 mile walkers will join in to soak up in the marathon atmosphere, making it Northern Ireland's biggest mass sport participatory event.' The 26.2 mile race on Sunday will start at Stormont Estate, passing through the north, south, east and west of the city, before finishing in Ormeau Park. Motorists can expect some disruption throughout the morning and early afternoon as participants make their way through the city. The 2025 Moy Park Belfast City Marathon route is similar to the 2024 route, although there are some slight changes. The route has minor alterations at the City Hall, this year remaining on Chichester Street, directly onto Wellington Place before turning left onto Fisherwick Place and continuing on the route. A further change takes place on the Falls Road, turning left onto North Howard Street, left onto Cupar Way, right onto Lanark Way, right onto the Shankill Road, left onto Tennent Street, across the Crumlin Road onto Hillview Road and left onto the Oldpark Road and continuing the route. Roads will start to close wholly or partially at various parts of the city from around 6am until 4pm.
