The Department along with Newry Mourne and Down Council met with local businesses and elected representatives in Downpatrick today to advise them on the problems associated with the removal of floodwater in Market Street and the potential solution.
We have been working with Council and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service to devise a plan for pumping water over long distances, using high-volume pumps. The operation is set to commence once river water levels are low enough. We couldn’t do this today because it would have resulted in water flowing back to Market Street due to high river levels at present.
Whilst there have been some indications of floodwaters increasing slightly in Downpatrick, water levels in the Quoile River have peaked and have begun to fall from early morning.
The precise timing of the operation cannot be provided due to the unique nature of the task and the dependence on falling river levels.
We appreciate everyone’s patience as we work to manage the situation.
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