Public asked to view flood alleviation plan

Public asked to view flood alleviation plan

13 June 2018

RESIDENTS in Newcastle are being encouraged to have their say on a major flood alleviation scheme to protect hundreds of homes in the resort.

The detail of the scheme was unveiled recently and last week senior officials from the Department for Infrastructure were in the resort as part of a public information initiative.

They spoke with residents about the project to prevent the Shimna River from bursting its banks and flooding homes, explaining the works extend upstream into Tipperary Wood and downstream into Islands Park.

Government officials say that given the characteristics of the work proposed, it is likely to have “significant environmental effects” and intends to prepare an environmental statement which will clearly spell this out.

Design consultants were commissioned to come up with the scheme following a major flooding incident in the resort almost a decade ago when properties at Bryansford Avenue, Shimna Road, Elmgrove Park, Larchfield Park and Marguerite areas were flooded and a number suffered major damage.

It has also been confirmed that work on the project will result in the demolition of a number of property boundary walls and fences, while a number of mature trees will be felled. Sections of the river bank are to be reinforced with what are being described as concrete clad sheet piles.

A new pathway along the river forms part of the scheme, the cost of which has not yet been confirmed by government officials. Part of an existing river path will also be realigned and one new floodgate erected.

South Down MLA Colin McGrath and Mournes councillor Laura Devlin have inspected the detail of the flood alleviation scheme and are encouraging residents to have their say during the public consultation period.

They took part in the recent information day at the Newcastle Centre and have no doubt the scheme is of “significant benefit” to Newcastle and homeowners who currently live in fear of further flooding.

“Such flooding episodes have impacted upon many households, with some being unable to insure their properties as a result. So a scheme like this is a lifeline,” said Mr McGrath.

“I appreciate there will be significant disruption when works begin on site. No scheme of this large nature will be simple, but it’s a matter of ensuring that the Department for Infrastructure mitigates against such inconveniences, such as carrying out the works on the public roads outside the real busy season.”

Cllr Devlin said she could recall major flooding in the resort in 2008 and described the flood alleviation scheme as “massive.”

She added: “The flooding was frightening but, hopefully, this scheme will go some way to reassure householders that this type of devastation shouldn’t happen again. I know that during the construction phase there will be quite a lot of disruption, but hopefully in the long run it will be worth it.”

Copies of the proposed scheme can be viewed at the Newcastle Centre and people have until June 28 to submit their views on the proposed flood alleviation scheme. Representations should be sent to Ian Coulter, Department for Infrastructure Rivers, 49 Tullywiggan Road, Loughry, Cookstown, Co Tyrone, BT80 8SG.

The Department for Infrastructure has also confirmed an environmental statement is expected to be published later in the year.