DERRY City and Strabane District Council has advised those intending to travel to the city tomorrow to attend the funerals of Derry City FC captain Ryan McBride and former Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness to expect traffic delays and to allow extra time for their journey.
The Council has been working with a number of agencies to ensure arrangements are in place to facilitate the large numbers of people expected to converge on the city and to accommodate other funerals and services taking place in the city.
The Council has confirmed that access to the City Cemetery will be limited from 6am on Thursday morning and that restricted access will be in place for mourners only.
Traffic management systems will be in place throughout the day in the interests of health and safety and in keeping with crowd management procedures.
The Council spokesperson urged the public to adhere to the advice of stewards at all times and advised that funeral goers should expect traffic restrictions across the city and particular in and around the Long Tower Church and the routes from the wakes to the Church and the City Cemetery.
Free car parking has been made available at a number of Council owned car parks in the city including Bishop’s Street and William Street.
Both car parks will be closed to the general public from 6 am on Thursday and will be available only for mourners and those attending funeral services.
Car parking in and around St Columba’s Church, Long Tower, will be very restricted and in order to facilitate mourners car parking is being made available at Lumen Christi College, Bishop’s Field; Celtic Park, the Gasyard Centre, Bishop Street and William Street.
Funeral goers are also encouraged to use all other city centre car parks, to follow the Traffic Management signage and to take the advice of stewards who will be located along the routes.
The spokesperson also urged those visiting the City Cemetery to be mindful that the Cemetery is a place of rest and to behave respectfully within the grounds, making sure to avoid disturbing graves or property.
The Council spokesperson concluded that the co-operation of the wider public would be appreciated throughout the day.
Tags: