Infrastructure ‘contributing to flooding’

Infrastructure ‘contributing to flooding’

29 October 2025

MOURNES councillor Willie Clarke has posed a series of question to Stormont’s environment minister in the wake of the recent flooding.

He said while the unprecedented level of rainfall placed immense pressure on drainage systems throughout the town, it is evident that the failure and lack of maintenance 

of drainage infrastructure within Donard Forest “significantly contributed to the flooding” experienced by residents and businesses in the surrounding areas.

Cllr Clark said he believes the lack of regular maintenance and inadequate drainage capacity within the forest area have been longstanding issues, which exacer-bated the impact of this recent weather event.

Given the scale of the flooding and the distress caused to the local community, he has asked what investigations have been undertaken by the Department and the Forest Service regarding the failure of the drainage infrastructure within Donard Forest during the recent flooding?

In addition, Cllr Clarke is seeking clarity on what measures will be implemented to improve drainage capacity and mitigate the increasing risk of future flooding incidents in Newcastle?

He said with the growing frequency of extreme weather events linked to climate change, it’s vital that public agencies take proactive steps to strengthen flood prevention measures. 

“Adequate investment in modern drainage infrastructure and routine maintenance is essential to safeguard residents, homes, and local businesses,” declared Cllr Clarke.

Another Mournes councillor, Jill Truesdale, confirmed she has written to the various agencies involved regarding the “dangerous and treacherous” stretch of road between Newcastle and Annalong. 

She said this particular stretch skirts along the bottom of the mountains on one side with the sea on the other and is “really is prone to all the elements”.

Cllr Truesdale said recent flooding in the Tullybrannigan area, combined with recent storms, highlights the dangers of stones, leaves, rubbish and torrents of running water.

“There is a steady stream that runs from Seaview at Newcastle harbour and if it cannot get away though outlets in the walls, it will pond along King Street. There is also a constant stream of water running along the A2 from opposite the Harbour Inn eventually dissipating at Ireland’s Electrical shop at South Promenade.”

Cllr Truesdale believes flooding issues could be prevented through proper gully maintenance, with scheduled cleaning programmes, maintenance of outlets and NI Water regularly flushing its storm drainage system and manholes.