2 days ago
Downpatrick flood prevention scheme could cost £20m
A study commissioned by the Department for Infrastructure has recommended building a £20m flood prevention scheme in town was hit by serious flooding in November 2023 when Storm Ciarán brought exceptionally heavy rain to Northern engineers' report suggests a scheme involving culverts, embankments and infrastructure minister said further work would be undertaken to determine whether the scheme would be economically viable.
Liz Kimmins added: "Flooding in Downpatrick - and how to reduce that flood risk - is an extremely complex issue with many variables."That is why it was important that a comprehensive study was carried out to inform the most viable and effective way ahead."The study, produced by engineering consultancy Amey, considered 14 possible were reduced to a shortlist of two, which were considered technically preferred option would offer flood protection to 78 businesses and 28 total estimated cost of £22.5m includes maintenance costs of around £2m.A cost-benefit analysis suggests the scheme would prevent flood damage, which would cost around £26m to study cautions that what is proposed is a "complex scheme" and that given the risks and unknowns at this stage, it may become economically unviable as work on the design concludes: "Further investigations are recommended prior to detailed design to mitigate some of these key risks and confirm economic viability through a business case."
Analysis: Floods expected to get more frequent and severe
by Barra Best, BBC News NI weather presenterHomes and businesses in Downpatrick were left underwater when Storm Ciarán hit in November town centre and surrounding areas suffered severe flooding following weeks of heavy rainfall, with Market Street and low-lying parts of the town particularly hard hit. Floodwater was made worse by high spring tides that prevented the River Quoile from discharging into Strangford Lough, which would have helped lower flood has suffered similar flooding incidents in the past. The commissioned study highlighted the need to protect sensitive habitats around Stangford Lough, as well as archaeological and historic sites in climate change expected to increase the frequency and severity of flooding, the Downpatrick Flood Alleviation Scheme, if it proceeds, could prove a critical step towards safeguarding the town's homes, businesses, and comes after Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said on Thursday that updated legislation for water and flood management would be a "major step forward".The NI Executive has approved bringing the Water, Sustainable Drainage and Flood Management Bill to the assembly which, Kimmins said, would help "meet the needs of our growing population and adapt to changing weather patterns".
