The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has launched a new series of flood maps today to provide information on the depth and speed of flood water during three return periods.

Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill launched the new maps, which are aimed at providing the public with a better understanding of the risks faced during a flood.

The flood hazard and risk maps also identify infrastructure and other facilities that may be impacted by flooding.

Minister O'Neill said: "The new flood maps, developed by Rivers Agency, ensure that residents and businesses have access to the most up to date information on locations likely to flood and the possible impact. They are therefore an important visual tool in communicating the areas at risk and I encourage everyone to view them. If you find that you live or work in an at risk area, you should not ignore this information, but plan for it, as recent events have shown the value of being flood aware.

"The information from these maps will also inform the work to produce Flood Risk Management Plans for areas at significant risk. These will be published documents which will set out the flood alleviation plans of Government, the help local councils and other organisations can offer and, most importantly, the role of communities and individuals."

The flood maps can be viewed via the Department's website.

(IT)