Department highlights the importance of partnership working around flood risk management

Department highlights the importance of partnership working around flood risk management

Date published: 30 October 2025

A spokesperson for the Department for Infrastructure said:

"Flood risk management remains a key priority for DfI, through both the development of flood alleviation schemes, as well as working with communities right across the North to boost our climate resilience. Flood risk management is a complicated and multi-faceted area of work, which is why it is important that, when necessary, we carry out the detailed background and investigative work necessary to get it right.

"In the Autumn of 2023, the South and East of the country experienced unprecedented rainfall with the wettest October in over 153 years of records. Over the last two years we have been working to put in place schemes to protect those areas.

"In Downpatrick, a feasibility study has identified viable solutions to protect over 100 properties, with further work now being undertaken to develop a business case for the potential flood alleviation scheme, including a detailed assessment to determine if this preferred option will be economically feasible. This work was accelerated following the flooding and the business case is on target to be finalised in Spring 2026.

"In Newry, assessment of the preferred option for Phase 2, of three interconnected flood alleviation schemes, has commenced and will include development of an Outline Business Case as well as an environmental screening exercise. The draft Outline Business Case is expected in the spring of 2026.

"The design stage of the Portadown Flood Alleviation Scheme has now been successfully completed, and the procurement process has commenced. Subject to the project maintaining its viability, it is anticipated that a contractor for Phase 1 of the works will be appointed by the autumn or winter of 2026.

"Recently in Newcastle, we witnessed how heavy rain in the Mournes caused substantial damage to the road and flooding in that part of Newcastle. This flooding occurred in a different river catchment from where the existing flood defences along the Shimna and Burren Rivers have been constructed. The new flood defences within Newcastle have been tested during severe weather since construction when they have reduced the impact of river flooding. Investigations continue into the recent flooding in the Tullybrannigan area. We also continue to work with other agencies and the local Community Resilience Group to seek long term solutions to flooding from surface water drainage systems in the area.

"There are currently 50 Community Resilience Groups (CRGs) right across the North at locations which have experienced historical flooding. This includes working with the now well-established Newry business community resilience group, new flood resilience groups in Portadown and meeting with the Downpatrick CRG to offer ongoing support. We thank all of the people on all 50 of our CRGs who give up their time voluntarily to work alongside the Department and our multi-agency partners to help their communities be as prepared as possible to respond to weather emergencies.

"There are also a number of recommendations from the review into the floods of Autumn 2023, such as the development of a flood forecasting service, which we continue to progress as we continue to seek further improvements to help meet the challenges of our ever-changing climate."