Derry’s Foyle Street set to close for major works lasting 12 months

NI Water was this week granted a licence for the temporary use of the Foyle Street Car Park to support the project.

The existing combined wastewater system on Foyle Street is over 100 years old and requires regular maintenance including extensive de-silting.

The issue was raised at a Special Full Council meeting on Wednesday. 

John Griffin of NI Water presented a comprehensive breakdown of the works to take place, which involves the replacement of egg-shaped brick sewage works installed in the 1920’s which are to be replaced with modern, self-cleaning systems including separation of the combined storm (rainwater) and foul (wastewater) system on Foyle Street to help alleviate odour issues and assist localised development in the short term.

The existing water main which dates back to the same period will also be replaced during these works.

The “extremely challenging urban site” works will be carried out using large machinery by Maghera based BSG Civil Engineering who are members of the Considerate Constructors Scheme, which means they “are actively trying to improve the way they work, by raising their standards in being more considerate to communities, the environment and their own workforce.”

“To do this work in the safest possible way we need to close Foyle Street to through traffic,” Mr Griffin explained. “Traffic phasing and traffic management is a massive priority.”

While the works are expected to cause significant disruption to local businesses, the upgrade is necessary, and measures have been taken to minimise the impact on the area with a phased approach as well as ensuring there are facilities in place for taxis in an attempt to maintain footfall in the area, as well as ensuring emergency services and business deliveries will continue to have some access. 

Foyle Street will first be closed from the Water Street end, which will be fenced off with the opportunity for advertising hoarding to be placed on the fencing, further supporting local businesses.

Translink representative, Tony McDaid, explained that Foyle Metro services will be transferred from the street into the current Translink bus depot, and Translink/Goldliner services currently operating from the bus depot will be moved to operate from the temporary bus park situated where the current car park is located.

Department for Communities (DfC) official Paul McNaught told members that traffic management plans would need to be coordinated  to ensure minimal disruption as the Foyle Street project will coincide with the DfC Inner City Wall Public Realm Scheme.

The Inner City Wall Public Realm Scheme, which aims to “transform Bank Place, Union Hall Place, Magazine Street, Palace Street and Society Street”, is also due to begin in the summer.

Sinn Féin councillor Christopher Jackson said “These works will inevitably cause much disruption and a huge amount of pain, but are vitally needed.”

Public consultation will be carried out prior to work commencing, with potential Park and Ride schemes being discussed at the meeting, as a possible method to reduce traffic congestion in the city.