Work to remove barriers and shipping containers under way
Authorities in Derry say a section of Pump Street that has been closed for over a year because of concerns about the safety of the former Convent of Mercy is likely to be reopened to traffic within weeks. The Georgian listed building, which dates from the early 1800s, was already in poor condition and suffered further damage during Storm Amy in October 2025.
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has been overseeing operations to remove large shipping containers and other temporary barriers that have been placed close to the building for safety reasons. That work is intended to allow for a phased, partial demolition of parts of the structure ordered under a planning consent granted by Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC).
"The road closure permit currently in place for Pump Street is due to expire mid-November," a DfI spokesman said. "The demolition of the building should be complete within the next two weeks and once this work is complete the road will be reopened to traffic."
Council sets timeframe for owners to complete works
Last month the council approved plans allowing phased demolition and subsequent repair work on the former convent. Council officials say the building’s owners have a 24-month period in which to carry out the works in line with the approved plans and conditions.
DCSDC is continuing to liaise with the property owners, local businesses, DfI and other stakeholders to ensure the current removal work is completed promptly and to discuss the next steps once initial works finish. The owners of the building, the Martin property group, have been approached for comment by the BBC.
Traders hopeful for revival of footfall
Local traders, some of whom have characterised the area as a "no-go" zone while the containers and closures were in place, have expressed cautious optimism at the prospect of re-opening. A café owner told reporters he was "very happy" to see the containers removed and had noticed a marked increase in pedestrian numbers since their removal began.
- Location: Pump Street, Derry (near the former Convent of Mercy)
- Buildings affected: Georgian listed former Convent of Mercy
- Responsible bodies: Department for Infrastructure; Derry City and Strabane District Council; property owners (Martin property group)
Timeline of recent developments
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| October 2025 | Storm Amy caused further damage to the building |
| More than a year | Shipping containers and barriers placed outside the building for safety |
| September/October 2026 | DCSDC granted consent for phased demolition and repairs; removal of containers began |
| Mid-November 2026 (permit expiry) | DfI road closure permit expected to expire; road scheduled to be reopened once demolition complete |
The precise condition of the surviving fabric of the Convent of Mercy and the scope of the repairs remain matters for the owners to undertake in compliance with the council’s conditions. With a two-year window to complete works, the council has indicated it will monitor progress closely.
For residents and businesses in the area, the removal of barriers promises a return to normal traffic patterns and the possibility of increased footfall for city centre traders who have endured reduced passing trade while the street has remained partially closed.
Officials have underlined that the immediate aim is to make the street safe and accessible once more, while ensuring any demolition and subsequent repairs are carried out in accordance with listed-building and planning requirements.
