Christmas Market at partially closed Pump Street in Derry to be considered

Pump Street had to be closed last October when the he historic Convent of Mercy building was damaged during Storm Amy.

The street has remained partially closed since, with shipping containers placed near the Convent of Mercy, and business owners on the street have reported decreased footfall since.

It was also recently reported that the part of the building’s roof had collapsed, leading to concern among elected members that it could completely collapse.

During September’s Business and Culture Committee meeting, SDLP councillor Rory Farrell said he and his fellow Committee members had received correspondence from local businessman, Justin McNicholl, who is keen to arrange a market on the street in the lead-up to Christmas.

He successfully proposed that council convene a meeting among elected representatives, council officers, and other stakeholders to “discuss what we can do to support his vision for a market on Pump Street”.

“I think everybody would agree that since the storm there has been a lack of footfall and a lack of vibrancy in that particular area of the city,” Councillor Farrell said.

“I’ve spoken to Justin this week and said I would ask Officers to convene a meeting to discuss what support, guidance, and assistance we could provide, in making sure the market happens and making sure it’s a success.

“There’s various factors at play – the festival events factor, the licensing aspect – we probably need somebody there from Environment and Regeneration who understands the particular challenges and future plans for Pump Street.

“I don’t know if there’s light at the end of the tunnel in terms of having that street back fully functioning, but traders around that area could do with support.”

Councillor Aisling Hutton said she and her fellow Sinn Féin representative, Sandra Duffy, had recently met with Mr McNicholl to discuss the logistics of a Christmas market.

“We assured Justin that Licensing and Planning will also form part of that meeting, because this is going to be something that will have to be put through relatively quickly,” she said.

“We do know that those containers are not great looking. We need to see Pump Street alive and bright with footfall this Christmas. The traders have been very patient, they have been very respectful, and we should do everything in our power to help them get this done this year.”