Infrastructure minister John O’Dowd is meeting residents affected by flooding at St Canice’s Park in Eglinton
John O’Dowd is visiting the region to see the affect on residents and businesses.
More than 300 homes reported flood damage to Derry City and Strabane District Council.
At least one resident of St Canice’s Park in Eglinton said he was too angry to meet Mr O’Dowd on Tuesday.
Mr O’Dowd said since the last major flooding incident in Eglinton in 2017, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) had installed two sandbag banks in the area.
That, he said, had helped save a number of homes.
He said the flooding at the weekend began so quickly there was little anyone could have done.
Despite having only a 20-minute warning ahead of Saturday night’s heavy rain his department, the minister said, had “swung into action across the area that was affected”.
Following severe flooding in 2017, a flood alleviation scheme, to help prevent future flooding, was announced for St Canice’s Park.
A feasibility study was undertaken but there has been some frustration in the local community that it has not progressed further.
The minister said it was important all options were explored to protect homes from recurring flooding.
“This is a very complex issue that is not easily resolved or solved,” he said.
Greta Mooney was among the residents who met Mr O’Dowd
Mr O’Dowd also said his department “does not have the money at this stage” for the scheme.
That flooding has become more regular, Mr O’Dowd added, “shows how quickly our climate is changing”.
Officials will review the department’s response to Saturday’s floods to see “what lessons can be learned”, he said.
At the weekend it is understood 70mm of rain fell in the space of five hours, overwhelming river banks and drainage systems in the north west.
Six people were rescued by emergency services on Saturday evening as torrential rain fell.
The minister is also due to visit Strabane, Drumahoe and Derry on Tuesday to see the affect on residents and businesses.
Tags: