Durkan welcomes row back on BishopStreet booze unit

Mr Durkan, who attended a meeting in opposition to the plans last month, said: “It was clear to me that many residents recognised the wider city need for facilities to help address alcohol and other dependencies but questioned the suitability of location and scale of the proposed unit and proximity to other services.”

Mr Durkan has also said the issue highlights the compelling case for investing in wider service infrastructure for people with alcohol or other dependencies - including a detox unit – and is calling for a more joined-up cross border approach to address the problem.

He said: “In terms of the need for more facilities and services to help in respect of alcohol and other dependencies, the wider city case for investing in service infrastructure including a detox unit is compelling.

“There is also the obvious need for a more joined-up cross border approach so that the quality of service in a facility like Whiteoaks can be sensibly commissioned for people who live in Derry and the North.

“There is also the need for supported residential services as part of a longer term support infrastructure but their scale and location will need sensitive planning.”