16/02/2026
Milestone Reached in £2.5m Derry Water Security Project
Significant progress has been made on NI Water's £2.5 million capital investment project at the Craigavon Bridge, designed to future-proof Derry City's drinking water network.
The scheme aims to bolster the resilience of the local supply, reducing the likelihood of pipe bursts and service interruptions for thousands of residents and businesses.
Phase one of the project is nearing completion, with crews currently focused on the removal of scaffolding. To facilitate this work safely, a daily one-way closure remains in effect on the Craigavon Bridge from the Foyle Road Junction to the Duke Street Junction.
During this period, motorists are being diverted via the Foyle Road, Foyle Embankment, or the upper deck of the Craigavon Bridge and Duke Street.
As the project transitions into its next stage, new traffic management measures will be implemented starting today, Monday 16 February. A continuous one-way closure will be in place from the Victoria Road Junction to the Craigavon Bridge lower deck, which is expected to remain until July this year.
This closure of the slip lane is essential to provide the project team with access to materials and heavy equipment needed for the replacement of the Water Trunk Main. This specific infrastructure, located on the upstream side of the bridge, is a vital artery for the city's water distribution.
The ongoing works, delivered by lead contractor Farrans, represent a critical investment in the city's infrastructure. By upgrading these trunk mains, NI Water is ensuring that the network can handle high demand and remain operational during adverse weather conditions for the next quarter-century.
A spokesperson for the project team, including Farrans, stated: "NI Water and our project team including contractor Farrans appreciate this work is disruptive and would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation as we continue work on this essential project."
The upgraded mains will provide enhanced security of supply for approximately 35,000 properties across the city once the full programme of work is completed later this summer.
The scheme aims to bolster the resilience of the local supply, reducing the likelihood of pipe bursts and service interruptions for thousands of residents and businesses.
Phase one of the project is nearing completion, with crews currently focused on the removal of scaffolding. To facilitate this work safely, a daily one-way closure remains in effect on the Craigavon Bridge from the Foyle Road Junction to the Duke Street Junction.
During this period, motorists are being diverted via the Foyle Road, Foyle Embankment, or the upper deck of the Craigavon Bridge and Duke Street.
This closure of the slip lane is essential to provide the project team with access to materials and heavy equipment needed for the replacement of the Water Trunk Main. This specific infrastructure, located on the upstream side of the bridge, is a vital artery for the city's water distribution.
The ongoing works, delivered by lead contractor Farrans, represent a critical investment in the city's infrastructure. By upgrading these trunk mains, NI Water is ensuring that the network can handle high demand and remain operational during adverse weather conditions for the next quarter-century.
A spokesperson for the project team, including Farrans, stated: "NI Water and our project team including contractor Farrans appreciate this work is disruptive and would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation as we continue work on this essential project."
The upgraded mains will provide enhanced security of supply for approximately 35,000 properties across the city once the full programme of work is completed later this summer.
Latest Northern Ireland News
16 February 2026
BCC Opens New Grants To Boost Under-18s Gigs And Inclusive Music
Belfast City Council has unveiled a series of funding programmes to widen access to music and the arts this spring and encourage more people to engage with the city's cultural life.
BCC Opens New Grants To Boost Under-18s Gigs And Inclusive Music
Belfast City Council has unveiled a series of funding programmes to widen access to music and the arts this spring and encourage more people to engage with the city's cultural life.
16 February 2026
£300k Backing To Showcase Fermanagh In Ireland's Hidden Heartlands
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has unveiled a £300,000 spring marketing campaign positioning Fermanagh within Tourism NI's Ireland's Hidden Heartlands brand. Dr Archibald welcomed the initiative, which aims to draw visitors from across Ireland and support the local economy by spotlighting the county's attractions.
£300k Backing To Showcase Fermanagh In Ireland's Hidden Heartlands
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has unveiled a £300,000 spring marketing campaign positioning Fermanagh within Tourism NI's Ireland's Hidden Heartlands brand. Dr Archibald welcomed the initiative, which aims to draw visitors from across Ireland and support the local economy by spotlighting the county's attractions.
16 February 2026
Over £1.1m Road Improvement Schemes Announced Across NI
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced four road improvement and resurfacing schemes across Northern Ireland worth more than £1.1 million in total.
Over £1.1m Road Improvement Schemes Announced Across NI
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced four road improvement and resurfacing schemes across Northern Ireland worth more than £1.1 million in total.
16 February 2026
Health Minister Pledges 3.3% Pay Rise Priority For HSC Staff
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has stated that securing a pay settlement for health and social care workers remains his department's top priority for the 2026/27 financial year. The announcement follows the latest report from the NHS Pay Review Body (NHSPRB), which recommended a 3.
Health Minister Pledges 3.3% Pay Rise Priority For HSC Staff
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has stated that securing a pay settlement for health and social care workers remains his department's top priority for the 2026/27 financial year. The announcement follows the latest report from the NHS Pay Review Body (NHSPRB), which recommended a 3.
16 February 2026
Police Appeal After Man Seriously Injured In Targeted L’Derry Assault
Detectives in L’Derry have launched an investigation into a serious assault that took place in the Waterside area during the early hours of Saturday, 14 February. The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 am as a man was walking through the Abbeydale area.
Police Appeal After Man Seriously Injured In Targeted L’Derry Assault
Detectives in L’Derry have launched an investigation into a serious assault that took place in the Waterside area during the early hours of Saturday, 14 February. The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 am as a man was walking through the Abbeydale area.
16 February 2026
Woman Dies In Fatal Templepatrick Collision
The PSNI has named the young woman who lost her life in a road traffic collision in Templepatrick on Saturday, 14 February, as 23-year-old Claudia Jaczyk. Ms Jaczyk, who was from the Newtownabbey area, was the driver of a black Citroen C1 involved in a collision with a bus.
Woman Dies In Fatal Templepatrick Collision
The PSNI has named the young woman who lost her life in a road traffic collision in Templepatrick on Saturday, 14 February, as 23-year-old Claudia Jaczyk. Ms Jaczyk, who was from the Newtownabbey area, was the driver of a black Citroen C1 involved in a collision with a bus.
16 February 2026
Bradshaw Says Racist Graffiti At Bass Buildings Shows Cost Of Inaction On Racism
Alliance Executive Office spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has condemned racist graffiti reported at Bass Buildings in Belfast city centre, arguing it demonstrates the price of inaction by the First and deputy First Minister on tackling racism.
Bradshaw Says Racist Graffiti At Bass Buildings Shows Cost Of Inaction On Racism
Alliance Executive Office spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has condemned racist graffiti reported at Bass Buildings in Belfast city centre, arguing it demonstrates the price of inaction by the First and deputy First Minister on tackling racism.
16 February 2026
Justice Minister And CBA Agree Accelerated Review
Constructive talks between Justice Minister Naomi Long and the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) have led to agreement on an accelerated review, with the CBA confirming it will exempt the upcoming trial concerning the murder of Chloe Mitchell from its withdrawal of services.
Justice Minister And CBA Agree Accelerated Review
Constructive talks between Justice Minister Naomi Long and the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) have led to agreement on an accelerated review, with the CBA confirming it will exempt the upcoming trial concerning the murder of Chloe Mitchell from its withdrawal of services.
16 February 2026
Milestone Reached in £2.5m Derry Water Security Project
Significant progress has been made on NI Water's £2.5 million capital investment project at the Craigavon Bridge, designed to future-proof Derry City's drinking water network. The scheme aims to bolster the resilience of the local supply, reducing the likelihood of pipe bursts and service interruptions for thousands of residents and businesses.
Milestone Reached in £2.5m Derry Water Security Project
Significant progress has been made on NI Water's £2.5 million capital investment project at the Craigavon Bridge, designed to future-proof Derry City's drinking water network. The scheme aims to bolster the resilience of the local supply, reducing the likelihood of pipe bursts and service interruptions for thousands of residents and businesses.
16 February 2026
Five-Year Low For Northern Ireland Petrol Prices
Petrol prices at Northern Ireland forecourts have dropped to 124.2p per litre, the lowest level recorded since May 2021, following a year of relative stability. Diesel remains unchanged at an average of 131.9p per litre. Prices are still well below the peak seen in June 2022 after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, when average unleaded reached 189.
Five-Year Low For Northern Ireland Petrol Prices
Petrol prices at Northern Ireland forecourts have dropped to 124.2p per litre, the lowest level recorded since May 2021, following a year of relative stability. Diesel remains unchanged at an average of 131.9p per litre. Prices are still well below the peak seen in June 2022 after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, when average unleaded reached 189.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.