DSD minister takes action to minimise flooding

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said today that her Department has acted quickly to minimise risk of flooding in the Lower Ormeau Road area.

The Minister said: “DSD is acting in response to a request from Water NI. My Department, which took over management of the River Lagan from 1 April, had to empty the Lagan impoundment on the low tide on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. We also excluded the subsequent high tide.

“This was to allow the gravity overflow pipe at the sewage pumping station at River Terrace to continue operating if required in the event that the pumps fail or are overloaded due

to the rush of water. The gravity pipe can not operate if the river level is too high

“While this is unfortunate for people such as rowers who use the river, it is necessary to protect homes in the Lower Ormeau area from the continuing threat of flooding.

“I apologise for any convenience caused to river amenity users and to those who live in the area but I hope they will understand why this action was necessary.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The effect of this action is that amenities on the river, such as rowing, have had to be curtailed and this may continue through the weekend if the current weather conditions continue. The action may also produce bad odours from the exposed mud.
2. It takes between five and eight hours approximately before the river level is restored after emptying. The time depends upon several factors such as how low the river is emptied and how much fresh water comes in to the impoundment over Stranmillis Weir while the gates are keeping the tide out. This will happen twice in every 25 hours in line with the tidal cycle.