Minister gets tour of finalised flood scheme

Minister gets tour of finalised flood scheme

2 November 2022

WORK has been completed on the multi-million pound Shimna River flood alleviation scheme in Newcastle.

In one of his final duties as Stormont infrastructure minister last Thursday, John O’Dowd was in the resort to view the work that has been carried out to protect over 300 homes from flooding.

Mr O’Dowd met with engineers and representatives from Carryduff firm Dawson Wam which carried out the work which started in January.

Completion of the flood retention scheme comes 26 months after a significant number of homes in the Bryansford Road, Bryansford Avenue, Larchfield, Shimna Road, Shimna Vale and Bryansford Gardens in the resort areas were affected by flood water.

Heavy rain from Storm Francis — in tandem with a high tide — led to severe flooding with many residents forced out of their homes after the ground floors in their properties were submerged.

Homeowners were left devastated by the scale of the damage the flooding caused to their properties with the scheme to prevent further incidents one of the largest of its kind ever carried out in the district.

Contractors built new flood walls which emanate from the Bryansford Road bridge with the anticipated length of new flood defences in the region of 1,400 metres to provide increased flood risk protection to over 300 properties in the resort.

The multi-million pound scheme has been designed to bring some comfort and reassurances to people in the Newcastle area.

During last week’s visit, Mr O’Dowd was given a tour of the scheme designed to protect 312 homes and businesses enhanced flood protection and reduced flood risk. 

He was told the scheme involved the construction of 1,430 metres of flood walls and embankments that extend both upstream into Tipperary Wood and downstream into Island Park from the New Bridge on the Bryansford Road.

“The completion of this vital scheme is good news for the 312 homes and businesses that will now have enhanced protection from the risks and impacts of flooding,” said the minister during his visit.

“Many people in this area have experienced the heart-breaking consequences caused by flooding events in the past and I hope they see today as a positive milestone for the protection of this community.”

Mr O’Dowd said that unfortunately, extreme weather events are a “stark reminder” of the climate crisis and the harsh reality that climate change has increased the risk of flooding.

He thanked the contractor for the company’s hard work and dedication to the project and also the local residents and businesses for their continued patience and cooperation whilst these much needed works were carried out.

As part of the new flood scheme, totem poles were placed in the river bed to help meet the engineering needs of the scheme, given the ecological diversity of the water course and neighbouring woodland.