Councillors seek probe into floods

Councillors seek probe into floods

15 August 2012 - by Joanne Fleming

DOWN Council has called for an investigation into recent severe flooding in Newcastle.

At a meeting of the local authority on Monday, councillor Carmel O’Boyle called for Northern Ireland Water to address the inadequate drainage system that continues to cause flooding in the town, particularly in the Mourne View Road and Burrendale Park Road areas.

Torrential rain at the beginning of July left parts of the town several feet deep in flood water, prompting Down Council to activate its emergency response and provide sandbags and shelter.

“We call on the Minister for Regional Development to secure and ring fence the funding for such a scheme from the Department of Finance,” said councillor O’Boyle.

“We ask for an investigation to be carried out into the reasons behind flooding in Donard Park car park, and call on the DOE to ensure that drains are frequently cleared across all streets that are prone to flooding.”

Councillor O’Boyle said she was also calling on the Department of Agriculture and the Rivers Agency to address the flooding that has arisen within the past four years as a direct result of the Burren River Flood Alleviation Scheme defences.

“Maybe we need more drains need to be ed,” she added. “We as a council need to look at our own property.”

Mrs. O’Boyle, who also advocated writing to the First and Deputy First Minister on the subject, said if they had an action plan drawn up she understood it would be looked at sympathetically by the authorities.

Going on to pay tribute to the councillors and members of the public who came out to help their neighbours when the flooding began, her comments were backed by all parties at the meeting.

Councillors Stephen Burns and Patrick Clarke praised the council officers’ response.

“The scenes were quite distressing, particularly the Mourne View Road and Burrendale estate,” said councillor Clarke. “It was very, very bad but it could have been an awful lot worse.”

“Local people deserve a lot of credit,” added councillor Liam Johnston.

Councillor Dessie Patterson said it was a case of looking at the long-term planning of Newcastle in preventing future flooding incidents, and advised residents to make a point of checking five day weather forecasts.

Councillor Eamonn O’Neill added that the flooding Newcastle depended on where the rain fell in the mountains.