Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has signed the Confirmation Order to allow the £17.85 million Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme to proceed.
The procurement process to appoint a contractor for the scheme has commenced with the scheme expected to be on site by summer 2021.
Minister Mallon said:
“I have seen first-hand the devastation flooding can cause and I want to do all that I can to prevent this both in Belfast and other at risk areas across the North. In just the past week I have signed Confirmation Orders totalling over £27 million which is another step forward for each of these areas, with other schemes being delivered throughout Northern Ireland.
“This scheme design takes into account the latest projections on climate change and mitigates against future sea level rises for Belfast City and the tidal River Lagan which extends from Belfast Harbour to Stranmillis Weir. Once complete it will provide a high level of protection up to the mid-2080s and can be adapted according to future sea rise level predictions. This will put in place critical protective infrastructure for this generation and the next.
“The defences will also be designed to aesthetically integrate with the surrounding landscapes and streetscapes. This will help to ensure this vital work contributes to protecting a thriving city where people want to live and work, to visit and invest.”
The Belfast Tidal Scheme forms part of the Living with Water Programme. Further information about the Belfast Tidal Scheme is available here:
Notes to editors:
- The principal aim of the scheme is to protect against existing tidal flood risk and to mitigate against future sea level rise caused by climate change for Belfast Harbour and the tidal influence of the River Lagan which extends to Stranmillis Weir.
- To take account of climate change, the scheme is being designed to provide a high level of protection up to the mid-2080s with adaptability to the 2120s. This ensures the scheme is future proofed while allowing for the provision of additional protection based on the refinement of sea level rise predictions in the future.
- The proposed defences are 8.5 kilometres long and approximately 1 metre high.
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