Floods report to be unveiled

Floods report to be unveiled

2 April 2025

A NEW report outlining measures to protect town centre flooding in Downpatrick will be published before the end of next month.

The Department for Infrastructure has confirmed work has been continuing to determine “viable solutions” to mitigate further flooding with the outcome of a feasibility study due to be made public before the end of May.

But there will be no formal public unveiling of the study — which has cost in the region of £150,000 — with its findings published on the government department’s website.

Downpatrick town centre was engulfed by a catastrophic flood in November 2023 after the Quoile river burst its banks, leaving some businesses under five feet of water and a repair bill estimated in excess of £12m.

Members of the business community and local politicians will be keen to examine the detail of the feasibility study, in particular, what measures are proposed to prevent future flooding, how long it will take to implement them, what the anticipated cost is and how much funding is available.

It is understood the study focused on what led to the flooding in tandem with a particular focus on viable flood risk management, maintenance and capital interventions.

Business owners were left powerless as they witnessed the calamitous scene unfolding in front of them 16 months ago as flood water rose menacingly across a huge area of the town centre, destroying their livelihoods.

Previously, the creation of a new flood warning and forecasting system was suggested in the immediate aftermath of the flood to provide real-time information and warnings to communities and businesses at potential risk. 

The need for people to be aware of where sandbags are stockpiled for distribution in the event of flooding was also highlighted, with DfI officials confirming that dredging the Quoile river, which was demanded by a number of business owners and environmentalists, has not been suggested.

Downpatrick councillor Gareth Sharvin said the report from consultants Amey in partnership with the Department of Infrastructure “can not just be another report.”

He continued: “When we reflect back to November 2023, it was a day that devastated the town centre and severely impacted our local businesses. 

“The feasibility study for Downpatrick was reprioritised on the DfI Rivers 10-year capital works programme and it is critical that this report clearly shows what solutions can be implemented to avoid such flooding ever impacting on Downpatrick again.”

Cllr Sharvin said it had been a lengthy process for businesses and residents to wait for a report to be produced and it is vital that it is a report “with solutions and not more of the same”.

He added: “When the report is published, it is important that all organisations come together to play their part and that the Department of Infrastructure provide the financial resources for solutions to be implemented. 

“Our local businesses need to see action post the publishing of the report.”

A DfI spokesperson confirmed work has been continuing to determine any viable solutions to mitigate the impacts of further flooding in the Downpatrick area. 

“This work was brought forward following the flooding in 2023 and remains on target,”the spokesperson continued.

“The cost of the feasibility study is estimated to be approximately £150,000 and the report will be published on the Department’s website.”