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The Department for Infrastructure have replied to queries from Newry.ie regarding the Flood Alleviation Scheme at Greenbank Industrial Estate in the city.
In their reply they cite the volume of rainfall raising the watercourse to unprecedented levels adding that existing flood defences including the Greenbank one protected the city from much worse flooding. The DfI also added that the current flood defence works are only part one of three phases and full protection will only be realised when all 3 phases are complete. Specific to Greenbank they said that the flood defence played a crucial role in containing water within the Knox Peebles Drain.
We had asked them for a comment on the anger and frustration of the local community that the Greenbank scheme that resulted in the loss of ancient oak trees failed to prevent the flooding of properties and roads in the industrial estate and if they believed the destruction of the local habitat was justified. We also asked if they intended to review its approach to flood alleviation.
In their reply a Departmental spokesperson said: "The Departments response, in conjunction with our multi agency partners, to the flooding which affected Newry was effective in protecting many properties from flooding. Unfortunately the volume of rainfall resulted in watercourse rising to unprecedented levels and flooding affected a number of properties. We understand the impact flooding has on people’s lives and the Department continues to work with Council to assist the recovery effort to this flooding"
The spokesperson added "Existing flood defences provided by the Department also worked effective in protecting 100s of properties in the centre of Newry which would have otherwise been inundated, this demonstrates the value of providing infrastructure of this type even though the provision of it often comes under intense scrutiny.
"The recent flood defence constructed within the Greenbank estate played a crucial role in containing the water within the Knox Peebles Drain. Without this defence, the flooding situation could have been much worse. It is also important to note that these works are part one of three interconnected phases, and the full protection to Newry will only be realised once all phases are completed.
In conclusion the spokesperson said "The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is currently working on phases two and three of the Newry flood alleviation scheme. We remain dedicated to finding the best solutions to address the complex and challenging issue of flooding in the region.”
