Londonderry Businesses Welcome Temporary Reopening of Foyle Street for Holiday Trade

Businesses situated on one of Londonderry’s busiest thoroughfares anticipate that its interim reopening will help boost commerce during the Christmas season. Foyle Street had been closed since August to facilitate a significant upgrade to the city centre’s water and sewerage infrastructure. It became accessible again on Thursday and is scheduled to remain open until 6 January, at which point the “essential” upgrade work will recommence, NI Water stated. Lee Mason, proprietor of a record shop, expressed that he was “over the moon” that the construction barriers had been removed and the street had, for the time being, reverted to its usual state. During an interview with BBC Radio Foyle’s North West Today programme, he noted that operating a business on Foyle Street had been challenging since the commencement of the works. He indicated uncertainty regarding the fate of his business without the loyalty of his regular clientele. Since August, he reported that sales are “down 20-25% on weekdays, 40% on weekends”. He further stated, “It has had a serious impact on our business.” Mason anticipates that the street’s reopening will benefit commerce. He remarked, “It’s like Covid being lifted. There is people on the street again. It is great for us coming into Christmas which is the busiest time of the year for us, the most important time of the year for us. It is fantastic for everyone in the town, fantastic for us.” Charles McEleney, who operates a hair salon on Foyle Street, mentioned that the period since the street’s closure had presented difficulties for business. “There has been no passing trade from bus station, no passing trade from Foyleside,” he stated. He also noted problems with the “horrendous daily mess” resulting from the construction, but observed that residents of Derry possess the resolve to “get on with it.” McEleney also expressed strong approval for the street’s return to operation. Charles commented, “It is Christmas and you just have to make the most of it and get on with it.” NI Water issued a statement conveying its appreciation to “the local businesses and wider public for their ongoing support as we deliver this essential new water and wastewater infrastructure”. The utility firm further indicated it was “pleased to be in a position to provide this break in construction activity and reopen Foyle Street for the Christmas and New Year period”. Anna Doherty, chief executive of the city’s chamber of commerce, stated that Foyle Street businesses have “borne the brunt” of the continuous construction. She added, “They have done so with great grace, and I am glad to say they will have the opportunity to share in that Christmas trade. We are seeing an increase in footfall and it is very positive generally in the city… hopefully Foyle street traders will get their share of that now.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.