Ministers visit £2 million flood alleviation scheme

Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy and Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew were on site today at Joymount in Carrickfergus to view the final stages of a joint £2million flood alleviation scheme between NI Water and Rivers Agency.

The scheme, which is due to complete this month, will reduce the risk of long-running flooding problems in the area and will provide an improved infrastructure for future development.  It will also improve the water quality in a local river, the Sullatober Water.

Speaking during the visit, Minister Murphy said: “Work is progressing very well on this site and the scheme of work is now entering its final stages.  Once the work is completed it will not only benefit the local community by reducing the risk of flooding in the area, but will also accommodate future development and growth.

“I would like to thank the local community and businesses for their patience while this essential work was completed.”

Minister Gildernew said: “This is an important £2million investment which will help protect a range of residential and commercial properties from flooding in the future.

“I commend both departments for their joined up approach on this project.  By co-operating jointly in this scheme, we have made significant cost savings in the region of £100,000 and it has inevitably resulted in less disruption for the community.”

Rivers Agency is investing an additional £300,000 in a second phase of this scheme which will further enhance the level of flood protection in the area.  This will be located upstream of the current work and is due to start later this year.

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