Attwood Backs Derry On Walls' Collapse

Around a quarter of a million pounds have been earmarked for measures to stabilise Derry walls.

Last week's double collapse at Marlborough Terrace and Harding Street in Londonderry has now prompted the NI Environment Minister Alex Attwood (pictured) to approve expenditure of up to £250,000.

He has given Derry City Council 'the green light' to move contractors on site after a specialist structural report, commissioned by the Council highlighted that the cost of making the properties safe in the immediate term was up to £250,000.

SDLP Stormont Executive Minister Attwood has acted on this advice, and made the money available - although this may be subject to overall approval from the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP).

Yesterday, he said: "I have now advised Derry City Council that the Department of Environment, (DOE) will give financial cover to the Council for contractors to move on site and stabilize the damaged walls.

"Having received a report from the Council after 1.00pm my recommendation that DOE should give the expenditure of up to £250,000 to stabilize the damaged wall has been accepted," he added.

"This has been and remains a very difficult situation for residents, especially coming up to Christmas. I have spoken personally with the Chief Executive of Derry City Council and informed her that the Council can proceed to get contractors on site to stabilise the wall.

"My officials in the DOE have been in contact with the local council on Thursday and Friday last week and today to provide advice, support and give financial cover for certain actions.

"My Department and I will keep in contact with the Council over the next hours and days to give re-assurance to local residents," he said.

"It is important that all government departments and statutory agencies, who have a role to play, continue to play that role, swiftly, effectively and in a joined up way.

"I will continue to work with local politicians, Council and government to continue help where I and government can."

Welcoming the news, party colleague and Foyle MP, Mark Durkan highlighted the commitment of £250,000.

"I welcome the fact that the Council have clarified that they can engage a contractor to undertake remedial and emergency work on the basis of financial cover from the DOE.

"Given that the actions required by these emergency events are outside the Council's duties it is understandable on a number of levels that the Council would only act with higher government cover.

"The DOE's positive response to the application now received from the Council is welcome, as is the personal commitment of the Minister Alex Attwood.

"Of course the financial cover offered by DOE is in turn dependent on the approval of the Minister and Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) and I hope that that is forthcoming fairly readily," he added.

"The Council will also want the DFP's understanding in relation to the urgent procurement of this work which cannot go through the conventional slow procedures given the circumstances.

"People in both Marlborough Terrace and Harding Street have been through a shoddy experience followed by confusion and further worry.

"They deserve the best engagement this department can offer them and proper, effective responses from insurers."

SDLP Derry City Councillor John Boyle has also welcomed the commitment.

"Residents here are totally distraught following the wall collapse over the past few days and the SDLP Minister's unambiguous pledge is very reassuring and demonstrates the positive way in which central government can work with local government to improve conditions for people in Derry."

See: Fresh Fears Over Derry Wall Collapses

(BMcC)