Homes in Eglinton flooded during heavy rain in July 2022
At present 45,000 properties in the North of Ireland are at risk of flooding.
The consequences of climate change will increase that figure significantly in the time ahead.
Said the Foyle MLA: “Sadly, many people know all too well the devastation wrought to homes and businesses as a result of flooding.
“The Executive has failed to get a handle on the situation, leaving the Northern Ireland far behind UK and South of Ireland counterparts in terms of flood forecasting.
“By improving warning systems, we can ensure communities are better prepare for flooding events.
“The disruption and damage caused to many homes and lives in the North West has been profound. Areas in our community are living in fear every time heavy rainfall is forecast.
“After the summer flooding of 2017, the Executive promised to accelerate flood alleviation schemes and review flood preparedness.
“Yet people still struggle to access sandbags as flood water enters their homes.
“It would appear that lessons have not been learnt and it’s unacceptable that the Drumahoe Flood Alleviation Scheme hasn’t moved beyond the design phase.
Schemes for Eglinton remain even more uncertain.
“Furthermore, following recent traffic chaos caused by flooding along the Foyle Road the mind really does boggle that recent assessment from the Department for Infrastructure has not identified the need for storm overflows along this route.
“I’d also call into question the effectiveness of Aberfoyle Road’s flood relief scheme; if last fortnight’s events are anything to go by, it’s clearly not working.
“Climate change and flooding should not be treated as an afterthought.
“The current budget outlook is deeply concerning, the failure to properly invest in NI Water could see widespread flooding; significant pollution and risk to public health as well as the surrounding environment.
“Communities are suffering in the absence of adequate infrastructure, the current budget allocation does nothing to alleviate that suffering or safeguard people from future incidents of flooding.”
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