O’Dowd views new flood defences helping to protect Belfast

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd visited the Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme to see ongoing progress on the scheme which aims to provide a long-term approach to tidal flood risk management for the city and help protect against the flood risk dangers presented by climate change.

The scheme represents investment of over £30million from the Department for Infrastructure. The Minister took the opportunity to meet the project team and was able to view various areas of completed flood defences and how they integrate with the existing streetscapes.

Minister O’Dowd said:

“September is preparedness month when we look at ways to boost our readiness ahead of the winter months and the increasingly impactful storms we face as a result of climate change.  This was a fitting opportunity to re-visit the scheme and meet the faces behind this critical project which helps Belfast manage the impacts of climate change by ultimately delivering enhanced protection for over 3000 homes and businesses from tidal flooding.

“Since my previous site visit so much more infrastructure has been put in place. In addition to the reinforced concrete flood wall I also got to see some of the glass defences in place at the Waterfront. These provide flood protection yet maintain connectivity and views of the river.  Demountable flood barriers are also used to maintain access for towpath users and the team was able to demonstrate how they can assemble these temporary flood defences when required to provide further protection against extreme weather conditions.

“This is exactly the type of infrastructure that will build a better tomorrow by delivering positive change for communities - not just for this generation but for generations to come.”

Notes to editors: 

1. Photo caption: Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd viewing the new flood defences helping to protect Belfast this week. The Minister is pictured with Patrick Harney, Charles Brand Group and Johnathan Carlisle from the Department’s Rivers Directorate.
2. More information on the Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme is available at Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme (arcgis.com).
3. The scheme is split into five flood areas extending through various parts of the city; Lockview/Stranmillis, Ormeau, Ravenhill, Sydenham/East Belfast, Belfast Harbour/City Centre.
4. 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.
5. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
6. Follow us on Twitter @deptinfra on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure and on LinkedIn at DfILinkedIn.
7. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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