Council calls for help to clean up Foyle area

The clean-up will take place on Friday, September 16 at two hot spots, from the former Fort George site to the Derry City Council offices and from the Foyleside Roundabout to opposite Prehen Boat House.

Siobhan Fitzgerald, Derry City Council’s Enforcement Officer said the clean-up is an excellent way of encouraging people to take pride in the city and assist in making the area cleaner and free from waste.

“Derry City Council spent over £2 million in 2010 on street cleansing, but unfortunately some of the litter reaches the Foyle catchment by wind dispersal or deliberate illegal dumping.

“While we are continually educating people and encouraging them against indiscriminate dumping, we are hoping they will come out next week and help us clean up the local environment,” she said.

Christine Doherty, Derry City Council’s Biodiversity Officer, added: “This pollution effects the water quality and habitat for a wide range of species, within Lough Foyle and River Foyle.

“The River Foyle is designated by the EU as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and as an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) by the Department of the Environment Northern Ireland, as it supports the largest population of Atlantic salmon in Northern Ireland and provides an important habitat for the European Otter, which is an EU Protected Species.”

Gillian Simpson, Lough’s Agency’s Education Officer said: “I am delighted that the Loughs Agency will be assisting in the clean up, with a combination of litter removal by boats along the river and litter picking along the Foyle cycle and pedestrian corridor.”

Joanne Livingstone, NIEA’s Lower Foyle Catchment Officer said: “The River Foyle falls within the Burn Dennet & Foyle Local Management Area.

“An action plan has just been published and is currently being implemented, to improve water quality in this area. “The removal of polluting and unsightly material from the river and its banks, makes a positive contribution to improving water quality of this important habitat.”

Charlene Millen, H&J Martin’s Sustainability Manager added: “We are delighted to be involved with the Foyle cleanup, to assist in protecting the Foyle catchment.”

Anyone interested in volunteering to assist with the cleanup should contact Christine Doherty on 02871 365151 or email [email protected]

This event is sponsored by Derry City Council, NIEA, Loughs Agency & H&J Martin and is scheduled to take place during European Mobility Week 16- 22 September, aimed at encouraging people to consider sustainable methods of transport and protecting the local environment.