Colum Eastwood suggests pedestrianisation of Derry within the City Walls
Colum Eastwood has suggested the pedestrianisation of Derry city centre within the histroc city Walls could bring huge benefits to the city.
The Foyle MP was speaking in the wake of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 when cars were prohibited from vast swathes of Belfast city centre for the duration of the festivities.
Mr. Eastwood said there was much to learn from the All-Ireland Fleadh, which attracted over 1.6m to Belfast last week.
He said the ‘positive, outward looking, inclusive Irish culture’ that was showcased throughout the week had the potential to ‘contribute massively to building a New Ireland’.
But he added that lessons could also be learned from how traffic was managed throughout the week.
"Pedestrianisation can have huge benefits for a city. Derry, inside the Walls would be perfect. Has any city ever regretted doing it?” asked the former SDLP leader.
The Walled City of Derry comprises around 27 acres in the heart of the city with The Diamond at is centre.