Possibly from William McLeish’s chemical works (first recorded in 1850), located approx. 400m away in Dalton Street, or from another factory nearby. Vulcan Street, also in Short Strand, probably refers to a local industry as well.
The minutes of the Town Improvement Committee 28 December 1881 indicate the naming of three new streets off Mountpottinger road Vulcan, Sheriff and Chemical streets. Chemical Street features in The Belfast Directory (1887) Ordinance Survey (1900-1907).