Hazzard inspects £12 million flood alleviation works in East Belfast

Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard today visited East Belfast to view progress on a £12 million Flood Alleviation scheme in the area.

Minister Hazzard views progress along with David Porter and Owen McGivern from Rivers Agency

269 properties adjacent to Orangefield Park and Victoria Park have already benefited from upgrading works to provide an increased level of flood protection, costing around £1.7 million. Other parts of the scheme are ongoing and almost 1,700 properties will benefit when the works are complete in early 2017.

Commenting as he viewed work on the new flood defences, Minister Hazzard said:

“Protecting homes from flooding is a key priority and this significant £12 million investment will alleviate the impact of flooding to nearly 1,700 homes in this area.

“The work being carried out will reduce the flood risk in this area by putting in place the necessary infrastructure to protect this generation and the next from flooding.  This scheme and others like it across the North will undoubtedly improve the quality of life of the residents and businesses here. ‘’

Significant parts of the Flood Alleviation scheme works are part of the Connswater Community Greenway Project developed by EastSide Partnership, currently being delivered by Belfast City Council. 

The Minister added:

“Working in collaboration with Belfast City Council and the Connswater Community Greenway Trust to deliver improvements is helping to mitigate future flood damage and tackle an increasingly frequent challenge facing our society.”  

Phase 2 of the flood alleviation works to the lower reaches of the Loop River, Knock River and the Connswater are currently being delivered by Belfast City Council. The £7 million scheme will provide 1,264 properties with the national standard of flood protection against a 1 in 200 year tidal event and also 126 properties with the national standard of flood protection against a 1 in 100 fluvial event. The scheme is due to complete in 2017.

Construction of further flood alleviation works are ongoing in the Clara / Sandhill areas of East Belfast. Completion of the works (apart from the Ladas Way Works) is anticipated for late autumn 2016 at a cost in the region of £4.5 million.  When completed, the scheme will provide 80 properties with the national standard of flood protection against a 1 in 100 year fluvial event.

Notes to editors: 

1. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office on 028 9054 0007. Out of hours, please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
2. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra

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