Brown Comments On Recent Flooding In Down

Alliance concerned at future of Downpatrick following major flooding

Alliance South Down MLA Patrick Brown has expressed his sympathy for the many victims of the recent floods across South Down.

“I am deeply saddened by the devastating impact the recent flooding has had on our local businesses, organisations and residents.

“Whilst flood water has now been pumped out of Downpatrick town centre, there is a severe long-term impact upon Downpatrick.

“I am fearful many businesses will not be in a position to reopen before Christmas or at all.”

Patrick Brown also experienced his own issues in the Downpatrick flood when his recently opened office was flooded in Market Lane in the town.

He added: “The impact of the flooding damage has the potential to dramatically hurt our local economy if a financial package is not in place to help businesses recover quickly and save our town.

“Alliance representatives and I have been advocating and lobbying the Secretary of State, UK government, Invest NI and Council for this much needed cash injection in Downpatrick.

“I will continue to outline the long-term damage this will have if a financial package is not forthcoming.

II would like to extend my thanks to council officers and staff who worked throughout the emergency situation.

“However I do believe some serious questions need to be asked:

• to understand how Downpatrick flooded to such an extent,
• what impact dredging the Quoile could have had on water flow
• and ensuring there are future flood defences in place to prevent this from happening again. “.

Downpatrick Alliance Councillor Cadogan Enright said: “I have been working on the ground the last several days witnessing the impact of the flooding in Downpatrick.

“It has been devastating watching business owner’s livelihoods go under water.

“Whilst significant questions need be asked regarding the impact of this, it is important Downpatrick has a plan to recover from this disaster.

“There must be a a financial recovery plan, some form of rates relief and mental health support for those affected.

“Furthermore the flood damage in our town illustrates the much needed resources we need to implement Downpatrick’s Living High Streets Scheme in order to revive Downpatrick.”