Feasibilty study complete for 2,700 metre Eglinton flood protection scheme

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon hopes a value for money audit will be completed soon and a timeframe for delivery then finalised.

“The feasibility study for Eglinton has recently been completed. The scheme involves the construction of approximately 2,700 metres of flood defences and a range of other smaller works.

“The next stage is to test the proposals from a value for money and deliverability perspective and this work is now in hand.

“I am keen that it is brought to a swift conclusion and hope to be able to provide a further update on the timing for this important scheme in the near future,” she said.

The minister was asked about progress on the proposed scheme by SDLP MLA Mark H. Durkan who has been lobbying for better flood protection for Eglinton since the disastrous floods of August 2017.

He said: “The protracted and indeed perennial issues with flooding in Eglinton and the surrounding areas, requires a long-term co-ordinated strategy.

“I am pleased the Department for Infrastructure have been able to provide an update on the flood defences proposed for Eglinton and Drumahoe.

“This is a vital piece of work given the devastation witnessed here in 2017 and the impact on people’s lives and livelihoods.”

Local SDLP Councillor Jim McKeever, meanwhile, said residents of Granchester Park, were once again dealing with flooding problems during the recent heavy rainfall.

“Residents were provided with sandbags as a precautionary measure at the weekend. However, some gardens within the Granchester Park area have been flooded as a result of heavy rainfall. And although water has not entered into homes, the seepage of raw sewage into the gardens and laneway is of huge concern,” he said.