DAERA urged to probe flooding

DAERA urged to probe flooding

12 November 2025

A LEADING government department is coming under increasing pressure to order an immediate investigation into the catastrophic flooding which engulfed the Tullybrannigan area in Newcastle several weeks ago.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has also been asked to come up with a plan of action to ensure there is no repeat of the nightmare scenes when flood water cascaded off the Mournes in torrents, ripping up tarmac surfaces.

The Recorder reported that a blocked culvert in Donard Forest was being blamed for the flood.

Now, local politicians, concerned at the lack of maintenance work on culverts, drains and gullies in the forest, have called for concerted action to protect homes across Newcastle.

South Down MP Chris Hazzard and Mournes councillor Willie Clarke have called on the Forestry Service to end the “neglect and lack of maintenance” of drainage infrastructure within Donard Forest.

They claim this significantly contributed to the devastating impact on homes and businesses in the Tullybrannigan area and the politicians have also written to Environment Minister Andrew Muir demanding an immediate investigation and plan of action.

Mr Muir has been asked to spell out what immediate investigations have been undertaken by his Department and the Forest Service regarding the failure of the drainage infrastructure and what measures will be implemented to improve drainage capacity and mitigate the increasing risk of future flooding incidents in Newcastle?

Mr Hazzard, who has been in Donard Forest to see the scale of the maintenance work that is required, said it wasn’t good enough to leave deep pools of water lying stagnant on the side of pathways.

“The Forestry Service needs to get real when it comes to the maintenance schedule. We need proper infrastructure that is maintained to safeguard our residents, homes and local businesses without delay,” he added.

Cllr Clarke argues there has been “clear neglect” regarding the infrastructure in Donard Forest. 

He visited the area on the day of the floods and saw for himself that the infrastructure was not fit for purpose.”

“People in Newcastle are worrying every time it rains, they shouldn’t have to live like that,” he added.

Also this week, South Down MLA Colin McGrath has called on DAERA and the Department for Infrastructure to work jointly address flooding in Newcastle and other parts of the constituency, including Downpatrick.

Calling for “urgent joint action”, Mr McGrath accused both government departments of “falling short in their respective responsibilities”.

He has tabled a series of Assembly questions to establish the extent of the DfI’s gully-clearing fleet and how it is deployed, amid growing concerns that key infrastructure is not being properly maintained ahead of winter.

“In recent years, we’ve seen serious flooding in places like Downpatrick, Newcastle and other parts of South Down, sometimes several times a year,” Mr McGrath continued.

“Each time, roads are closed, homes and businesses are damaged and people are left wondering when the next storm will hit. We cannot keep treating these events as isolated incidents.”

Mr McGrath said the DfI had clear responsibility for clearing road gullies and drains, while DAERA oversees rivers and watercourses.

“Unless both Departments work together and resource their teams properly, we will remain unprepared for the next major weather event,” the MLA claimed, insisting the issue is not just about response, but prevention.

Mr McGrath added: “Clearing gullies, maintaining watercourses and ensuring good drainage are basic, practical measures that prevent disaster. The respective Ministers must coordinate a single, joined-up plan before winter sets in.

“Communities in Co Down deserve reassurance that every reasonable step is being taken to protect homes, businesses and lives.”