Support pledged following talks to save street drinkers' centre

Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Sinn Fein Councillor Elisha McCallion, had organised the emergency talks, which were attended on Friday by some staff from Foyle Haven as well as Foyle MLAs and a range of representatives from interested bodies.

Speaking after the meeting, Mayor McCallion said commitments had been made by relevant stakeholders to continue to support the campaign to retain services.

The Foyle Haven provides accommodation, food and support services to vulnerable members of the local community including the homeless and street drinkers. The service is currently at risk of closing as funding is running out.

Mayor McCallion said: “There was general recognition of the essential service the Foyle Haven provides for vulnerable members of our community and I am delighted that there is joint support for the campaign.”

SDLP Leader on Derry & Strabane District Council Martin Reilly has now called for a special meeting of councillors and key stakeholders.

Colr. Reilly also met staff along with SDLP leader Colum Eastwood and fellow SDLP MLAs Mark H Durkan on Friday. He said: “Foyle Haven provides invaluable support for vulnerable people in our city.

“I am informed that a bid has already been submitted to the NI Housing Executive but other departments such as the Department for Health and Department for Justice should also be stepping up to the plate.

“Given the encompassing nature of the work which Foyle Haven carries out across a number of statutory agencies, I am calling for our local Council to convene a special meeting of councillors and key stakeholders so that we can clearly demonstrate our cross-party support for the sterling work which this excellent charity does.”