The Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has pledged that the areas in Co Derry and Strabane will receive improved flood defences in the aftermath of heavy flooding over the weekend.
The commitment from the minister comes after he met with residents and business owners affected by flooding at the weekend on Tuesday.
The Minister visited homes and busineses in Drumahoe and Eglinton and other parts of Derry city and Strabane where at least 30- 40 homes are known to have internally flooded.
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It's understood that up to 300 homes in total are being assessed to determine if they were impacted when 70mm of rain fell in just five hours on Saturday, July 23.
The Department for Infrasture told MyDerry that their department was "well prepared" for the weekend's event in the North West, supplying over 8,000 sandbags to businesses and homeowners.
However, one local businessman said that this was the second time in five years that his business had flooded, leaving him with over £100,000 in damages.
In a statement, John O'Dowd said: “I understand this is devastating for those who have had their homes and personal property damaged and especially those who have been impacted by previous flooding events.
“Witnessing and hearing accounts first-hand of the consequences the flooding has had on families and livelihoods is truly heart-breaking.
"However, the reality is we are in the midst of a climate emergency and there is, as we all know from the experience of recent years, an increased likelihood of more extreme weather events causing damage to homes and businesses.
“I also fully recognise the need to introduce longer-term solutions as swiftly as possible to reduce the impacts of further flooding.
"That is why my Department is taking forward a number of Flood Alleviation Schemes across the north. We are currently progressing proposals for three specific schemes in Drumahoe, Eglinton and Derry City.
“Ground investigation works have already been completed at Eglinton and Drumhoe which will aid design development and will be used to determine the type of defence that can be constructed at each location."
He continued: "Significant progress is being made and subject to being able to demonstrate economic viability and affordability, it is intended that these schemes could then progress via design and procurement exercises to appoint contractors for the works.
“In addition, the Department’s Living With Water Programme has commenced work on a draft Strategic Drainage Integrated Plan (SDIP) for Derry.
"This will consider a longer-term 10-year drainage plan for the city and involves a range of partners and stakeholders across all areas of government," he added.
“I have already given my commitment to bring forward improvements in the Ballycolman estate, Strabane with a short-term solution being actively progressed in conjunction with Derry City and Strabane District Council.
“I will also continue to progress a longer-term solution for Ballycolman which is dependent on the provision of a new sewer required to serve the proposed housing development at the old Adria site, with timing subject to the developer’s programme.
“As our weather continues to become more unpredictable, I would urge everyone to be mindful of weather warnings and watch carefully on news bulletins and social media for regular updates. Please do not take any unnecessary risks in bad weather.”
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