Needle exchange facility plans spark anti-social behaviour and trade fears for Belfast businesses

Concerns have been raised by business owners that a new needle exchange facility in Belfast city centre will see them lose trade and bring an increase in anti-social behaviour. However, those in favour said the exchange would allow drug users to trade in used needles and would be the only service on offer to help keep users safe.According to the latest figures by the Northern Ireland Research and Statistics Agency (NIRSA), there were 251 drug related deaths in 2024, with 80 being in Belfast.Belfast City Council approved plans by the Belfast Trust for a needle exchange in December 2025.

Owner of Elliott's Fancy Dress, Clark Elliott said: "We have a massive amount of people coming over across the bridge every day.

"Children who live in the area, we have the tourists who use this as a key destination for tourists to come and visit, take photographs.

"It's Belfast waterfront, so it doesn't make sense to have a facility like this on the waterfront.

"I don't think it's the right place, the right location for it. It will definitely affect our business, it will affect other businesses in the areas.

"I do feel sympathy for them. They shouldn't be left to their own, they do need help. But I don't think it should be done on the streets of Belfast."

Needle exchanges work by allowing users to anonymously give in used needles and receive new clean ones.For those who have seen them work up close, they help to protect users and the community.

The People's Kitchen, Paul McCusker said: "Needle exchanges play a vital role in terms of people bringing their needles back to an exchange so they're not littered in the streets.

"But also, needle exchanges work around reducing HIV and reducing blood-borne viruses.

"So, they do a lot of work around harm reduction.

"It's also looking at that individual to try and get them off the drugs and get them into recovery.

"So, needle exchange is a lot more than just providing a needle or a pack of needles for people."

Posters have appeared calling for people to attend a meeting on the issue and to raise complaints.

However, Paul does not believe this is the way forward for those concerned.

He continued: "This fear initially of putting out posters and protests, come and speak to the council, come and speak to the local reps, and those people who are working on the ground to try and find a solution that's going to work for everybody because, reality is, drugs are not going to go away tomorrow. It's on the increase."

A spokesperson from the Belfast Trust said: "Belfast Trust has met with local business owners on a number of occasions to discuss concerns and provide assurance on the core service delivery of the Belfast Inclusion Health Service (BIHS).

"We remain dedicated to establishing innovative ways of working across the health and social care sector to improve health outcomes for people experiencing homelessness.

"BIHS is a nurse-led multidisciplinary team that provides health services to members of the local homelessness community.

"These services include podiatry, dental, GP sessions and social work and can offer clean needles if requested by the user.

"The Trust continues to work in partnership with all parties involved, including the local business community."

A Belfast City Council spokesperson said: "Planning permission has been granted for a change of use from solicitor’s office (Class A2 use) to clinical outpatient medical facility with consulting rooms (Class D1 use) at 3-4 Donegall Quay (LA04/2025/1851/F).

"Neighbour notification and consultation were undertaken in accordance with legislation. This site is located within the city centre where Class D1 uses are acceptable in principle. The proposal also complies with the relevant policies set out in the council’s Local Development Plan, and there were no planning policy grounds to refuse permission.

"The council recognises the need for support services to assist our most vulnerable residents, notes that such facilities are a regular feature of other modern city centres and continues to work closely with our statutory and community partners to support those who are vulnerable.

"We have received correspondence from local businesses in relation to this site, and a meeting will be arranged between their representatives and elected members." Catch up with the latest UTV Live on ITVX

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