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Following serious flooding in Newry city over the past 24 hours householders who have suffered severe inconvenience from flooding can claim £1,000 payment from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council through the SEFA scheme. It involves an inspection by an Environmental Health Officer and the payment is to ensure homes are made habitable as quickly as possible. Notification must be made to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council within 7 days of the flooding incident. For further information on (SEFA) please contact Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Environmental Health Department on 0330 137 4024 or email: ehealth@nmandd.org
MLA Justin McNulty has also written to the Permanant Secretary at the Department for Communities seeking urgent confirmation that an Emergency Flood Relief Fund will be implemented through Council to homes and businesses who have been impacted by the flood.
Mr McNulty said "Local businesses need to know that they will be supported to bounce back and homeowners need reassured that their households will be helped to recover quickly."
In a seperate announcement the Department for Infrastructure and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council have said they are aware of the collapsed wall at Merchant’s Quay on the walkway behind Newry Town Hall and are taking steps to make the immediate area safe for the public and local businesses.
They are asking the public to stay away from all watercourses, canals and bridges especially in the Newry area, while assessment of the damage caused by the rain continues. Some road closures are still in place this evening, especially around the Sugar Island/ Canal Street/ New Street area.
MLA Liz Kimmins praised the efforts of the local community and statutory agencies following the overnight flooding.
Ms Kimmins said “Overnight flooding has severely impacted many businesses and residents in Newry and other areas of the north.
“I would like to praise the massive response of the local community, statutory agencies and also Newry BID who have worked to alleviate flooding and prevent further damage.
“However, many homes and businesses have suffered damage as a result of the flooding, which has also led to power cuts in some areas.
“I would encourage those affected by flooding to contact their local council who can support residents with a payment of up to £1,000. We will also be here to support residents and business owners in the time ahead to access financial support in the aftermath of this."
Business Response
As part of the business response Newry BID purchased and distributed more than 1500 sandbags, made canoes and waders available to members to access the worst affected areas. BID have also purchased six wet vacuums which will be made available to members during the clean-up operation.
A Newry BID spokesperson said "We are acutely aware that many businesses impacted are not eligible for flood risk insurance so we will be lobbying on their behalf for financial support for this no-fault loss. We have already started lobbying for financial support to aid business recovery. We are also working with businesses to find temporary premises for relocation during the clean-up operation, in the run up to Christmas. We are generally trying to help members where we can so, please do contact us over the coming days, if we can support you in any way."
Newry Chamber of Commerce members and other business representatives in the local area held an emergency meeting today with Council CEO Marie Ward
A Chamber spokesperson said "If your property is at immediate risk and you require sand bags, please contact the flooding incident line on 0300 2000 100. This number is available 24 hours a day. The advice on insurance is businesses should immediately contact their insurance company directly to see if they are covered for flood damage under their policy.
"Newry Chamber will continue to work tirelessly together with other key stakeholders and collectively as a business community to recover from this and bounce back and if you require any assistance, please contact them via admin@newrychamber.com "
Up to date information about road closures is available at: www.trafficwatchni.com A Yellow weather warning for rain is in place until Friday.
If you need to notify the flooding incident line you can contact them on 0300 2000 100.
Information about preparing for possible flooding, and what to do after a flood, is available at: Flooding in your area.
Advice for road users in all adverse weather conditions can be found at: nidirect
