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Foyle Cup: Derry sewer works delayed to avoid football parade clash

Foyle Cup: Derry sewer works delayed to avoid football parade clash

BBC News5 days ago
Planned sewer upgrade works in Londonderry have been paused to avoid a clash with a youth football tournament's opening parade.The work had been due to begin on Sunday at Queens Quay, with a number of traffic restrictions in place over a six week period.But with the Foyle Cup's opening parade – which draws of thousands of people into the city centre – set to take place on Monday, there had been concern over the restrictions.Northern Ireland Water has now told BBC News NI the planned works will not go ahead as initially planned.
"NI Water can confirm that it will postpone its planned works at Queens Quay in Derry by 48 hours to alleviate traffic congestion on the day of the Foyle Cup parade," a NI Water spokesperson said.Work will now begin at Queens Quay on 22 July.
Social Democratic and Labour Party assembly member Mark H Durkan had said if the tournament parade and planned works clashed it would be a challenge in terms of city centre traffic.
The work at Queens Quay is part of a major upgrade of Derry's sewer network and will see Queens Quay restricted to one lane during the day and closed fully at times.In an earlier statement NI Water said it appreciated "work of this nature may be disruptive and thank the public for their patience and cooperation as we complete these essential improvements".
Madams Bank restrictions
Earlier in July NI Water confirmed traffic restrictions to allow for work in the Madams Bank area of Derry would be reinstated on 20 July.They have been paused while The Open is taking place in Portrush.Madams Bank Road is one of the major routes from the city into County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland.
Earlier this year one of the city's busiest streets reopened after it was closed for eight months.Foyle Street closed in August 2024 to allow for a £4.2m major upgrade to the water and sewerage infrastructure.Traders had expressed concern over the impact of the closure on business in the area.
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