Council engaging with local businesses on Castlederg regeneration works
13 April 2026
Derry City and Strabane District Council is continuing to engage with businesses in the Castlederg area as work progresses on the public realm works in the town centre as part of the Derg Active scheme.
Officers have been out on the ground meeting with local business owners and residents to ensure impacts on the local community are kept to a minimum throughout the project. The £6.5million Derg Active Project is an integrated economic, health and wellbeing, social and environmental initiative which will deliver highly visible and tangible regenerative impacts in Castlederg Town centre.
Delivered by Council with support from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, the work includes the regeneration of the Diamond area to create a high-quality, pedestrian-friendly public space. However, in recent months a number of concerns have been raised about disruption in the town centre, prompting action to address any issues that may be affecting local businesses.
A spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council said officers would continue to actively engage with anyone affected and keep businesses up to date with all aspects of the project as it is delivered.
“Since being made aware of concerns raised by local businesses, officers have been out on the ground in Castlederg to ensure any issues can be addressed at an early stage,” the spokesperson explained.
“A meeting took place on March 20th involving affected businesses, political representatives, the contractor, the design team and Council officers involved in the project. This provided an opportunity for all parties to set out their views and concerns directly.
“The meeting was constructive and the clear focus was on working collaboratively to improve communication, address concerns where possible, and support the more efficient progression of works to help reduce disruption for businesses and the wider town centre going forward.
“Council recognises that works of this nature can be challenging for businesses operating in close proximity to construction activity. Officers remain engaged with the contractor, design team and local stakeholders in an effort to ensure concerns continue to be considered as the scheme progresses. A further follow-up meeting with the businesses involved has been scheduled and this engagement will continue as works move forward.
“Council remains committed to delivering the scheme while maintaining dialogue with those affected throughout the construction period,” the spokesperson added.