Derry to start reopening over the next three weeks as city eases out of COVID-19 lockdown

The Guildhall is closed but not for much longer.

Several landmark public buildings are set to reopen in mid-July.

"The Guildhall will reopen to the public on July 14 with restrictions in place and on reduced hours and no external events.

"The Tower Museum will reopen to the public on July 14 with restrictions in place and reduced hours, Monday to Friday from 11am to 4pm

"Harbour House will reopen to staff and elected members from June 29 with restrictions in place," a spokesperson for the Council confirmed.

Council meetings, which have for the past month been held in virtual form, are to resume in the Guildhall next week albeit in a curtailed and physically limited form due to social distancing requirements.

The Mayor, Councllor Brian Tierney is also set to recommence a limited number of socially distanced external meetings in the Mayor’s Parlour and Whittaker Suite from Monday.

Leisure centres remain closed but preparations are underway to make arrangements for their reopening later in the summer.

"It is anticipated that it will include the reopening of gyms and classes at Templemore, Riversdale, Foyle Arena and Derg Valley Leisure Centres. The return of swimming is subject to Government advice but it is anticipated that it could be late summer/early autumn before it returns.

"Council is engaging with swimming clubs to discuss the resumption of swimming activity and proactively responding to easements so we can put in place measures for access to sport and leisure. Anyone who has any queries regarding their leisure membership are reminded that they should contact – [email protected]," the spokesperson said.

Football pitches are also currently closed but arrangements are being progressed to reopen for groups of up to 10 for non-contact sports and training next week.

"Plans are being progressed to introduce a COVID19 booking system to ensure compliance with risk assessments and safe systems of works and will be made available next week," said the Council.

Play parks will be allowed to reopen on July 10, so the Council is currently making arrangements to facilitate this.

"Inspections and maintenance works are ongoing in anticipation of reopening and Council is working with the ROSPCA in relation to guidance on cleansing, hygiene and signage," the spokesperson explained.

Parking charges on the Council's off-street car parks will be reintroduced from Wednesday, July 1.

"For the first week advisory notices will be issued only, issuing of PCNs will commence from July 8. When using the car-parks, and in line with public health guidance and staying safe we encourage all carpark users to go cashless.

"Cashless parking system is available for all charged off-street car-parks and is provided by JustPark. You can register your vehicle and method of payment with JustPark by visiting the website. Once registered you can pay for and manage your parking using mobile phone, mobile app or online https://www.justpark.com/

"If users don’t have a smartphone they can call 028 91248440 and pay using a mobile phone," the Council said