Confusion over Creggan Reservoir

Clarification is being sought regarding the future management of Creggan reservoir following recent press statements on the matter.

Speaking at February’s plenary meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council on Wednesday afternoon, SDLP councillor John Boyle said he was referring to an online press statement from Foyle Sinn Féin MLA, Pádraig Delargy, in relation to Creggan Country Park.

Cllr Boyle said: “I have got it in front of me here and MLA Delargy is quoted as having said, and this is for the benefit of officers: ‘After several years of intensive engagement between Sinn Féin and Council’ - I would contend that’s years of engagement between all of us - ‘he is delighted that the two parties have now agreed the new lease arrangements.’”

Cllr Boyle continued: “Mayor, it is news to me and I would like to know how it is that an MLA knows something in advance of myself and other members of the Environment and Regeneration committee knowing that or perhaps he is speculating?

“I would like to ask the Directors if they could update me on the latest situation in relation to that. It would be good news but nobody has told me. It is the first I have heard about it.”

Replying to Cllr Boyle, Derry and Strabane’s Director of Environment and Regeneration said Council was “finalising arrangements with Creggan Country Park, in relation to the lease, to enable Council to take on the responsibility of reservoir manager arrangements for the reservoir”.

The Director added: “We intend to bring a further updated report to members but as of now, we haven’t completed that actual process.

“We hope to do so very, very soon members and we will update you at the next Environment and Regeneration committee in relation to the whole project, in relation to Creggan Country park and the responsible reservoir manager arrangements.”

In a requested statement from Derry City and Strabane District Council, a spokesperson told Derry News: “Officers have been working with Creggan Country Park to finalise the lease agreement, which we hope will conclude in the coming weeks. 

“An update report will be brought to a forthcoming meeting of the Environment and Regeneration Committee to update elected members.”