North West residents call for introduction of urgent flood measures
More than 300 homes reported flood damage following heavy rain fall on Saturday
Flooding in the North West on Saturday left many families picking up the pieces after several millimetres of water fell damaging homes across the area.
More than 300 reported flood damage to officials and since the incident families have expressed their anger and frustration that their homes have been damaged again following a similar flooding incident in 2017.
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd visited homes and businesses in Drumahoe, Eglinton and other parts of Derry city and Strabane yesterday (Tuesday) where he met with those affected.
Following the last major flooding incident in Eglinton in 2017, the Department for Infrastructure had installed two sandbag banks in the area.
However, residents have expressed their anger and frustration that their properties were once again susceptible to major flooding.
Marie Donaghy, a local resident in Eglinton, told Downtown and Cool Fm how Saturday night unfolded.
She said: “What I experienced on Saturday night turned into be a humanitarian crisis the catastrophic scenes were utter chaos.
“It was a free for all.
“It was just something that you watch on the news yourself and in other areas and you never think it’s going to come to your doorstep.
“Our houses were a near miss, and we weren’t trying to deflect water like everyone else was.”
“But we do understand those effected are still living with much anger today and actually can’t even speak to the media and I’m more than happy to do that on their behalf.
“The residents are very angry.
“In the long term, it's a very long road. Today they want answers, today they want action, and they cannot wait five years. They couldn't wait five years back in 2017.
“It's not even acceptable to have a timeframe of five years.
“It could rain tonight, and this happened all over again.
“So, some sort of emergency plan, at least at the very least, should be put in place. The Minister needs to show some sort of action on the ground, and he needs to demonstrate that.
“That will be demonstrated by the next rainfall and the next situation.
“We hope that does not expand to become this sort of crisis again.
Following his visit, the Minister said: “In addition, by working alongside multi agency partners in the Regional Community Resilience Group (RCRG) my staff in the Department’s Roads and Rivers team do all they can to support community resilience efforts during severe weather events.
"We hope that does not expand to become this sort of crisis again."
“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. 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.
Marie explained how she is “living in fear” and how the possibility of flooding in the area how she feels about living in her home.
She added: “It grows frustration.
“You can expect that and the people who are affected.
“It was just too much on Saturday night for some to bare. People were fainting!
“It was just a scene that was just psychological imprints in people's minds, and it was just far too soon after the 2017 event.
“I think from my experience on Saturday night, we had to make decisions for ourselves we had to take actions for ourselves.
“In the long term, it's a very long road. Today they want answers, today they want action, and they cannot wait five years. They couldn't wait five years back in 2017."
“We had to redirect traffic for ourselves because the water on the road, the road wasn't possible the traffic didn't understand.
“There were many things that just took place that it wasn't our expertise of course.”
The Minister added that he has “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.”
He added: “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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