Derry Parklet removal cost revised well down

The initial eye-watering cost of removing Derry’s Waterloo Place Parklet has been revised down considerably by Derry City and Strabane District Council.

The cost of removing the Parklet, which cost £132,000 when it was installed two years ago, will now be £5,000 as opposed to the £40,000.

The figure of £40,000, which gave rise to widespread online disbelief and criticism, was cited in a report presented to Council’s Environment and Regeneration Committee earlier this month. 

The report also stated the Parklet was being removed as a result of the occurrence of anti-social behaviour in the area.

When asked for a breakdown of the £40,000 figure, a spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council explained: “The figure of £40,000 to remove the Waterloo Place Temporary Parklet infrastructure was a suggested cost from a contractor when the furniture was installed.

“The removal of the street furniture will be carried out by Council’s own direct labour force and is estimated to cost in the region of £5,000 which will be absorbed within existing budgets.

“The removal costs relate to the provision of temporary fencing and plant during works, removal of the decking and counter battens, removal of the planters, and costs for labour for the removal and cleaning of the pavers.”