North west floods: Infrastructure minister defends DfI response

Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd meet with Eglinton resident Greta Mooney on Monday

Northern Ireland's infrastructure minister has defended his department's response to flooding in the north west at the weekend.

John O'Dowd visited the region to see the affect on residents and businesses.

More than 300 homes reported flood damage to Derry City and Strabane District Council.

At least one resident of St Canice's Park in Eglinton said he was too angry to meet Mr O'Dowd on Tuesday.

Mr O'Dowd said since the last major flooding incident in Eglinton in 2017, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) had installed two sandbag banks in the area.

That, he said, had helped save a number of homes.

He said the flooding at the weekend began so quickly there was little anyone could have done.

Despite having only a 20-minute warning ahead of Saturday night's heavy rain his department, the minister said, had "swung into action across the area that was affected".

More than 300 homes in the north west reported flood damage to Derry City and Strabane District Council

Following severe flooding in 2017, a flood alleviation scheme, to help prevent future flooding, was announced for St Canice's Park.

A feasibility study was undertaken but there has been some frustration in the local community that it has not progressed further.

The minister said it was important all options were explored to protect homes from recurring flooding.

"This is a very complex issue that is not easily resolved or solved," he said.

"We want to ensure that the solution we put in place for St Canice's Gardens is permanent and viable over at least a generation".

Issue of funds

Mr O'Dowd also said his department "does not have the money at this stage" for the scheme.

That flooding has become more regular, Mr O'Dowd added, "shows how quickly our climate is changing".

Officials will review the department's response to Saturday's floods to see "what lessons can be learned", he said.

Mr O'Dowd said that he fully recognises the need to introduce longer term solutions as swiftly as possible to reduce the impacts of further flooding.

The Curryfree Road on the outskirts of Derry, was submerged by floodwater

At the weekend it is understood 70mm of rain fell in the space of five hours, overwhelming river banks and drainage systems in the north west.

Six people were rescued by emergency services on Saturday evening as torrential rain fell.

The minister is also due to visit Strabane, Drumahoe and Derry on Tuesday to see the affect on residents and businesses.

Some residents in the Ballycolman Estate told BBC Radio Foyle they felt hurt, angry and forgotten about after severe flooding hit the area again

Mamie Quigley, 84, lives in Strabane's Ballycolman estate.

It's an area that has been repeatedly damaged by floods.

"I am not angry, I am hurt," she told BBC Radio Foyle on Tuesday.

"I am hurt because, not only me, but all of my neighbours is the same as me. Every one of us. Three times in two years and nobody is doing anything about it. That is ridiculous.

"We have had meetings but nothing happens," she said.

Any home that has been damaged by the flooding can register their property with Derry and Strabane Council to avail of the Department for Communities Emergency scheme.

This fund is available to assist householders by providing up to £1,000 to help make their home fit to live in following inspections by council staff.

Business premises affected by flood damage do not qualify for financial support under this scheme.