Flooding statement from Social Development Minister

The Minister for Social Development Margaret Ritchie, MLA, this evening visited Housing Executive properties on the Cregagh Road, in east Belfast, which have been flooded.

Commenting after the visit the Minister said: "I understand that over 100 Housing Executive properties have been affected by flooding. This puts many people in a very difficult situation and many homes are without electricity.

"I have visited some of the people this evening, have spoken to a number of residents and heard their problems and concerns.

"I have assured them that the Housing Executive will be doing everything in its power to arrange temporary accommodation where this is required, or to deal with health and safety issues such as the loss of electricity, as soon as possible."