Hazzard welcomes Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) Report on flood prevention and management

Date published: 13 September 2016

Chris Hazzard said:

"I welcome this report which highlights that Rivers Agency’s strategy for managing flood risk is in line with EU requirements and that flood maps developed by Rivers Agency are fit for purpose.

“I am particularly pleased to see that the audit identified that there are close working relationships across government in the area of flood management and I am keen to see these enhanced going forward. These should be further strengthened now the three organisations involved with flood alleviation – Rivers Agency, NI Water and TransportNI are all within one Department.

“Protecting homes from flooding is a key priority and over the past five years £33 million has been invested in the construction of new flood defence assets. The report highlights some issues with completion times and budgets. I have already asked officials to look for opportunities to streamline the procurement and design of these works to ensure ongoing schemes are delivered on time and within budget.

“Just last week I visited various sites in East Belfast to see for myself the £12 million flood alleviation schemes in the area. These schemes and others across the North will undoubtedly improve the quality of life for residents and businesses here.”