Fenced off Meenan Square footpaths to be replaced

Concern has been raised about a new palisade fence erected around the Meenan Square site in Derry’s Bogside removing footpaths for pedestrians in the area.

The Meenan Square site, which once housed the iconic Bogside Inn, was transferred from Westco Developments (NI) Limited to Apex Housing Association in early April. However, Westco retained approximately 10% of the site, along the boundary of Westland Street for what it described as investment in “additional local amenities”.

The site has been earmarked for development by Apex and the Executive Office as a mixed-use housing hub and local amenity scheme, which would “benefit the whole community”.

On Thursday past, Derry Now was contacted by former Bogside resident, Vincent Coyle, who described the palisade fence as being “not unlike what you might have seen in Long Kesh of Magilligan Internment Camp”.

Mr Coyle added: “I am outraged and shocked, like many of the members of the community in the Bogside, who woke up to this fence.

“In addition, they have taken away all of the footpaths people have walked along for decades and left people having to walk on a grass verge, at a very sensitive point where there are two crossings. The verge is inaccessible for people in wheelchairs or on mobility scooters, not to mention people with prams.

“Bear in mind, there have been two fatalities on this very Lecky Road, where people were going to Mass. We are also fed by the Flyover.

“This is a hugely busy road. Cars should slow down as they turn up Westland Street. However, the footpaths are now behind the fence and people are forced to walk on the verge.

“I think the fence should be taken back 10 feet. They have also created a laneway, which could be very dangerous for elderly people walking through there,” said Vincent Coyle.

In a statement to Derry Now, local councillor Patricia Logue (Sinn Féin) said: “Work is underway to install metal fencing at Meenan Square, in preparation for the beginning of major works to transform this site.

“It’s vital that as this work continues, residents have safe access to the footpaths leading to the Lecky Road crossing at the bottom of Westland Street.

“We have spoken with Apex Housing who have confirmed that a temporary metal footpath will be erected to accommodate disabled and pram access, before a bitmac path is laid next week.”

A spokesperson for the Executive Office told Derry News: “The Executive Office does not own the Meenan Square site.

“The Department for Infrastructure has issued a consent to Apex Housing Association to erect palisade fencing around the development.

“Any lengths of footway which have been fenced off are to be replaced by short lengths of new footway on the outside of the fencing.

“This work is also to be carried out by Apex. The bitmac path is being laid next week and in the interim this temporary arrangement will allow disabled access / pram access.”