Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) the steps his Department will take to prevent future flooding on Kings Row, Coalisland; and (ii) any compensation that will be made available to residents who had recent flood damage to their property. [Priority Written]
Minister for Infrastructure: Following a period of very heavy rainfall associated with Storm Bert, the river drainage infrastructure on the Mousestown Stream, Coalisland became overwhelmed.
The open watercourse enters a culvert via an inlet screen near the junction of Annagher Road and Stewartstown Road. The river surcharged at the mouth of this culvert and it overflowed. I am advised that this overflowing of the Mousetown Drain contributed to the flooding suffered by residents along Kings Row.
My Department was proactive across the weekend, responding to over 600 calls for assistance across a wide geographical area. Preventative screen maintenance was undertaken across the North in the days prior to this event to help alleviate the impacts of flooding. This preventative work contributed to hundreds of homes being protected.
Unfortunately, a number of residents across the North experienced flooding inside their homes including those at Kings Row, Coalisland.
My Department’s Rivers Directorate will continue its inspection and maintenance regime in relation to designated watercourses and their associated infrastructure within the Coalisland area. If an inspection determines that there is a blockage significantly impeding the free flow of water within the watercourse or that drainage infrastructure is in an unsatisfactory condition, then works will be programmed.
I can confirm that I have instructed officials to review my Department’s response to this event, and the feasibility of any viable flood alleviation measures at this location will also be reviewed.
The Scheme of Emergency Financial Assistance was introduced by the Executive in 2007. Its purpose is to provide immediate financial support to households who have suffered from flooding. It is not a compensation scheme and does not purport to be one; nor is it intended to replace or displace the assistance that households should receive from their insurers.
The Minister for Communities activated the Scheme of Emergency Financial Assistance from 22 November 2024 to 21 December 2024. An immediate payment of £1,000 is made via district councils to provide eligible householders with assistance to make their homes habitable as quickly as possible.
One other practicable option for domestic property owners is to avail of the Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme run by my Department. Successful applicants receive 90% of the costs (up to £10,000) to modify their properties to make them more resistant to flooding. Details on how homeowners can apply are available on my Department’s website at:
Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme | Department for Infrastructure
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