Complex flooding scheme can end traders’ nightmare

Complex flooding scheme can end traders’ nightmare

5 November 2025

DETAILS of Downpatrick’s proposed flood alleviation scheme were made public almost 19 months after the Quoile river burst its banks and the town centre was under five feet of water.

Businesses were swamped after the wettest October on record in 2023 and a high spring tide, with the devastation unfolding in front of business owners who could only watch in horror and bewilderment as flood water rose menacingly destroying their livelihoods.

The feasibility report on a flood alleviation scheme compiled by a team of expert engineers examined 14 different options as part of a computerised simulation exercise of possible flooding scenarios, with all eyes now on the outcome of the scheme’s economic assessment.

The 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 proceeds.

In addition, it says further investigations are recommended prior to detailed design to mitigate some of these key risks and confirm economic viability through a business case.”

In June this year during a visit to the town, Stormont Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins confirmed further work would be undertaken to determine whether the flood alleviation scheme would be economically viable.

She said the government department “wants to get it right” when it came to measures to protect Downpatrick town centre.

Ms Kimmins said she was familiar with the impact of the flood.

“We are trying to put in the most sustainable, long term protection for Downpatrick; trying to build something that is future proof as well,” she said.

“The cost of doing nothing is so much greater and we have to ensure what we do has the maximum effect,” she continued. “We have to reduce the impact of flooding and protect homes and businesses and this is one element of this.”

Ms Kimmins continued: "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 minister said that in terms of funding, there was a need to get an idea of “what we are looking at and what the option going forward might be and then the cost of that process”, explaining her department is not quite at that point yet, but is in a good position to know potentially what is ahead.

She added: “This needs to happen but we want to make sure we get it right.”

Downpatrick regeneration officials say the economic case looking at the cost benefit analysis of the proposed flood scheme is a “no brainer” as it will save tens of millions of pounds preventing future floods.