Derry traders worried over Foyle Street’s long-term closure

NI Water said there were plans in place to “manage deliveries and other day-to-day operations” for local traders.

“Foyle Street car park has been reconfigured to accommodate bus services while pipelaying work on Foyle Street is ongoing,” NI Water said, adding that “we hope that members of the public will continue to support local businesses as this essential NI Water work is carried out”.

Manager of Derry’s City Centre Initiative Jim Roddy said he understood traders’ concerns.

However, he said consultation on the upgrade had been ongoing for some time and NI Water had taken on board concerns.

“They (NI Water) have come they have consulted, they have listened. They changed their initial plans dramatically from what they thought they had to do to keep business operating in this area.

“Nonetheless it is still going to be disruptive for people. We know these works need to be done. The sewers there are over 100 years old,” he said.