DfC - Grounds Maintenance - Poleglass

Belfast Regeneration Directorate (BRD), within the Department for Communities (DfC) is

responsible for tackling deprivation and disadvantage in a way which is inclusive and

responsive to community needs and its aim is to create sustainable communities.

DfC currently owns approximately 70 acres of land in Poleglass which was surplus to

requirements following the Poleglass housing development scheme in the 1980s. There

are almost 2,000 houses in Poleglass and the level of private ownership is very low.

Poleglass lies within the Colin Neighbourhood Area of West Belfast and is within 10% of

the most disadvantaged wards in Northern Ireland. The area suffers from a wide range of

socio-economic problems and a lack of community infrastructure which has contributed to

a varied range of anti-social activity involving misuse of DfC land.

To ensure that the Department for Communities (DfC) land at Poleglass is maintained

effectively and to the highest standard and to demonstrate best practice in meeting all Government legislation, health and safety and sustainable practices, DfC currently have a

contract with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) for the provision of a Grounds

Maintenance Service. This contract will expire on 31 Jan 2026 and the Dept. is seeking to

tender for a new contract from 01 Feb 2026 for a period of 3 years with optional extension

of 1 year. DfC reserves the right to review its operational responsibilities as changes to

the area arise. The Contractor shall be fully consulted on the potential impact to its duties

and responsibilities under the Contract.

The area is approximately 70 acres and is located entirely in the Poleglass area which is

sited in the Belfast City Council area. The specific areas included are: -

Laurel Glen

Stewartstown Glen

Bogstown Glen

Old Colin Woodland

Land adjacent to St. Kieran's Primary School

Land adjacent to Good Shepherd Primary School