belfast saw two distinct storylines converge: TASCIT celebrated thirteen years of cross-community work breaking down barriers at a North Belfast interface, and Arnold Schwarzenegger returned to receive an honorary degree from Ulster University. The TASCIT project has placed residents at the heart of discussions about peacewall removal and community relations around some of the most contentious interface sites. Schwarzenegger, the Hollywood-star-turned-politician, recalled his first visit in 1966 and said he was ‘tricked’ into a return engagement set for 30 March (ET).
Belfast interface project: 13 years breaking barriers
TASCIT (Twaddell Ardoyne Shankill Communities in Transition) has worked across community lines for thirteen years, supporting dialogue on barrier removal and contentious local issues. The partnership, supported through the International Fund for Ireland’s Peace Barriers Programme, acted as a channel for residents to discuss the future of the “peacewalls” and to come together for respectful but honest conversations.
Sean Oliver, TASCIT staff member, said: “It has been a very rewarding thirteen years for those of us involved in the project. We would see ourselves as a catalyst, acting as a channel for local residents to discuss the future of the ‘peacewalls’ in their area and also creating opportunities for people from either side of the interface to come together and discuss the contentious issues, to hear others point of view and to have respectful but honest conversations. “
Mary, a local resident, described initial nervousness about joining the project and the surprise of finding shared concerns across communities: “I live a few hundred yards from the interface and in all my life, I’m fifty five, I had had no contact with the people on the other side of the road. So I was quite apprehensive about joining up for such a course but it was amazing to sit in the room with some of those people, for us to talk about our lives and our views. ” The cross-community work took place in North Belfast, and participants described its impact for belfast residents.
Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Paul Doherty, said: “Building trust within both communities has been instrumental in TASCIT’s approach to get agreement around barrier removal. Alongside regular consultations, they delivered a series of engaging, family-friendly events and the successful ‘Challenging Conversations’ course. ” The project was a driving force behind the removal of the Flax Street barrier, which divided communities for 40 years, and the creation of Hillview Retail Park, now home to major brands mentioned in the project record.
Schwarzenegger’s return and honorary degree
Ulster University conferred an honorary degree on Arnold Schwarzenegger, marking a return decades after his first visit in 1966. Schwarzenegger said his original visit was a “breakthrough” because it was the first time he was invited to speak in public; he said he “nearly fainted” when asked to address the crowd at a bodybuilding competition but later gained confidence from that moment onward.
Schwarzenegger recounted arriving penniless on his first trip, being hosted by a local bodybuilding judge in Dundonald and being treated to an Ulster fry. He told university hosts that when asked if he still believed in free speech he replied, “Of course I do. ” He said they then informed him: “Good, you are going to give one on 30 March in Belfast. ” “So I was tricked, I couldn’t get out of it anymore, ” Schwarzenegger laughed. He met students and athletes at the university reception; Niamh, a student, said, “I can’t believe he’s here, of all places, ” and her friend Sinead added, “It’s kind of random, but it’s kind of crazy. “
Local reaction and what happens next
Local leaders and participants framed both developments as signs of continued civic life and engagement. TASCIT leaders emphasised ongoing consultations and community events, such as the ‘Challenging Conversations’ course, as tools to build trust and explore sensitive issues including the legacy of the Troubles, cultural heritage and identity.
Looking ahead, TASCIT will continue consultations with residents about peacewall removal while Ulster University’s engagement with visiting figures will include the scheduled appearance on 30 March (ET) and further meetings with students and athletes. Community organisers and city officials will monitor the outcomes of those conversations, and participants said they hope the momentum from thirteen years of work will inform next steps for belfast’s interface areas.
