Flood precautions have been implemented at strategic locations close to the River Foyle in Derry city centre ahead of a high tide tomorrow morning.
Emmet Doyle: spoken to senior Fire and Rescue officers,
Sandbags have been placed around the BT Telecom building, Victoria Market pumping station and surrounding areas.
Emmett Doyle, SDLP candidate in the Moor ward in the upcoming local government elections, who has met with senior officers from Fire and Rescue Service in the city, said the precautions were important given the “infrastructure house in the area
Mr Doyle said: “I have spoken to senior officers in the Fire and Rescue Service this afternoon as there have been some activity in the city centre with fire crews putting sandbags in place around Victoria Market and the surrounding areas.
“I have been informed that as high tide in the city is at 11.00am tomorrow, the Fire and Rescue Service are deploying sandbags around the BT Telecoms building, Victoria Market pumping station and the surrounding areas, possibly including up to the Queens Quay corner of Custom House Street.
“At this time these are precautions given the important infrastructure housed in the area and information from flood maps.”
Mr Doyle concluded: “It is not yet known if Victoria Market car park will be closed tomorrow so before leaving for work tomorrow please do check with local media outlets as to the situation.”
Earlier, Chris Kerr, Chief Fire Officer, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service said the Fie Service was “well prepared” and “well-rehearsed” in terms of its contingency planning in readiness for the strong possibility of flooding.
He said: “We are working closely with our colleagues in the PSNI and other statutory agencies right across Northern Ireland to assist members of the public.
“Valiant work is taking place both strategically and on the ground. We have deployed on standby our Specialist Rescue Teams and specialist High Volume Pumping Appliances into the areas that are most at risk, to be immediately available, if necessary to deal with emergency incidents.”
CFO Kerr revealed he had received and accepted offers of assistance RNLI Ireland and and Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver a “fast and effective response.”
He added: “I am confident that we have the resources and expertise to sustain a professional response at this difficult time for the public.”
To report serious flooding, telephone the NI Flooding Incident Line on 0300 2000 100 which is in operation 24/7.
If there is a risk to life, members of the public are advised dial 999 immediately.
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