Northern Ireland

SDLP asks road chiefs to add 'Derry' to 'Londonderry' on A6 signs

Road signs with the name "Londonderry" are often defaced
Road signs with the name "Londonderry" are often defaced Road signs with the name "Londonderry" are often defaced

THE SDLP has asked road chiefs to use 'Derry' alongside 'Londonderry' on new signs in a proposed compromise in the city's long-standing name row.

Former environment minister Mark H Durkan said using both names on the upgraded A6 Derry to Belfast road would help stop vandalism and avoid confusion for cross-border tourists.

Road signs within Northern Ireland currently only use 'Londonderry' - often leading to 'London' being painted over.

Londonderry remains the legal title of the city and county, but the local authority officially uses 'Derry' while 'Derry-Londonderry' was widely adopted during the 2013 City of Culture celebrations.

Work is currently underway to upgrade the A6 between Randalstown and Toome to a dual carriageway, with construction of a further stretch between Dungiven and Drumahoe set to begin.

In a letter to Department for Infrastructure (DfI) permanent secretary Peter May, Mr Durkan said it was a perfect opportunity to address the name issue.

He wrote: “I am proposing that 'Derry' appear alongside, rather than instead of 'Londonderry'. Not only would this recognise the name by which most of her inhabitants call their city but it could also eradicate the vandalism issue.

“Furthermore, it would also get rid of confusion experienced by tourists, particularly as road signs in the Republic bear 'Derry'.

“I believe my proposal to be positive, practical and non-contentious and I would very much welcome the department’s view on its implementation.”

In his response, Mr May said the request would normally be passed to the DfI minister but as there was no Executive in place, he was dealing with it.

He said current department policy was that “primary destinations” used on existing signs "should be the starting point when designing new or replacement signs".

“This ensures that there is consistency across the road network.

"In this case, the name Londonderry is already on existing signs and therefore it is this name that will be used along the new A6 Drumahoe to Dungiven dualling scheme."

Mr Durkan expressed disappointment and urged the department to reconsider.

He said: "I believe what I am proposing is pragmatic, politically sensitive and prudent. I am not asking that 'Londonderry' be removed from the signs but that 'Derry' be added.

The Foyle assembly member claimed this would not represent a change of policy as the existing name would still appear.

"I know we have no minister in place but I think there is some wriggle room in this," he said.