L'Derry Walls Security Gates To Be Removed

The majority of security gates in L'Derry's historic walls are to be removed.

Throughout the coming weeks, 11 of the 16 gates will be removed, following a £28,000 investment by the Department of Justice and the installation of additional CCTV coverage.

The gates where Bishop Street passes under the walls at the Fountain Estate will remain in place.

Justice Minister David Ford said: "For tourists and residents alike, I very much welcome the fact that we have been able to remove a number of the security gates that are a blight on these historic walls.

"The walls can now be enjoyed without the imposing structures that point to our past rather than our future."

The Minister said he hoped the move would be welcomed by both guests and visitors.

"In this, the year of Derry~Londonderry City of Culture, the walls will play a central role in the festivities and are a must see for any tourist visiting the city. Derry has a real opportunity to show what the city has to offer," he said.

Before visiting the walls today, the Minister met with groups from Triax Neighbourhood Partnership Board and St Columb’s Park House who have both received funding through the International Fund for Ireland Peace Walls Programme.

"I am impressed by the commitment of representatives from Triax and St Columb’s who face the challenge of tackling the difficult issues connected with interface areas," he said.

"If we are to build a truly shared society we need individuals and groups to be prepared to do the hard work of building and improving community relations so we can break down the barriers that keep people apart.

"I hope we can build confidence in the community so that they can feel safe and secure without the need for interface structures. That of course may take time.

"I welcome the funding from IFI to support the local community take forward their challenging programme of work. For my part, I will do what I can to ensure these groups, and those elsewhere, are supported by Government."

(IT/CD)