Matthew Shanks - DUP

07/09/2026

I will be watching developments at this site very closely.

There have been a number of significant changes to the Dunmurry landscape within this past year alone, and this will be yet another one.

The area which Survitec sits on falls within Belfast City Council, like Dunmurry village, and specifically the 'Colin DEA', which has 5 Sinn Fein councillors and no unionist representatives. Some of their recent attempts to have the area developed have been knocked back, including at the former Dunmurry Cricket Club site.

It is imperative that future development will be harmonious with the surrounding environment and that any efforts to convert the site into homes will help address the housing pressures in the primary neighbouring communities.

With the site only just being up for sale, there is a long way to go, though.

06/09/2026

Well done to the PSNI in Lisburn for their continued action on this issue.

This continues to be a major problem raised with me by residents.

While I appreciate some people use these for legitimate reasons and in a relatively safe manner, such as when travelling to work, they are ultimately illegal to use on the road and are very often being utilised by young children.

Parents must take responsibility. Why any parent would buy one of these for their child is beyond me!

Lisburn City Neighbourhood Policing Team have been out over the weekend on patrol.

While out we have encountered a number of people using E Scooters on the roads. These continue to be used illegally on public roads as they do not have insurance and the other necessary requirements to drive a vehicle or mechanically propelled vehicle on a public road. E Scooters are to be used on private land, with the permission of the land owner.

As a result of this 4 E Scooters have been seized by Police and the owners provided with information regarding the proper use of them and how they can appeal to get them back.

Accidents on the roads are happening with serious injuries to the riders of E Scooters as many riding them have no awareness of the highway code, the rules of the road or how to drive safely on a road. We would ask parents who have bought E Scooters for young children to ensure that they are being used safely and in the correct locations.

03/09/2026

Deeply concerning to see such cuts having to be made to South Eastern Trust services.

The Trust must urgently clarify what this means for Lagan Valley and Lisburn residents.

03/09/2026

A number of residents had reached out to me and the Dunmurry Community Association regarding this issue, with concerns as to what the site was currently being used for, along with the plans for its future.

I’m pleased to have obtained clarification from the Conway Group on these matters and look forward to the DCA working with them in the future!

🏗️ 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗢𝗡 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗘𝗥 𝗕𝗘𝗟𝗙𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗕𝗜𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗘 𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗘 – 𝗚𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗕𝗨𝗥𝗡 𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗗 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛

Following questions and some speculation locally regarding the former Belfast Bible College site on Glenburn Road South, we recently contacted the Conway Group, who purchased the site, to seek clarity around its current use and any potential future plans.

Our Secretary, Matthew Shanks, spoke with Director Kevin McGurgan, who was helpful in providing reassurance and clarification around a number of the issues that have been raised locally.

Kevin confirmed that the property was acquired as part of an ongoing expansion of the Group’s healthcare operation and, pending further improvement works, is currently being used as ancillary facilities for the Group’s care homes. This explains why some residents have seen people moving to and from the site in recent months.

We believe some of the recent speculation may be centred around the site being described as a “hostel” on Google Maps. We understand that this is not a new description and appears to have been associated with the site for some time. We hope the clarification provided by the Conway Group regarding its current use helps to address any misunderstanding or speculation arising from this.

The increased security and fencing around the perimeter were also discussed. We were advised that this was installed following break-ins at the site and is intended to keep the property and those using it secure.

The Conway Group, one of Northern Ireland’s leading care home providers, is currently working on plans to convert the site and repurpose the existing buildings into a leading care home facility, with an associated investment upwards of £25 million.

It is also welcome that, following its purchase by the Conway Group, the site is being maintained and looked after, including the listed building within the grounds, which has been a longstanding feature of the area.

Kevin assured us that the Conway Group wants to establish and maintain a positive relationship with the local community. As Dunmurry’s longstanding community association, we look forward to building on this engagement and maintaining an open line of communication as the future of the site progresses. This will include sharing any associated plans with the Association and the wider Dunmurry community.

We hope this update helps to address some of the speculation locally and provides residents with a clearer understanding of the site’s current use.

03/09/2026

Christmas products… in September!

That’s far too early, even for someone like me who adores mince pies!😂

02/09/2026

Alliance Party arrogance is off the charts!

In response to a post I made about them and their radical left-wing polices, I have just seen one of their representatives take credit for, get this…

Creating the NHS, the welfare state, and the 40-hour work week!

All created before 1950 mind you, before they, and the Alliance Party, even existed! 😂

Are they time-travellers too? 🥴

Lagan Valley DUP

02/09/2026

Oh dear, they do get terribly riled up, don’t they?🥴

Bless their hearts!

Every comment just spurs me on! 😉

📢 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗻!

Enough is enough!

There can be no more hiding from the truth for the Alliance Party in Lisburn on their party’s overt support for Irish language signs, the promotion of abortion, and radical left-wing policies.

It is clear where their Belfast City Council colleagues stand on these matters - firmly aligned with Nationalism and Republicanism and their left wing allies, supporting them to the hilt.

Why are Lisburn and Lagan Valley Alliance Party representatives silent when asked if they believe the same things? What are they afraid of?

The people of Lisburn deserve better. Time for a proper public debate and honest answers!

Lagan Valley DUP

02/09/2026

📢 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗻!

Enough is enough!

There can be no more hiding from the truth for the Alliance Party in Lisburn on their party’s overt support for Irish language signs, the promotion of abortion, and radical left-wing policies.

It is clear where their Belfast City Council colleagues stand on these matters - firmly aligned with Nationalism and Republicanism and their left wing allies, supporting them to the hilt.

Why are Lisburn and Lagan Valley Alliance Party representatives silent when asked if they believe the same things? What are they afraid of?

The people of Lisburn deserve better. Time for a proper public debate and honest answers!

Lagan Valley DUP

01/09/2026

Back at it! 💪

🏢 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 👋

Hope everyone had a good Bank Holiday weekend!

My Lisburn office is back open and, as always, you’re welcome to call in anytime if there’s anything I or the team can help with.

📍 15 Bachelors Walk, Lisburn, BT28 1JX

You can also get us on:

📞 028 9266 1100
📧 [email protected]

Whatever the issue, big or small, please feel free to get in touch - we’re here to help!

Lagan Valley DUP