SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has welcomed confirmation from NI Water that works on Foyle Street are near completion, with the road due to reopen to vehicles by Friday 23rd May. However, he said businesses impacted by the prolonged closure deserve to be compensated.
During Communities Question Time in the Assembly on Monday 19th May 2025, Mr Durkan appealed directly to Minister Gordon Lyons for support for businesses at Foyle Street.
Said the Foyle MLA: “It’s positive to see this long-overdue and essential work nearing completion.
“This will be welcome news for beleaguered businesses who have endured months of disruption, reduced footfall, and a significant impact on trade.
“Despite repeated calls from the SDLP to offer support or a rates reduction, no such provision has materialised.
“This stands in stark contrast to the support given to traders in Sandy Row under similar circumstances. Once again, we see the consequences of regional imbalance in action. Businesses in this city deserve fairness. The response from the Executive has been shameful.
“While the road is being resurfaced there are no plans to address the perilous pavements which continue to pose a serious risk to pedestrians.
“We’ll continue to work for action to address the hazard they pose and to press for consistent standards of support across all communities.”
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