Mallon announces improvements for pedestrians in Derry City Centre

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced a range of measures for Derry City Centre to improve facilities for pedestrians and increase public space.

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon

The scheme has been agreed in partnership with Derry City and Strabane District Council as part of the Covid recovery process.

Measures include the introduction of a one way system from Carlisle Road, through Ferryquay Gate into The Diamond; removal of the existing parking area at the quadrant outside the former Austin’s department store to create more public space: the introduction of a priority system for traffic at Shipquay Gate which will allow a new footway to be created under this historic gate: and developing proposals for parklets on Bishop Street to facilitate outdoor trading opportunities for café- type businesses. 

Making the announcement Minister Mallon said:

“The covid pandemic has brought many changes to how we conduct our daily lives and as we move towards a recovery phase I want to play my part in the transformation that our society deserves. This means creating a greener, cleaner more sustainable environment with less reliance on motor vehicles and a renewed focus on those who wish to walk, wheel and cycle.  Once completed these measures will transform the Derry cityscape, providing safe spaces for all who work and live there to meet, shop and travel.  

 “I am also committed to working with other local councils, stakeholders and local people so that we can shape our future together and deliver similar changes across our villages, towns and cities.”

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Brian Tierney welcomed the introduction of the new measures saying he hoped they would facilitate the reopening of businesses once restrictions were lifted and help encourage the public back into the city centre to socialise and shop in a safe environment. He added

“These temporary interventions will redesign this important urban space and create a more attractive and accessible town centre that will help restore customer confidence and drive footfall so we can rebuild our business, retail, tourism and hospitality sectors as they prepare to reopen.”

Notes to editors: 

1. The temporary prohibition of turning movements in Ferryquay Street and Carlisle Road is for a period of 18 months and with the Carlisle Road, Ferryquay Street and Diamond elements  scheduled to become effective in April 2021. This will reduce the traffic on this busy city centre street. Traffic will be moved to the centre of the existing 2 way road which will allow additional width to be allocated to separate the existing narrow footways from the road. The separation will be provided by cylinders fixed to the roadway.
2. 18 months is the maximum duration for a temporary traffic regulation however his will be reviewed during the operation with the possibility of extending further.
3. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
4. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
5. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure.

Share this page