The Department for Infrastructure has proposed the creation of new national Flood Forecasting Service for Northern Ireland, subject to the necessary Business Case approvals, as Flood Awareness Week (12–18 October) gets under way.

Announcing the proposal, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said: "We are currently the only jurisdiction on these islands without a national flood forecasting service. Subject to the necessary approvals, the Department proposes to address that gap through the development of a new specialist Flood Forecasting Service.

"This development would represent an important enhancement to our flood resilience arrangements. By forecasting, where feasible, significant tidal and river flooding in advance, we could support emergency responders, councils, infrastructure operators and local communities take timely action to reduce the potential impact of flooding.

"Around 45,000 homes and businesses are currently at risk of flooding and with climate change increasing the likelihood of more frequent and intense rainfall events this number is projected to increase. While flooding cannot be prevented entirely, better forecasting and earlier information would help protect lives, property, infrastructure and essential services." Setting out next steps, Minister Kimmins said: "This is a complex programme of work and it is important that we undertake the detailed planning required to ensure the right systems, infrastructure and skills are in place, and that the Programme goes through all the necessary scrutiny and approvals processes before work commences.

"It would be intended that future implementation of a service would be phased, with improvements rolled out over the next decade. As work progresses to develop forecasting capability, my Department will continue to inspect and manage existing watercourses and critical drainage infrastructure to ensure free flow is maintained, as well as advance flood alleviation schemes, monitor river networks and work with communities to strengthen resilience and adapt to the challenges posed by our changing climate."

Joan McCaffrey, Joint Chair of the Regional Community Resilience Group, said: "With the support of the Department we have worked hard over recent years with communities and partner organisations to strengthen flood awareness and preparedness. The provision of a Flood Forecasting Service would build on these strong foundations and complement existing resilience measures to help communities better prepare for flooding events."