O’Dowd visits sluice gates at Toomebridge
Date published:
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has visited the sluice gates that manage water levels on Lough Neagh.
The sluice gates, which are managed by the Department, are located on the Lower Bann at Portna, Coleraine and at Toomebridge, where the Minister visited. They are used to create a navigable depth of 1.5 metres within the river which enables boats to travel throughout its 60 kilometres length from Portstewart to Toomebridge.
The Department monitors the water levels of Lough Neagh on a daily basis and, taking into consideration the weather forecasts, makes adjustments to the gate openings as necessary to maintain water levels in the Lough and Lower Bann River within the prescribed limits to minimise flood risk in the surrounding areas.
The Minister said:
“These flood gates are a vital infrastructure asset which deliver real benefits for the community. Not only do they help mitigate the flood risk to businesses and homes but they are also important for tourism, nature conservation, water supply, farming and for those using Lough Neagh for fishing or boating.
“I wanted to see these in operation first hand to get an understanding of how they work and meet the staff who undertake this important work every day.”
Up to date information on water levels and gate openings can be accessed at: Lough Neagh levels
Notes to editors:
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