On Top Of The World On The Belfast Wheel

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA and the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Jim Rodgers took a ride on the Belfast Wheel on Monday to mark the opening of the city's newest tourist attraction.

After taking in the views of the city centre from the 60-metre observation wheel at the City Hall, the Minister said: "The Belfast Wheel has already established itself as a unique tourist attraction. It is providing people with the opportunity to view the extensive regeneration that my Department is taking forward throughout Belfast.

"You only have to look at the skyline of cranes across the city to know that Belfast is being regenerated. My Department is at the heart of this work, including the £16 million 'Belfast: Streets Ahead' programme to upgrade the city streets and open spaces."

Lord Mayor Councillor Jim Rodgers agreed, telling reporters that: "This is an exciting time for Belfast, as the city re-invents herself through massive regeneration projects such as Victoria Square and Titanic Quarter which are transforming our city centre.

"The Belfast Wheel is an exciting addition to all of this work, and offers the opportunity for both our own citizens and visitors to Belfast to see all of this work from a unique perspective."

Admission to the wheel is £6 for adults and £4 for children up to the age of 12.