Environmental Improvement Scheme works at Bishop Street Car Park in L'Derry, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced.

The Department for Communities provided funding of £345,617 to the project with Derry City & Strabane District Council contributing a further £13,255.

The works have improved the functionality and use of the existing car park. Enhancing its appearance with the removal of security barriers it has opened up views to the City Walls and improved pedestrian access at Bishop Street and Stable Lane.

Works also included the creation of a new pedestrian access route from the car park directly onto Palace Street as well as new boundary treatments to the adjacent Masonic Hall and St Augustine's Church Hall. The car park has also been resurfaced and realigned to meet health and safety standards.

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Announcing the completion of works, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said: "The improvements will make the area more attractive to shoppers and tourists alike.

"My Department continues to support our town and city's centres recovery from the economic impacts of Covid-19 and the completion of these works are timely as we begin to emerge from the pandemic.

"The enhancements will also complement the forthcoming works proposed for Bishop Street, The Diamond and Ferryquay Street, under the Covid-19 Recovery Revitalisation project also funded by my Department."

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Alderman Graham Warke welcomed the additional funding for Bishop Street car park saying it will further enhance this well utilised facility in the heart of the city.

He said: "This additional funding will greatly improve pedestrian accessibility and safety as well as have a positive impact on the visual appearance of the area and improve its physical connectivity to the city centre. The works will complement the work being done as part of the wider regeneration and revitalisation of the city centre to assist with its safe reopening following the lifting of restrictions."