New Minister pledges action over hazardous Derry footpath

Plans to widen a stretch of dangerous pathway in Derry will only go ahead if the lands required to let the work take place can be ‘successfully acquired’ by a government department.

There are concerns over the path (pictured) in the Temple Road area at Strathfoyle, which is so narrow that mothers can no longer push prams along the route.

Residents in the area have long campaigned to have the path widened.

The Minister for Infrastructure, Chris Hazzard, has now said there are plans to widen the footpath as part of a larger Safety Measures programme for the local council area.

However, the Minister has said the scheme could only take place if the lands required for the widening can be purchased from their owner.

Responding to an Assembly question from the Foyle SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan, the Minister said: “My Department has identified a 200 metre long stretch of narrow footway on the Temple Road approximately midway between its junction with the A2 Clooney Road and its junction with Westlake.

“Proposals to widen the footway at this location are included in the 2016/2017 Local Transport and Safety Measures programme for the Derry City and Strabane District Council area.

“However delivery of the scheme will ultimately depend on successful acquisition of the lands required to allow the widening to take place.”

Mr Durkan said he hoped the Minister would now ensure that the work remains a priority in the Safety Measures programme.

“This path has been a serious issue of concern for some time now given the dangers that it poses to pedestrians,” he said.

“I am happy that Minister has recognised this and will do everything to ensure the land is acquired and this problem is addressed.”