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06 Sept 2025

No funding for structural assessment for suicide prevention infrastructure on Derry's Foyle Bridge

The Department for Infrastructure confirmed that it does not currently have the financial or staff resources to carry out the necessary structural assessment - a prerequisite for installing safety barriers, which are estimated to cost more than £10 million

Delays due to broken down lorry on Foyle Bridge

Derry's Foyle Bridge

Reporter:

Staff Reporter

03 Jul 2025 4:30 PM

Email:

news@derrynow.com

The Department for Infrastructure has confirmed that it is unable to fund a structural assessment for suicide prevention infrastructure on the Foyle Bridge.
The Department’s letter, sent to campaigner Michael Gallagher of Drug Addiction Derry, acknowledges that increasing the height of the parapets on the Foyle Bridge could help restrict access to what is widely recognised as a high-risk location. However, it states that the Department does not currently have the financial or staff resources to carry out the necessary structural assessment - a prerequisite for installing safety barriers, which are estimated to cost more than £10 million.
SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin expressed her deep frustration and sadness following the confirmation.
“This is utterly devastating news for our city," she said. "The Foyle Bridge has become a site of immense grief for too many families in Derry. It has long been clear that physical suicide prevention measures are needed - yet once again, we are told there is no money.
“No money for a basic structural assessment. No money for barriers. No money to keep open a crisis service that has supported thousands. These are life-saving interventions and the failure to invest in them carries a tragic human cost.
“We are facing a mental health emergency, and yet essential infrastructure and support services are being stripped away from the people who need them most. That is simply not acceptable.
“I want to pay tribute to Michael Gallagher and all those who have campaigned with such compassion and persistence for suicide prevention on the Foyle Bridge. Their courage should not be met with silence or excuses. Campaigners should not have to fight so hard for protections that should already be in place.
“The Department’s inaction, combined with the closure of the Community Crisis Intervention Service, represents a devastating failure of leadership and a lack of compassion for our city. Every time funding is cut, or action is delayed, another person risks losing their battle with mental health.
“I am urgently calling on the Infrastructure Minister and the Health Minister to come together and find a solution. Derry cannot be left behind yet again. Our city deserves proper investment in suicide prevention, in crisis response, and in hope.”

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