Flooding (Hansard, 13 September 2004)

§ Mr. Spellar

During the latter part of August 2004, several areas in Northern Ireland were affected by severe localised rainfall conditions that proved to be beyond the capacity of local drainage systems. The Londonderry area was particularly affected. Localised flooding also occurred at a number of locations in Greater Belfast, North Down, East Down and East Antrim, which resulted in some road closures for short periods of time.

Staff from Rivers Agency, Water Service and Roads Service along with other responders worked to minimise damage to property and disruption to the community. During each of the flood events an inter-agency flood team was formed, comprising representatives from Rivers Agency, Water Service and Roads Service to coordinate the response. The team, along with other agencies—13 in total in the Londonderry incident—worked together to provide assistance and advice to those affected.

In the Londonderry incident, Water Service, Roads Service and Rivers Agency deployed some 75 staff, working late into the evening and next morning, to minimise damage to property and aid recovery. I would like to pay tribute to the efforts of those staff and the staff of other agencies. The Central Claims Unit had its loss adjusters on the ground on 18 August. Notwithstanding these efforts, a number of householders and businesses suffered significant flood-related damage. Derry city council organised a "help shop", to provide advice and information, on 20 August, and all the relevant statutory agencies participated in this event. My ministerial colleague, lan Pearson, visited Londonderry on 18 August to survey the damage and to ensure that remedial measures were in train.

The circumstances of the flooding incidents are being fully investigated to identify any opportunities to reduce the risk of further events and improve the standard of the inter-agency response. As with all such incidents, it is essential that any lessons are learned and applied.

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Water Service is implementing a programme of flood relief schemes at 50 locations at risk of flooding. £6 million has been invested on such schemes in the last four years and a further £5 million will be invested over the next three years. Moreover work on the £100 million Belfast sewer project is already underway and a further £59 million will be invested in upgrading the sewerage network across the region in the three year period to 2006. Major upgrades of the sewerage system planned will also help to reduce flooding risks. In addition, Rivers Agency has an ongoing works programme to protect property from flooding from watercourses and the sea, amounting to approximately £7 million per annum.

However, it must be recognised that, although modern drainage standards will provide better protection, it is impossible to guarantee that flooding will not occur, when unusually severe weather conditions are experienced.