DfI say flooding response ‘was effective in protecting many properties’

Press Eye - Northern Ireland - 1st November 2023

Photo by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye

Flooding in Newry City Co Down.

The clean up operation has started in Newry, the owners of flooded businesses are facing expensive clean-up operations.

Water levels in the most heavily affected areas have receded overnight.

:The clean up operation has started in Newry. The owners of flooded businesses are facing expensive clean-up operations. Water levels in the most heavily affected areas receded overnight. — Press Eye - Northern Ireland - 1st November 2023 Photo by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Flooding in Newry City Co Down. The clean up operation has started in Newry, the owners of flooded businesses are facing expensive clean-up operations. Water levels in the most heavily affected areas have receded overnight. :The clean up operation has started in Newry. The owners of flooded businesses are facing expensive clean-up operations. Water levels in the most heavily affected areas receded overnight.

The Department of Infrastructure has issued this statement to the Newry Reporter in relation to last week’s flooding:

"The Departments response, in conjunction with our multi agency partners, to the flooding which affected Newry was effective in protecting many properties from flooding.

"Unfortunately the volume of rainfall resulted in watercourse rising to unprecedented levels and flooding affected a number of properties.

"We understand the impact flooding has on people’s lives and the Department continues to work with Council to assist the recovery effort to this flooding.

“Existing flood defences proved by the Department also worked effective in protecting 100s of properties in the centre of Newry which would have otherwise been inundated, this demonstrates the value of providing infrastructure of this type even though the provision of it often comes under intense scrutiny.

“The recent flood defence constructed within the Greenbank estate played a crucial role in containing the water within the Knox Peebles Drain.

"Without this defence, the flooding situation could have been much worse.

"It is also important to note that these works are part one of three interconnected phases, and the full protection to Newry will only be realised once all phases are completed.

“The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is currently working on phases two and three of the Newry flood alleviation scheme. We remain dedicated to finding the best solutions to address the complex and challenging issue of flooding in the region.”