INFRASTRUCTURE Minister Liz Kimmins says her proposals for pedestrianisation of Belfast city centre will be brought forward in the "next few weeks".
It comes after the scheme was introduced during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
The measure has led to calls for permanent pedestrianisation in Belfast city centre.
Minister Kimmins said: “The measures introduced for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann clearly demonstrated the benefits of pedestrianisation and has led for calls for a more permanent solution. This has shown how we can make Belfast a nicer place for people and their families to live, to work and to visit.
“My Department has already been working diligently behind the scenes to prepare a new Transport Plan for the Belfast area.
“In the next few weeks, I will bring forward a consultation which includes proposals for the expansion of pedestrianisation in Belfast city centre.
“It is my ambition to reshape our town and city centres to put people first, creating more attractive, accessible, and vibrant places while reducing car dependency and encouraging sustainable travel choices.
“I want to hear everyone’s views on these proposals to ensure that everything we do is accessible for all."
North Belfast MP John Finucane welcomed the move.
"For a week, our city centre was transformed into a vibrant, welcoming space where families, visitors and communities could come together and enjoy Belfast without being dominated by traffic.
"I want to commend Minister Kimmins for taking these important steps towards and finalising her plans for expanding pedestrianisation in Belfast city centre.
"Her announcement that she will soon be bringing forward proposals for consultation is a welcome move and shows the ambition needed to deliver a cleaner, greener and more people focused Belfast.
"The success of the Fleadh has shown that people want this change. The public have seen what is possible when our city centre is designed around people rather than cars."
