Line 18: Belfast Divided

Synopsis

In Belfast, the legacy of the Good Friday Agreement is evident 20 years later, yet the city remains divided. The Lagon River serves as a backdrop to a community still segregated by religion, with 99 walls separating Catholics and Protestants. Each evening, gates lock between these communities, highlighting ongoing divisions. Young people reflect the sentiments of older generations, revealing that the divide persists. The Police Service of Northern Ireland patrols these areas, particularly in North and West Belfast, where the threat of violence is still significant. Sergeant Craig McDowell, a police officer for nearly 30 years, notes the challenges faced by families, including issues related to drugs and mental health. Despite efforts to build peace, the hopes for a united future clash with the realities of a city still marked by its troubled past.