A former mayor of Derry has spoken out about his hopes for addressing the mental health crisis in the city.
Brian Tierney is back adjusting to his role as councillor for Derry City & Strabane District Council after completing his year as Mayor in 2020/21.
Cllr Tierney's time as mayor was overshadowed by the Covid-19 pandemic. He said: "From the day I started to the day I finished, everything was different. But I would not change one single day of my time as mayor.
"I felt a huge responsibility in getting the people of Derry & Strabane through an incredibly difficult time and I am pleased with the efforts we made."
For Cllr Tierney, the most important focus post-Covid is containing growing mental health issues.
He said: " We already, before the pandemic, had a mental health crisis in this city but no support was being given. I think it is something we need to be more focused on now because we do not know the true impact the lockdown has had.
"What I am hoping for is that since everywhere has a bit of a mental health crisis now, hopefully the government will say we need to support mental health and people suffering before from addiction will be caught in that funding stream and will finally be able to get help.
"Another thing I hope to materialise is an addiction centre and a detox centre in the city. It is treated like an open secret, these people went to school with us, played football with us, live around the corner, we know these people. It is ripping families apart and there is no support for people crying out for it.
"There is some hope now, there is a campaign to push it on, there is a commitment in New Decade New Approach. It is something that needs to now be delivered."
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, major opportunities were secured for Derry in the past year, specifically the City Deal which will see a £250m investment in the city.
Cllr Tierney said: " One of the key focuses on the City Deal has to be that ordinary people in Derry & Strabane are impacted by it. And they have to see the benefits for them and their families.
"The projects will be transformational, like the expansion of Magee and the regeneration of the riverfront. Expansion of Magee has incredible potential to boost the rest of the city and the surrounding economy.
"Look at the transformation of the Foyle riverfront, I remember when it was a car park and now with a bit of creativity and imagination it is one of the busiest parts of the city. We did not realise the opportunity of it and now with the city deal it is going to be transformed to be bigger and better.
"I think the DNA Project maritime museum in Ebrington Square is one of the most exciting, it will tell our history and story. I think it's going to be a really exciting story to learn about."
In terms of tourism, Cllr Tierney praised the efforts of pushing Derry as a staycation destination.
He said: " I think it is a great thing to see the new VisitDerry tourist information centre here right in the middle of the city centre become a hub for visitors. It is right beside the Guildhall, the Tower Museum, the City Walls, the Museum of Free Derry and the Apprentice Boys Museum.
"I think what attracts people to Derry is knowing that when you get here, not only do you have fascinating museums and amazing landmarks, you are guaranteed to get a fantastic reception and a friendly welcome from the people who live here.
"I think of returning events like the Clipper festival, the Foyle Cup and our Halloween festival. People return to the city because they feel welcome here. I am excited to see tourism fully return to the city."
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