What to do with those Sandbags!

If you were one of the many individuals or businesses that got sandbags from Council premises last weekend, Newry and Mourne District Council are asking you to hold on to them for future use.

Residents

Residents that have received sandbags in the last few days are encouraged to retain them for their future use if they are still dry or if they are wet only due to rainwater.  If possible they should be stored in a garage or shed so that they last longer.  Dry sandbags should last for several years.  

Sandbags which have become wet due to rainwater will dry out if stored indoors.

Sandbags which are wet due to flood water should be disposed of.  The easiest way to do this is to put the sandbag in your garden, split open the sandbag and spread the sand.  The empty bag can go in the bin.

If you do not wish to keep your sandbags and you do not have a garden, return the sandbags to your local Council’s recycling centre/amenity site. 

Businesses

Businesses which provided their own sandbags should retain these for their future use.

A spokesperson said "Over the weekend there has been close co-operation between emergency and government agencies who worked together to ensure infrastructure, property and people were protected against flood risk from a tidal surge. The main areas affected included Newry City Centre, Greenbank Industrial Estate, Warrenpoint Harbour and industrial Estate.

"Approximately 3,000 sandbags were issued to the public and commercial/retail premises.  Four emergency support centres were put on standby and Council workers assisted the response agencies.

"Rivers Agency, DRD Road Service and NI Water also bolstered existing flood protection measures to prevent the impending flood waters.

"The Council wishes to thank its employees, elected members, government agencies and the people of Newry and Mourne who all provided excellent support to the community."