CONCERNS have been raised this week over dangers posed by water levels close to a popular walkway in Derry, after what’s been described as a new ‘lake’ recently appeared at the site.
It appeared at the Waterside Greenway at the section between Waterfoot Park and the Foyle Bridge after a recent period of wet weather, and had prompted concerns over the hazards it poses to pedestrians.
Commenting, the Waterside SDLP councillor Martin Reilly said that this particular section of the walkway has been subject to flooding during wet weather, which he said resulted in a large ‘lake’ forming adjacent to the path, the overflow from which has created a hazard for users.
Cllr Reilly added that he had raised the issue with Derry City and Strabane District Council, after which it was established that Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Roads control the water levels at the site.
“DFI Roads control the water level in this ‘lake’ by means of an outfall through the railway embankment,” Cllr Reilly said.
“They drain half of the storm water off the Foyle Bridge and the Waterside approach road to the bridge into this lake, thus controlling water level.”
He added the Department was now taking action to address the issue.
“The Waterside Greenway is a very popular recreational pathway serving people across the northwest, and the Department used a high-pressure jetter to clear a blockage from the outfall,” he added.
“Once the blockage is cleared and levels have fallen, consideration will be given to the approaches to the outfall (e.g. reedbed filtration, woody debris) to keep the channel clear of silt and reduce the chances of the blockage recurring.
“They will also consider installing a level gauge at an appropriate location so we can inform DFI Roads of levels exceeding an agreed point, so action can be taken well before the Greenway is in danger of flooding.”
Cllr Reilly also issued an appeal to people using the walkway not to dispose of litter inappropriately.
“I’d encourage all Greenway users to respect the area and use the various bins dotted along the route rather than throwing plastic bottles into the watercourses,” he added.
“I’m glad to hear the efforts will be made to clean up the area, but people really shouldn’t be making this mess in the first place.”
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