Northern Ireland

Queries over Belfast City Council plans to spend £70,000 on 'giant bubble'

A giant bubble could be part of the celebrations at this year's Belfast Maritime Festival. File picture
A giant bubble could be part of the celebrations at this year's Belfast Maritime Festival. File picture
By Michael Kenwood

A Belfast council plan to spend £70,000 on a “giant bubble” has been held up after being questioned by elected representatives.

At the most recent committee meeting at Belfast City Council, an officer update report on contracts sought approval from councillors for a number of “single tender actions.”

Eyebrows were raised however with the inclusion of a two-day contract for up to £70,000, awarded to Atelier Sisu for the acquisition of a “unique Giant Bubble Art Installation” as part of the Belfast Maritime Festival this year.

During the committee meeting, Sinn Féin Councillor Ronan McLaughlin said: “I would like this to be deferred for a bit more information, because to be honest, this is as clear as mud. This is £70,000 for two days awarded to the contractor for the acquisition of a giant bubble.”

The committee agreed that the contract be deferred until after the May council elections, at the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee in June.

Belfast Maritime Festival could this year feature a 'giant bubble# costing £70,000
Belfast Maritime Festival could this year feature a 'giant bubble# costing £70,000

In February this year, members of Belfast City Council voted to increase rates by 7.99 per cent.

The Strategic Policy and Resources Committee report on the bubble installation states: “The festival board decided that the unique design was best fitting to enhance the festival in an international setting with lots of social network opportunities to showcase Belfast’s most iconic landmarks and enhance the ambience and curiosity around Belfast’s Maritime Event offering.”