Recently (Today), I stated that I would be traveling to Belfast, among other places, so I decided to read some news, and just guess what I found. Apparently, Belfast is removing the security barriers, which were used during the "Troublings". I would have to say that this is a move in the right direction. Perhaps Belfast will become a great tourist capitol in the future. The Belfast City Management also extended the restaurant and cafe hours to 7PM. I am glad that it is headed in the right direction.

Belfast tonight took another major step towards normality with the removal of the final security barriers within the city centre.

Barriers, erected during the Troubles to thwart paramilitary attacks, were dismantled from outside the bus station in Glengall Street and near Jury’s Hotel on the Grosvenor Road.

Other barriers, including one at the junction of the city’s main shopping thoroughfare Royal Avenue and North Street, have also been dismantled over the past week.

The move was welcomed by Northern Ireland Office Social Development Minister David Hanson and by Joanne Jennings of Belfast City Centre management as a further sign of Belfast’s development as a modern, vibrant European city.

Mr Hanson said the disappearance of the barriers would help stimulate more confidence in the city.

“It will contribute positively to the economic and social vitality of the city and will help to promote the city as a leading European regional capital and the primary retail, leisure and business destination in Northern Ireland,” the minister added.