A local MLA has raised concerns about a ‘particularly perilous pavement that poses a real risk to pedestrians’ in Derry city centre.

Mark Durkan asked the Minister for Communities Gordon Lyons about the pavement at Newmarket Street.

The SDLP MLA said he was pleased to hear the £5.1m Walled City Public Realm to spruce up a number of streets in the vicinity of Derry’s historic City Walls is due for completion next summer.

But speaking at Stormont on Monday he complained about the state of the paving on the busy city centre thoroughfare connecting the Richmond Centre and Foyleside Shopping Centre.

"While we all welcome any investment in the city, people in Derry will be glad to see the work finished and roads restored. Does the Department have any further public realm plans for Derry city centre?

“Will the Minister encourage collaboration with the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to identify and address flaws in a previous scheme at Newmarket Street that has left a particularly perilous pavement that poses a real risk to pedestrians?” he asked.

Mr. Lyons replied: “I am sure that the Member will understand that I cannot comment on that because of ongoing legal issues. However, it is always a good thing if we can learn from previous schemes and any issues or difficulties that arise, and there will certainly be a willingness by my Department to do that.

"The Member will be aware of the significant investment coming through for the north-west, particularly through the regeneration fund. There will be other opportunities for that fund to be used for regeneration purposes.”