Foyle SDLP MLA Mark Durkan welcomes plans to improve the safety of Newmarket Street in Derry
SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has welcomed plans to improve the safety of footpaths along Newmarket Street in Derry city centre.
Mr Durkan has said he has been advocating for action at what he describes as ‘perilous paving’ for a number of years. Following a priority Assembly Question tabled by Mr Durkan, the Minister for Infrastructure, Liz Kimmins has confirmed that treatment works to improve the granite surface of paving in the area will be completed by November 2026.
He said: “I've been fighting for a number of years to secure safety improvements along the footpaths at Newmarket Street.
“It’s an issue which my office is frequently contacted about. From slips, falls, serious injuries, broken bones, trips to Emergency Departments and the odd bruised ego, it's clear this area is a real problem. However, getting departments to take responsibility has proved a difficult matter.”
He added: “After much perseverance and repeated questions, in November 2025 the Infrastructure Minister confirmed that her Department has finally agreed to look at options to improve safety at this location.
“The first day of Stormont’s return after summer recess, I wrote to the Infrastructure Minister seeking an urgent update. That Assembly Question was due to be answered on the 4th of September but 11 days later than expected, I'm glad I've finally received an answer.
“Action to improve safety here is long overdue but I am pleased that work to improve the surface of this paving is finally getting underway. I look forward to seeing it completed and hope it will significantly reduce the number of serious falls, particularly ahead of the busy Christmas shopping period and nights out.”