Kimmins joins training exercise at the Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme
Date published:
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has joined a large-scale training exercise which demonstrated how flood defences across Belfast would fully swing into operation should there be a tidal surge.
The exercise involves the installation and then dismantling of approximately 1500 metres of temporary flood defences, planned to be used as part of the Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme, across some 80 locations along the banks and towpath of the River Lagan stretching from Stranmillis to Belfast Harbour.
It is currently estimated that in the event of significant tidal flooding it would affect over 2km2 of Belfast City, including residential areas, parts of the commercial city centre and major infrastructure.
Minister Kimmins said:
“The completed Belfast Tidal Scheme ultimately provides enhanced protection for over 3,000 homes and businesses in Belfast from tidal flooding with flood defences constructed along approximately 8.5km of the River Lagan from Stranmillis Weir to Belfast Harbour.
“Building a Scheme of this size through a busy city meant that careful steps had to be taken during the design and construction phases to maintain daily access for pedestrians and vehicles. It was not possible to build a continuous permanent flood wall so temporary barriers were integrated at certain locations which can be installed when a significant tidal surge is forecast. The practice exercise this week, will not only familiarise staff with the equipment but practice emergency response procedures and how best to minimise temporary disruption to the homes and businesses.
“Whilst individual sections were successfully installed during Storm Ashley in Autumn 2024, this will be the first deployment of all the integrated temporary measures at one time, so I wanted to see the full extent of the operational activity necessary. The learning identified from this exercise will inform and strengthen our flood response to further enhance tidal flood protection for homes and businesses in Belfast.”
The Minister concluded:
“Adapting to climate is one of my Department’s seven Foundations for a Better Future. While we cannot prevent all flooding from happening, we can reduce the impacts with appropriate infrastructure investment. The completion of this £33m scheme, which helps avoid almost £180m of flood damage, and the practising of our operational response provides a major boost for over 3000 homes and businesses, not only today, but also for future generations as we continue to bolster our defences to help protect against tidal flooding and promote long term resilience.”
The Department has engaged with multi-agency partners to carefully programme the exercise to minimise inconvenience. Whilst it is not intended to close any roads as part of this practice exercise, there may be some short-term disruption and footpath closures. Advisory signs have been provided at a number of locations, including along the towpath.
The Department would like to thank the public for their patience. Further details, including locations and programme, are available at: Belfast Tidal FAS Training Exercise.
Notes to editors:
- The scheme design includes an allowance for climate change projections in accordance with DfI “Technical Flood Risk Guidance in Relation to Allowances for Climate Change in Northern Ireland” and a review was undertaken to compare against the predicted increases in sea level rise outlined within the UK Climate Change Projections UKCP18) Report during the scheme development stage.
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