L'Derry Services Back In Operation

A Sinn Fein MP has confirmed that key services in L'Derry have returned to full operation following a weekend of chaos in Northern Ireland's second city.

Elisha McCallion was speaking after Monday 21 January saw three separate security alerts as police responded to hijacked vehicles which were abandoned near the Creggan estate.

Homes were evacuated and roads closed as police took no chances, with fears the vans had been packed with explosive devices.

The alerts were all later declared as hoaxes, but the disruption came less than 48 hours after a car bomb detonated outside the city's courthouse on the evening of Saturday 19.

Police believe the new IRA, a dissident republican group, may be behind the explosion on Bishop Street.

Five men arrested in connection with the attack have since been released unconditionally.

The Foyle MP said there is a sense of relief in the community as people return to normality, but a public rally organised by the Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (NIPSA) will take place later this week in solidarity against those responsible.

Speaking after a meeting of the Unity of Purpose group with statutory agencies today, Mrs McCallion commented: "There is a huge degree of anger and frustration at the bomb attack in Bishop Street at the weekend followed by a series of alerts which caused so much disruption and upset to the people of this city.

"This was compounded by the fact that a number of key services including transport, postal and housing maintenance were suspended due to the threats, causing more hardship to local communities.

"Therefore, I welcome that the statutory agencies were today able to confirm that all services have now been restored. That will be some relief to those families and residents who have borne the brunt of the disruption over recent days."

The Foyle MP continued: "Today's meeting also endorsed a planned public demonstration which will take place on Friday Afternoon at 1pm at the Peace Garden in Foyle Street.

"This event has been organised by the trade union NIPSA and I would urge the people of Derry to come along and show their opposition to those behind the recent mindless attacks and disruption.

"This is an opportunity to demonstrate the positivity, the support and the solidarity that is the real story of Derry – a city that is moving forward and won't be held back by anyone."



(JG/CM)