Security cameras to be erected along Derry's quayside in order to, among other things, prevent suicides

Security cameras are to be installed for the first time along Derry’s popular riverside walkway.

Derry City and Strabane District Council is to erect eight cameras at various points along the walkway, from the Fort George site up to the city centre.

Among the reasons put forward by the council for the installation of the cameras are suicide prevention and reducing the fear of crime.

Footage from the cameras will also be used in court proceedings.

It will cost £120,000 to put up the cameras, which will be monitored by the council on a 24/7 basis.

Derry’s quayside area has been transformed in recent years.

The riverside walkway has become a real focal point of the city, and is hugely popular with walkers, cyclists and joggers.

The quayside area has also been at the centre of major events held in the city in recent years, including the St Patrick’s Day and Halloween parades and the Clipper Festival which is returning to the city next year.

It was the ever-increasing popularity of the area that prompted the local council to look at erecting the new security cameras.

A council spokesperson said the rationale for the proposal to install eight cameras along the riverfront is based on addressing a number of key issues.

These include, the spokesperson said, protecting life and suicide prevention, crowd management, reducing the fear of crime, deterring and detecting crime, and providing evidential material for court proceedings.

“With the regeneration of the city’s riverside the footfall has significantly increased in the area which is now regularly utilised for local and international events, including Hallowe’en, St Patrick’s Day, and the Foyle Maritime Festival,” the spokesperson said.

“Historically council has installed temporary cameras to cover events and the installation of these permanent cameras will negate this and enhance the safety of the city centre and its environs.

“The estimated cost of the contract is £120,000 and Derry City and Strabane District Council is responsible for the CCTV contract with all cameras monitored on a 24/7 basis.”

The cameras are proposed for the following areas: the start of the river walkway beside Fort George; the Foyle Jetty; beside Sainsbury’s; beside the KFC outlet; to the rear of the Rock Mills accommodation block; at the bottom of Baronet Street; beside the local council’s main headquarters; the car park opposite Quaywest restaurant; and opposite Lower Clarendon Street.

A planning application for the new cameras has been submitted and the final decision on the proposal will rest with local councillors.