Flood Alleviation Plan Is On-Going Says DfI

Downpatrick Saved From Another Major Flood

A DfI spokesperson said: “Work is ongoing to develop a business case for the potential flood alleviation scheme.

“The business case is currently due to be complete by spring 2026.

“During last week and over the weekend, DfI Rivers staff closely monitored river levels, including those within the Quoile River catchment.

“The Quoile barrier was checked regularly to ensure maximum discharge during tidal windows and pumping at Well’s Lane commenced on the evening of 13th November 2025 and continued until 15th November 2025.

“These proactive measures helped protect homes in the Church Street and Quoile Crescent areas of Downpatrick.

“While some localised surface water flooding occurred in the town centre, river levels remained significantly lower than those recorded during the Autumn 2023 floods.”

So, a business plan is being put together. This will no doubt be a huge civil engineering project and given instability in the costs of materials, it will be no doubt be difficult to cost.

Looking at a time scale, if the Dfi is happy with the business plan, it will go to the NI Executive for approval. And allowing for any delays the decision-making process and the availability of funding in that current budget, it may be marked down for development the following year and go out to tender.

Therefore, flood alleviation for Downpatrick could be heading into the next Assembly period and whatever turmoil that brings.

There are still a few bureaucratic hurdles to clear yet and hopefully all the political parties when it comes to the moment for critical decisions actually vote in favour of the plan and provide the necessary public funding.

Last week there were a lot of nrevous residents and business people around Downpatrick, but for the moment, the water levels are abating and attention is now on the coming Christmas season.

Down News ©.