The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has reiterated that flood risk management is a key priority, confirming it is working on both the development of major alleviation schemes and boosting climate resilience alongside communities throughout Northern Ireland.

A spokesperson for the Department emphasised that working in partnership with local councils, businesses, and residents is crucial, given the escalating threat posed by climate change.

"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," a DfI spokesperson confirmed. "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."

The DfI is progressing several major projects, many of which were accelerated following the unprecedented rainfall in the autumn of 2023, which saw the south and east of the country experience the wettest October in over 153 years of records.

Key scheme updates include:

• Downpatrick: A feasibility study has been completed, identifying viable solutions to protect more than 100 properties. Further work is now underway to develop a business case for the potential flood alleviation scheme, which is on target to be finalised in Spring 2026. • Newry: Assessment has commenced on the preferred option for Phase 2 of the three interconnected flood alleviation schemes. This will involve developing an Outline Business Case and an environmental screening exercise, with the draft Outline Business Case expected in the spring of 2026.

• Portadown: The design stage of the Portadown Flood Alleviation Scheme has been successfully completed, and the procurement process is now underway. 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.

The Department also noted the resilience of existing defences. They confirmed that new flood defences along the Shimna and Burren Rivers in Newcastle have successfully reduced the impact of river flooding during severe weather since their construction. However, investigations are continuing into recent flooding in the Tullybrannigan area, which occurred in a different river catchment following heavy rain in the Mournes. The DfI is working with the local Community Resilience Group on long-term solutions for surface water drainage issues there.

The partnership approach extends to the 50 Community Resilience Groups (CRGs) currently operating across the North in historically flooded locations, including established groups in Newry and new ones in Portadown. The DfI is also progressing recommendations from the review into the Autumn 2023 floods, such as the development of a flood forecasting service, to further meet the challenges of the changing climate.