Alliance representatives seek answers on flooding of homes over the Christmas period in Newcastle
South Down Alliance MLA Patrick Brown and Mournes Councillor Jill Truesdale have written to the Department for Infrastructure asking for an explanation why homes in the Marguerite area of Newcastle flooded days after Christmas.
This is the second time homes were flooded in this area within a matter of months.
The flooding was very localised as the storm intensity and duration of rainfall were less compared to the storm in November.
However, despite the bad weather, NI Water has since confirmed information on the flooding saying that “a blockage and defective pipework also contributed to the flooding incident.”
Patrick Brown said: “This is the second time homes in this area of Newcastle have been hit within weeks.
“Urgent questions need to be raised with DfI and we need to know fully what measures are being put in place to protect these homes.
“Furthermore, the flooding of these homes has outlined the need for grant funding to compensate residents.
“Many who applied for the Homeowner Flood Protection Grant six weeks ago have not received a penny.
“This scheme gives homeowners grant money to spend on flood defences to protect their homes if they are within a flood zone.
“The slow pace at which this money is being rolled out is preventing residents from protecting their homes and could have prevented this flood incident.”
Cllr Jill Truesdale added: “The recent flooding in the Marguerite area of Newcastle has highlighted yet again the fragility of the zones within the townland and peripheral villages.
“No one is in any doubt of the risk Newcastle is under.
“The town has been fortunate to secure a multi-million-pound flood alleviation project which has undoubtedly saved many homes and businesses.
“However, despite this, homes in Newcastle still experience flooding which could have been prevented.
“Appropriate measures need to be put in place to protect this area and I will continue to lobby DfI and NI Water to ensure residents feel safe in their own homes.”
The Alliance Newry Mourne and Down District Council team tabled motions at full council before December on flood defences and flood preparedness.
One of the proposals put forward by Cllr Truesdale includes the implementation of a flood warning system similar to ones used in England, Scotland and Wales. These motions will be debated at committee in January 2024.
