Heavy rainfall has left large parts of Downpatrick underwater. The worst affected areas included Dunleath Park and the Market Street car park.
And Sinn Fein councillor Naomi Bailie has called for urgent action to address the repeated problem.
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Cllr Naomi Bailie has voiced her concerns about flooding in Downpatrick.[/caption]
Councillor Bailie said: “Downpatrick needs a sustainable urban drainage system that can cope with heavy rainfall that will minimise water run-off and flood risks.
“Much of our town sits on a floodplain and until we address this, flash flooding will continue and development in Downpatrick will continue to be hindered.
“Down District Council recently agreed a plan for a brand new leisure centre for Downpatrick, which is to be welcomed. The facility will cost in the region of £17million and will be located on the site of the present centre.
“However, I am concerned that while the design will ensure that the building itself is flood proofed, the car park area to the rear, and the adjacent Dunleath playing fields remain on flood plains with increased risk of flooding.
“Something must be done to ensure the investment by Council doesn’t leave us with a first class facility sitting on an island that people can’t get to when floods occur.
“The recent addition of a storm water holding tank in Downpatrick will ensure that flooding on lower Market Street is a thing of the past, protecting an important part of the town for business.
“Now the same needs to happen for areas like Dunleath Park and Rathkeltair car park, facilities which our rate payers deserve to be able to utilise.
“Public sector workers deserve to have parking at Market Street, sport clubs deserve to have the first class playing facilities they pay for at Dunleath and leisure centre users deserve to have their new facility fully accessible and which people can get to, even when it rains.
“I will be raising this matter with relevant authorities in the coming days,” she said.
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Cllr Naomi Bailie has expressed her concerns about flooding at Dunleath Park.[/caption]]]>
