Braniel


Braniel or The Braniel is a large housing estate and townland in southeast Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is in the barony of Castlereagh Upper and parish of Knockbreda in County Down. Two small developments, Roddens and Glenview, are located in the area, and are often referred to the Braniel. It is a predominantly unionist area.

History

The name 'Braniel' comes from the Irish Broinngheal or Bruach Uí Néill. These likely refer to Braniel Hill.
The Entrance to the Braniel is via the Knock Road and the Ballygowan Road or through the Gilnahirk route. Nearby estates include Church Road, Gilnahirk, Tullycarnet, Clarawood, Clonduff, Casaeldona and Cregagh. In 2001, a man was murdered on Ravenswood Park, at the end entering the Braniel Square. In 2008, a man was stabbed on Whincroft Road, one of the main roads into Braniel Square. A 28-year-old man was then arrested and given bail following the event. On 13 March 2012, a man drove through the front of a house on Whincroft Road. No further details have been released at this time though it is believed the man had a heart attack or blacked out at the steering wheel of his Citroen Picasso before driving through the front of 13 Whincroft Road.

Fires

2009

On 11 April 2009 Braniel Primary school was set of fire by arsonists. The fire started in a bin area at the side of the school and spread to the roof of the school. It was extinguished and only the bin area and fencing as well as the roof were damaged. The School assembly hall was also slightly damaged inside. The fire cost around £10,000 in damages.

2011

On 7 January 2011, a flat in the estate went on fire, a baby inside and four other people were saved.

Services

Current

Glenside
Glenside

Former

In 2009, the Braniel Dreamscheme painted a new mural over an old graffitied wall near the Braniel Park, on the back of the Braniel row of shops. The Dreamscheme is still an ongoing activity in the estate.