Council Service Update – Friday, 02 July 2021
02 July 2021
Council Service Update – Friday, 02 July 2021
All Council services remain under regular review and every effort is being made to keep as many services operational as possible within the restrictions in place by the NI Executive.
All information is updated regularly on our website at www.derrystrabane.com/coronavirus and shared on our Facebook and Twitter social media platforms in an effort to keep everyone informed.
Please note the current status of our services and any recent changes are highlighted in blue text.
Council civic offices and public buildings – Council's Civic Offices in Strand Road, Derry and Derry Road, Strabane are open to the public with restrictions. Screens have been erected and the public will be asked to sanitise on entering and leaving the buildings and adhere to an in-house management system and strict social distancing guidance. The public are being encouraged to use Council's online systems where possible or to contact Council by phone at 📞028 71 253253 or by email at info@derrystrabane.com.
The Harbour House remains open for staff and elected members only.
The Guildhall is open to the public– Monday to Friday 9am-8pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 6pm
The Tower Museum is open to the public – its opening hours are from 9am to 5.30pm daily.
The Alley Theatre in Strabane is open from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 4.30pm.
Mayor's Office – The Mayor Alderman Graham Warke was elected to the position at the AGM on 07 June. He is available for socially distanced and pre-booked meetings and events and is keen to engage with the public. He can be contacted via his office at mayor@derrystrabane.com – For more info on the Mayor visit - https://www.derrystrabane.com/mayor/contact.
Leisure Centres
The following Derry City and Strabane District Council Leisure Centres are open for restricted activities. Further updates on other services will follow in the coming weeks.
Activities on offer:
- Foyle Arena: Fitness Suite (individual gym sessions, motivational 1-2-1s, inductions), Indoor and Outdoor Group Fitness classes, Swimming Pool (Household Swimming, Lane Swimming, Club Sessions) Outdoor pitches (clubs/affiliated groups and recreational football), Tennis Courts (Club bookings/casual use) The climbing wall at Foyle Arena is open and members can now bring a guest by pre-booking by phone on 028 7137 6555
· Templemore Sports Complex: Fitness Suite (individual gym sessions, motivational 1-2-1s, inductions), Indoor Group Fitness classes, Squash, Main Hall bookings (clubs/affiliated groups), Swimming Pool (Household Swimming, Lane Swimming, Club Sessions), Athletics Track (clubs/affiliated groups and individual training).
· Riversdale Leisure Centre: Fitness Suite (individual gym sessions, motivational 1-2-1s, inductions), Indoor Group Fitness classes, Swimming Pool (Household Swimming, Lane Swimming, Club Sessions), Squash. Please note that both motivational 1-2-1s and squash are now bookable online.
· Melvin Sports Complex: Outdoor Group Fitness classes, Outdoor pitches (clubs/affiliated groups and recreational bookings), Main Hall bookings from 31st May (clubs/affiliated groups)
· Brooke Park Leisure Centre: Outdoor pitches (clubs/affiliated groups and recreational bookings), bowling Green (clubs/affiliated groups), Main Hall bookings (clubs/affiliated groups), Squash (casual and club bookings) All gym classes, gym sessions and gym inductions must be booked online or over the phone at brookepark.leisurecentre@derrystrabane.com
Brooke park Fitness Suite now open : (individual gym sessions, motivational 1-2-1s, inductions), Indoor Group Fitness classes. Also taking bookings for Squash, Badminton and indoor 5 a side play.
· Derg Valley Leisure Centre: Fitness Suite (individual gym sessions, motivational 1-2-1s, inductions), Indoor Group Fitness classes,
· Bishops Field: NOW OPEN for 3G bookings and Main Hall bookings.
Swimming Pool
Visitors to our swimming facilities are reminded to arrive 'swim-ready', with designated changing areas on the pool deck to store clothing. Our centres will operate a 'quick change zone' for swimmers at the end of sessions.
Intensive Swimming Lessons
We are now offering summer intensive swimming lessons for children aged 4 years plus, Levels include Beginners, Intermediate and improvers. Please contact Foyle Arena, Templemore S C or Riversdale L C for more information.
Fitness Suites
Motivational 1-2-1 sessions are back and can be booked on site! Gym users should note that there will be no access to showers or changing facilities following activities.
Online Activities
Remember you can still workout at home with our online classes which include Yoga, Zumba, Pilates, Tabata plus many more, no equipment needed. Go at your own pace and enjoy
DCSDC Leisure App
Council has launched a new online App. With the Derry & Strabane Leisure app, you always have your centre in your pocket. You can book fitness classes, gym and swimming sessions. View the latest pool and classes timetable. Get all the latest news via push notifications. Further details can be found at derrystrabaneleisure.com
Sports Development Programme
Council is delivering a range of activities to suit all ages and abilities open to both members and on a 'pay as you go' basis while adhering to all current Government guidelines.
These include:
· Outdoor Circuit Classes
· Supervised Cycling Programme
· Junior Athletics Club (suitable for kids aged 5-14yrs)
· Female Fit Sessions
· Walk, Jog, Run scheme
Community Centres – Community Centres have reopened to the public and staff are on site to ensure that any activities are subject to a risk assessment and are in line with the NI Executive guidelines.
Play Parks - Council owned play parks remain open to the public to use for exercise and recreation purposes. The public are advised that Council undertakes regular maintenance checks and risk assessments to ensure that the play equipment is safe to use and that all sites have been cleaned in preparation for use. There are restrictions in place for users of the play parks with everyone being reminded to sanitise their hands before and after using the facilities and to abide by social distancing rules at all times. The public are also advised that they will not be permitted to consume food or drink in our play parks and if you or anyone in your bubble is feeling unwell or showing any symptoms of COVID-19, you should stay away from parks.
Public Parks – All Council public parks and open spaces remain open to the public and will remain open during the current period restrictions to facilitate exercise only. The Council is continuing to advise the public to adhere to the Public Health Authority guidelines in relation to social distancing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, and to act responsibly when out and about using our public parks and open spaces.
Cemeteries
All Derry City and Strabane District Council owned cemeteries are open and operational from 8am to 7pm.
The public are reminded that while the cemeteries are open, the public must continue to adhere to the guidelines regarding social distancing and co-operate fully with Council staff at all times. It is important to note that when funerals are taking place, some areas within the cemeteries will be cordoned off to ensure health and safety measures are in place and to allow mourners the space and privacy to grieve and pay their respects in a safe and controlled environment. The public are also advised that as a result of the current pandemic these arrangements are subject to change and there will be instances where the facilities may have to close at short notice to comply with COVID 19 regulations. The cemetery offices will remain closed with no public access however all enquiries or queries regarding genealogy or headstone permits can be made by telephone at 028 71 362615 or email. More info is available at www.derrystrabane.com/cemeteries.
The Council has recently commenced an online survey in relation to Cemetery Management Plans and is keen to get the public’s views – you can take part via the website at – www.derrystrabane.com/cemeteries
Business support - The Council Business team are available to offer advice and assistance to local businesses on the level of Government business support available and updated regularly on the Business Support social media platforms. The Business team are working closely with Government department, statutory agencies and partners as well as other teams across Council to plan and provide support for the scheduled reopening of retail opening in the coming weeks. For regular updates you can follow on Facebook @Business Support Derry Strabane and Twitter @dcsdbusiness
Births, still-births, deaths and marriage and civil partnership registration –The Council's Registration of Births, Still-births, Deaths, Marriages and Civil Partnership service in both Derry and Strabane is continuing to operate and following new Government legislation is continuing to provide remote death registration without the attendance of an informant at the Registrar's Office. The Registrar's Office in Derry and Strabane are both open and are operational by appointment only to register births and for couples to collect their Marriage Schedules.
Environmental Health Services– Environmental Health staff are continuing to engage proactively with local businesses to provide advice and support and to ensure compliance and to assist with the reopening of retail. Officers are continuing to carry out programmed Food Safety and Health and Safety inspections of businesses on a limited basis following the completion of Covid 19 Risk Assessments and Safe Systems of Work procedures. All inspections will be considered on an individual basis and carried out when it is safe to do so. For more info visit - at https://www.derrystrabane.com/Subsites/Health-Community-Wellbeing
Health and Safety at Work
All sectors need to consider the relevant guidance and risk assess their work activities to ensure risks associated with the potential spread of coronavirus are suitably and sufficiently addressed and all statutory health and safety obligations are met. The HSENI have developed an example COVID-19 risk assessment that shows you the kind of approach that a small business needs to take when carrying out a risk assessment for COVID-19 in the workplace – https://hseni.gov.uk/news/example-risk-assessment-covid-19-workplaces
Covid Safe Scheme for Businesses
The Council's Business and Environmental Health teams have introduced a "COVID Reassurance Mark" which has been designed to support local, economic recovery and revitalisation whilst respecting the public health controls needed to maintain public health and minimise community transmission of Coronavirus. This initiative is geared towards boosting customer confidence to return to our town centres and villages in the knowledge that businesses are taking positive steps to keep their customers and staff safe via a risk assessed process. For more information visit www.derrystrabane.com/covidreassurance
The Council's Environmental Health team are proactively visiting premises in the hospitality and retail sector to check compliance with The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations. These visits will also be carried out during evenings and weekends. All complaints and service requests received from members of the public will be investigated and enforcement action taken where appropriate.
Licensing and Pavement Café Licensing
Applications for pavement café licences continue to be accepted. Use of outdoor space may assist hospitality businesses, such as bars, cafes and restaurants to reopen safely, while maintaining social distancing. The normal fees have currently being waived to support businesses at this time. Guidance on making an application for a pavement café licence is available at:
Entertainment Licence
Any business wishing to provide indoor or outdoor entertainments once the current restrictions have been lifted is advised to contact the licensing section for advice, as a licence will be required to provide many types of entertainments.
Dog Control Services – Animal Welfare Services
The Dog Shelter at Unit 7a Pennyburn Industrial Estate, Derry, BT48 0LU opening times remain as normal: Mon – Fri: 10.00am – 11.00am & 3.30pm – 4.30pm, Saturday: 11.00am-12.00pm; however visits are strictly by appointment only. To prevent an unnecessary journey, dog please contact 07512280760 If you are collecting a lost/stray dog or wish to rehome an unclaimed stray
Please note that Council no longer accepts unwanted dogs. If you wish to rehome your dog we recommend that you contact one of our two local animal rehoming charities: Pet FBI (Tel: 07512 280760) or Rainbow Rehoming Centre for Rescue Cats and Dogs (Tel: 028 71 812882).
Changes to Bin Collections
♻️ Residents in the Derry area with large garden waste bins can now also recycle food waste in their big brown wheelie bin. Food waste must continue to be bagged in compostable liners and should go out on the normal garden waste collection day. Small food caddy collections in these areas will cease to operate from May 31st.
Areas without garden waste bins should continue to recycle food waste using their caddies.
♻️ Household Recycling centres ♻️
The following Household Recycling Centres are open to the public and will remain open during the current period of restrictions – they are Eglinton, Pennyburn, Strathfoyle, Claudy, Strahans Road in Strabane, Newtownstewart, Donemana, Claudy, Plumbridge and Park.
Eglinton Recycling Centre is open to the public from 8am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and bookings must be made to access the facilities during these times. Additional access has been arranged at the facility without an advance booking from 5.30pm to 8pm. Please note this is for cars and small vans only.
♻️Van drivers who use the Recycling Centres within the Derry City and Strabane District Council area are being advised of the following revised arrangements.
♻️A new online booking service is now available for large vans attending Council's main recycling centres at Pennyburn, Strathfoyle and Strahans Road.
Visitors must book an appointment online at www.derrystrabane.com/clicktorecycle or by phone at 028 7137 6590. Phone lines remain busy so please avail of this online service if possible. There will be slots available throughout the day.
Exceptions apply for wheelchair accessible vehicles.
♻️ Access to Glendermott Road and Eglinton Recycling Centres is by appointment only during the day and booking is essential. Booking is not required later in the evening at these sites. Cars and small vans will be able to book daytime slots online at www.derrystrabane.com/clicktorecycle.
Alternatively T: 02871376590.
♻️ Summer opening hours are in force at our recycling centres
☎️ For any waste related queries call 02871374107
For those looking to access the Glendermott Road Recycling Centre please note that bookings must continue to be made to access the site during the day Monday - Sunday. Additional access has been arranged at the facility without an advance booking from 6pm to 8pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday evenings for cars and small vans only.
Slots can be booked by calling 02871376590, with lines open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Access cannot be accommodated at Glendermott Recycling centre on Thursday evenings for health and safety reasons due to Glenkeen Furnishings' late evening opening.
For all information on Council recycling facilities go to https://www.derrystrabane.com/recyclingcentres
If you are travelling to recycling centres please try to do so at quieter times later in the day, allow extra time for your journey, follow the signage and guidelines and co-operate with our staff.
Recycling Centre Closures - Killen Recycling Centre remains temporarily closed. Opening has been extended at the temporary waste disposal site Spamount which is now open five days per week; Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm to dispose of general and green waste only. Cars and small vans are permitted and large vans can access the site between 9 am and 10 am only. Any queries regarding the Killen site, please contact Council on 02871 374107.
Recycling Centres opening hours at a glance: Please note they are now operating at their summer opening times.
. Eglinton – 8am to 5pm Monday to Saturday. Advance booking required during daytime hours with access permitted without booking from 5.30pm to 8pm. The facility is closed on Sunday.
· Pennyburn – 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm Saturday and 1pm to 5pm Sunday.
· Glendermott Rd Recycling Centre - 9.30am-12noon, 1pm – 4.30pm Monday to Friday; Saturday: 8am – 6pm, Sunday: 1- 5pm. Advance booking required during day time hours with the last booking slot available at 4.40pm. From Monday 10 May the facility can be accessed without bookings from 6-8pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday evenings only.
Access cannot be accommodated at Glendermott Recycling centre on Thursday evenings for health and safety reasons due to Glenkeen Furnishings' late evening opening.
· Strathfoyle - 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm Saturday and 1-5pm Sunday.
· Newtownstewart - 10am to 6.45pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 4.45pm Saturday, closed Sunday.
· Donemana - 10am to 6.45pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 4.45pm Saturday and closed Sunday.
· Claudy – 8am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, closed Sunday.
· Strahans Road Strabane – 10am to 6.45pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 4.45pm Saturday, closed Sunday.
· Park Recycling Centre – 12noon to 8pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Saturday and closed Sunday.
· Plumbridge Recycling Centre – 10am to 6.45pm from Monday to Friday, 10am to 4.45pm Saturday, closed on Sunday.
Temporary waste disposal service at Castlederg
A temporary waste disposal facility continues to operate at Spamont Playing Fields in Castlederg to assist those in the rural area of Killen, Castlederg and Killeter, to dispose of additional waste during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
The service is now be open five days per week - Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm to dispose of general and green waste only. Cars and small vans are permitted and large vans can access the site between 9 am and 10 am only.
Those wishing to dispose of larger items of waste are encouraged to use Council recycling centres at Newtownstewart and Strahans Road, Strabane, or to avail of Council's free Bulky Waste Collection Service that can be booked online at www.derrystrabane.com/bulkywaste
The public are advised that in keeping with the Government regulations, a queuing system will be in place and pedestrians will not be permitted on this site.
General advice for visiting the sites
Please adhere to the restrictions and controls in place at all of our centres. These measures are to ensure the health and safety of staff and the public using the site and have been taken in consideration of social distancing requirements.
In addition to having in place a one-way system, the number of cars accessing the sites at any one time will continue to be restricted.
Only one person will be permitted to leave their vehicle to dispose of waste with staff unable to provide assistance during this emergency period.
Please avoid bringing bulky waste onto the site during the initial reopening phase and encouraged to continue to use the Bulky Waste Collection Service and to also avoid visiting the recycling centres during peak times.
Anyone intending to dispose of black bags must ensure they are double bagged and have been stored for a 72-hour period before disposal, as per PHA guidelines.
In order to protect staff and the wider public, social distancing is required within all the sites and the public will be required to unload their own waste. Members of the public experiencing symptoms or who are self-isolating must not enter the recycling centres.
Council will have staff on hand to offer guidance only however, it is imperative that the public adhere to their instructions at all times and co-operate fully with them as they continue to provide an important public service during this challenging time. Abusive behaviour will not be tolerated.
Members of the public with bulky waste are advised that they must avail of the Council's free Bulky Waste Collection Service as they will not be permitted access to the sites with bulky waste at this time. Bookings for this service can be made online via the Council website at www.derrystrabane.com/bulkywaste or contact by phone at 028 71 374107.
Flytipping continues to be an issue for Council and our enforcement team are on the ground actively investigating all incidents of fly-tipping. It is an offence to dump indiscriminately and you could face a Fixed Penalty Notice or a fine imposed by the court.
Protecting our environment and keeping our streets, laneways and greenways clean are still a priority and everyone has their role to play.
For more information visit www.derrystrabane.com/flytipping
♻️Bulky Waste service ♻️ – Derry City and Strabane District Council's Bulky Waste Collection service is fully operational. Members of the public wishing to avail of this service are advised however that it is only for those who have bulky items of waste and have no space in their home or garage to store them during this emergency situation.
Those wishing to avail of the service are being encouraged to book online.
All bookings for collection must be made in advance and items must be left out on the kerbside before 7:30am on the day of the confirmed collection. Please note that we are currently accepting mattresses.
Among the items accepted for the Bulky Waste Service are-
✅ Bulky furniture – wardrobes, chests of drawers, bedside lockers, sofas
✅ Carpets, lino
✅ Electrical appliances e.g. TV
✅ White goods e.g. fridges, washing machines and cookers
✅ Large toys, bikes etc
✅ Mattresses
Among the items that are not accepted are:
❎ Bags of general waste
❎ Glass furniture/mirrors
❎ Building material e.g. concrete, wood, tiles
❎ Fencing, sheds
❎ Wooden flooring
❎ Bathroom suites
❎ Kitchen units
❎ Tyres
❎ Trees
❎ Paint Tins
❎ Recyclable materials
The public are advised that waste accrued as a result of work carried out in your home, such as bathroom suites, kitchens or fireplaces will not be lifted as part of this service. Arrangements must be made with your building contractor to remove these items or alternatively, you can organise removal by an authorised waste collection company or hire a skip.
Members of the public wanting to book a Bulky Waste Collection should fill out the online form on the website at – www.derrystrabane.com/bulkywaste. Or alternatively phone on - 02871374107.
♻️Street cleansing ♻️ – Street cleansing service are continuing with our staff out keeping our city and town centres clean and tidy as well as our parks, green spaces and rural communities. There are some changes in place with regard to social distancing measures and health and safety measures as we continue to protect our staff and the public.
Community Services staff are continuing to work with the Department for Communities, local community groups and advice services to ensure that resources being made available in this emergency situation are delivered on the ground.
Community Development Staff are working with Community& Voluntary groups across the Council area to ensure the effective delivery of a further £280,000 funding package provided by Council to support community led responses and to assist the most vulnerable. Council staff are also working with the Local Community Growth Partnerships, Food Banks and Social Supermarkets to deliver an Access to Food programme to support vulnerable families across the Council area. Officers are working with our Advice Services partners, including Advice North West, Dove House and Resource Centre Derry as well as the Local Community Growth Partnerships to extend Advice Services opening hours and develop local referral mechanisms in order to offer help and support at this challenging time.
The Planning Service
Planning Service continues to operate most services as normal with staff continuing to work from home and the provision of a reduced number of back office staff providing a range of functions to keep the service operational. Site visits have also recommenced for open air urban and rural sites and dynamic risk assessments are carried out to undertake more complex sites. Some Planning Committee Member site visits have recommenced following dynamic and approved Health & Safety risk assessments.
Planning staff continue to receive new applications and are progressing existing applications in the normal manner, issuing decisions and using technology to engage with customers where necessary. New applications and revised drawings or any additional information can also be dropped off at the Reception of Strand Road Council Offices. However, the Department is unable to offer external meetings in person but we continue to engage with customers through virtual meetings and phone calls.
Virtual Planning Committee meetings continue to be held as agreed by Elected Members of Derry City & Strabane District Council in response to Government guidelines and in the interests of providing services safely across the Council area. The latest Planning Committee was held on Wednesday 9th June as a hybrid/social distancing meeting in the Guildhall for Elected Members and Senior Officers. As with previous Committee meetings, arrangements were made to facilitate registered speakers remotely via Webex and the meeting was livestreamed so members of the public can view the meeting via the Council's YouTube Channel . The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 07 July. The scheduled list of applications for discussion at forthcoming Planning Committees are published on the Planning Section of our website one week prior to Committee meetings. Further information regarding the operation of Virtual Planning Committee Meetings can also be found on our website : 'Addendum to the Operation of the Planning Committee Protocol . Virtual Committee Meetings'. If you wish to request Speaking Rights at Committee Meetings, you can contact our office directly at: planning@derrystrabane.com or the main office at 📞028 71 253253 and ask to speak to a member of the Planning Service.
The Planning Enforcement Service continues to progress and deal with complaints as far as possible with restrictions on some site visits. However, rural and urban open air sites are now being inspected along with emergency and priority cases being progressed and under regular review.
Local Development Plan consultations for Representations and Counter Representations were submitted up to 22nd January 2021 and are now closed. All Representations and Counter Representations are now available for inspection via the following link: Reps & Counter Reps to the LDP Draft Plan Strategy. They are available for inspection during normal office opening hours, strictly by appointment only due to COVID 19 restrictions, at the Council's two main offices at 98 Strand Road, Derry, BT48 7NN and 47 Derry Road, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, BT82 8DY. If you do require to inspect the Reps or Counter Reps in hard copy, please write to us or submit an email to the ldp@derrystrabane.com or telephone the LDP Team during normal office hours on 028 71 253253. Arrangements will be made for an appointment. The Local Development Plan Team also continues to review and issue Tree Preservation Orders, undertaking site visits where necessary.
As the Planning Office is currently closed to public access, anyone requesting planning information about application forms, planning fees and current planning applications are encouraged to visit the following link: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/finding-planning-application or https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/regional-property-certificates for Regional Property Certificates. You can also contact the service directly at planning@derrystrabane.com or the main office at 📞028 71 253253 and ask to speak to a member of the Planning Service.
Building control Service - The Building Control service will continue to operate with some restrictions. Essential risk assessments and safe systems of work have been developed to enable site inspections of unoccupied buildings to be carried out. Full plan applications, building notices and regularisation applications are being accepted, registered and assessed. Property certificates are being accepted and processed.
Site inspections – All routine external inspections are being undertaken but internal site inspections are limited to unoccupied properties only (i.e. new builds or existing properties that have been vacant for in excess of 72hrs) and were these conditions are met then normal Completion Certificates will be issued. Dangerous structure inspections are also being undertaken as normal. Virtual inspections, using video and/or photographic evidence along with supporting paperwork, will continue for occupied properties and the resultant Completion Certificates will note the inspection methodology utilised accordingly.
The Building Control service is continuing to provide the other aspects of its service to the public (e.g. postal numbering and street naming) and officers are available to provide advice and assistance – contact via email at building.control@derrystrabane.com or from at our website at www.derrystrabane.com/Services/Building-Control.
Council Events – As restrictions remain in place around large gatherings, Council has reviewed forthcoming events for the spring summer season. A series of Inside Out animation and digital programmes will continue to be implemented over the spring and summer months, that will accommodate COVID restrictions but take into account the economic needs of the business community and the enjoyment and well-being of the wider public. For more info visit –https://www.derrystrabane.com/insideout
City of Derry Jazz Festival – While the 2021 City of Derry Jazz Festival was able to proceed in its usual format however an extensive programme of digital content was organised that brought jazz music into homes during the Bank Holiday weekend of April 30 to May 02. An array of local artists showcased their music online from the Guildhall with three gigs per day over three stages over the three days of the festival that were watched by almost 60,000 people from all over the world. You can watch back on the concerts and the highlights of the festival via the website at www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com
North West Angling Fair - As a result of the ongoing pandemic the Council has revised its festival and events delivery plans for the spring and summer of 2021 and agreed not to proceed this year with the North West Angling Fair.
Waterside Half Marathon – Strabane Lifford Half Marathon - As a result of the ongoing pandemic the Council has revised its festival and events delivery plans for the spring and summer of 2021 and agreed not to proceed this year with the 2021 Waterside and Strabane Lifford Half Marathons.
Summer Jamm – As a result of the ongoing pandemic the Council has revised its festival and events delivery plans for the spring and summer of 2021 and while the Summer Jamm is not likely to be able to proceed in its usual format, Council is hopeful that it will be in a position to initiate its Inside Out animation programme and bring some level of activity animation and entertainment to Strabane during this time.
Halloween 2021 - Council has announced a draft programme of activities for the forthcoming Halloween festival. A paper was presented to elected members of the Business and Culture Committee in June where details of some of the plans for the event were outlined. Members were informed that the programme has been revised to take into account new social distancing and health and safety measures and is dependent on health advice available at that time. Regular updates about the festival will be updated on the website www.derryhalloween.com and on the Derry Halloween social media channels.
Clipper and FMF – It has been confirmed that the Clipper Round the World Race 2019-20 that was cancelled as a result of the pandemic will recommence in February 2022 with a planned stopover in Derry~Londonderry over the summer of 2022. The city will act as a host port for a period during July and August to coincide with our Foyle Maritime Festival- more information on the festival programme, the dates and the activities will be made available later in the year. It's important to note that this event is subject to what covid restrictions may be in place at that time and mitigation measures to host the event with social distancing in mind are being included in the event plan. Keep an eye out on our Whats On page for any updates.
Easy Read version – For those living with pan disability issues, the Council has put together an Easy to Read version of its latest COVID 19 information. This information is updated on a regular basis and is available via the COVID information section of our website.
City of Derry Airport - A significant number of changes have been made by the airlines to some flight schedules operating at the Airport. The public are urged to visit the airport website for live flight information and regular updates. For more information visit –www.cityofderryairport.com
Visit Derry – The Centre has reopened to the public and is fully operational – www.visitderry.com