DfI to inspect flooding to assess work before repair

DfI to inspect flooding to assess work before repair

29 November 2023

THE Department for Infrastructure is to carry out an inspection of a road near Castlewellan which has suffered from flooding and subsidence.

Local DUP councillor Alan Lewis says the DfI will carry out the inspection on the Claragh Road before repair work takes place.

Cllr Lewis said there were “serious issues” on the road which need to be addressed.

He said recent heavy flooding on the road had put two homes at risk, but the water level was reduced thanks to a community effort involving farmers and a local company.

Cllr Lewis said there was a “fundamental flaw” with the draining in the area.

“I was on the ground and this was very worrying for all concerned,” he continued.

“This is the second time these homes have been flooded within the last five years, having not flooded for the previous 30. Something has gone wrong.

“Further down the road there is pooling which looks to be caused by water bubbling up through the road coming from an underground stream.”

He added: “There are complicated issues here which urgently need to be examined and investigated.”