Update: The long, slow recovery from the worst flood in living memory in Downpatrick has begun
Pumping began overnight to clear the floodwater from the centre of Downpatrick.
Significant progress was quickly made with some shops gaining early access to their premises and assessing the damage for the first time by early afternoon writes Jim Masson.
Then finally, the worst hit area in Lower Market Street was cleared of flood water later in the late afternoon.
But the devastation caused by the flood is breathtaking.
The NI Fire Service operated two large pumps pumped the water from Market Street along Church Street out to the Belfast Road area through large flexible pipes discharging into the River Quoile.
The weather today was good with no rain and some of the pavements have already dried in Downpatrick, but a scene of devastation unfolded
A Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “This was a complex operation which used two high volume pumps.
“They moved in excess of 7500 litres per minute using twin six-inch hoses to the discharge point into the Quoile River at the Belfast Road bridge almost a mile away.
“As waters recede, pumping paused temporarily to relocate pumps closer to the low point.
“Water levels in the Quoile are on the decline and monitoring of water levels both in Market Street and the River still continues.
“Market Street and other roads in the area remained closed to facilitate the pumping main.
“We would appreciate road users to follow the necessary safety messages and diversion routes until the operation is completed.
“The latest information on any road closures is on:
“We understand this is incredibly difficult for residents and businesses impacted and we appreciate their patience as we work with partners to manage the situation.
“Newry Mourne and Down District Council has already started to assist businesses, where possible, with the clear-up.
“It has already commenced in the town centre. Large vehicles and equipment such as the large pumps and skips will be on the streets until it is cleared.
Check out Day 4 Photos As The Flood Clears in Downpatrick
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Businesspeople Hopeful Government Will Bail Them Out
Murphy’s Bar and adjacent buildings in Lower Market Street seemed to be at the epicentre of the flood being under 6-feet of water at one stage.
Brendan Kearney, whose family run a cafe in Market Street for many years, is chair of the Federation of Small Business in NI and said that “the FSB has been lobbying hard already at local, regional and national level for a support package for the businesses across South Down and the rest of Northern Ireland”
The weather has been favourable through Saturday so good progress has been made as the waters slowly recede into the River Quoile which is tidal.
Downpatrick town centre is deemed to be the lowest point in the map in the North according to Mapzu which says: “County Down in Northern Ireland holds the lowest point on the island. Located thirty-three kilometers south of Belfast is the town of Downpatrick. Surrounding the northeast section of Downpatrick is a marsh which has a recorded elevation of negative .04 meters or 1.3 feet below sea level.“
Therefore, emergency services are fighting against the forces of nature on land and sea full on as they try and juggle a response to tides, the weather and resources.
The sea pushes up the tidal Strangford Lough and which in turn pushes up the Quoile estuary trying to push out fresh water and Downpatrick being at the edge of this area is prone to flooding.
As the shutters were lifted in some shops this morning, shopkeepers waited with trepidation to see what damage had been done to their premises.
91-year old Seamus McCartan whose son runs McCartan’s shoe shop said: “I cannot remember in my lifetime the flood being as bad and I’ve seen a few.”
Ciaran McCartan said: “We are all simply devastated at how quickly t his all happened.
“The business people in Downpatrick will now be looking for help from the government so we can get over this and get back to normal again.”
Newry Mourne and Down District Council has sent in its team to help get the clean up of Downpatrick moving. Skips are being filled and pavements and roads cleaned, but the task is enormous and will take days, if not weeks and there are only 50 days left to Christmas.
Meanwhile, Cllr Oonagh Hanlon said: “As Chairperson of Newry Mourne & Down PCSP, I have received confirmation that Community Wardens will be on the ground supporting PSNI here in Downpatrick.
“We really want to keep residents and young people safe. The partnership also want to support local businesses in any way possible.”
The key to the recovery of the Downpatrick trading community affected by the flood will be an effective compensatory package drawn up and delivered fairly.
However, it is heart-warming to see the large number of volunteers and family members of business people and their friends already in Downpatrick helping to clean up and get the town back into shape.
Following widespread floods, a number of flood victims from Newry, Rostrevor, Kilkeel, and across Northern Ireland are now waiting for speedy action on a flood compensation scheme to be implemented.
Down News will publish details as soon as they are announced.
Check out Day 4 Photos As The Flood Clears in Downpatrick
See other photo folders and videos on the Down News Facebook page.
Check the website of Newry Mourne and Down District Council on what to do if you experience flooding and how to get help.
