Flood Defences: Beragh

Oral Answers to Questions – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 2:15 pm on 25 February 2014.

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Photo of Barry McElduff Barry McElduff Sinn Féin 2:15, 25 February 2014

5. asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline the progress made on the flood defences at Beragh, County Tyrone. (AQO 5631/11-15)

Photo of Michelle O'Neill Michelle O'Neill Sinn Féin

I am pleased to advise that the design of the scheme to protect the dwellings and the grounds around the GAA clubhouse in Beragh is complete.

The flood alleviation scheme is out to tender, and Rivers Agency expects to award the construction contract in March.  Completion of the scheme is anticipated by spring 2015, which I know will be welcomed by those who have been directly impacted by flooding in this area over the past number of years.

Photo of Barry McElduff Barry McElduff Sinn Féin

Go raibh maith agat.  I thank the Minister for her reply.  I also thank officials from the Rivers Agency who have been very helpful with the matter.  Will the Minister confirm what the next steps are and restate when the project will be completed?

Photo of Michelle O'Neill Michelle O'Neill Sinn Féin

The design of the civil engineering works to adequately protect an area is very complex, and it takes a bit of time to work up a design from when flooding first occurs.  That being said, extensive work has been done with residents and all the local groups to make sure that what is put in place is fit for purpose.

With the Member, I visited a number of residents in the area who have been flooded time and again over the past number of years, and he will know the distress that that has caused.  I am delighted and content that local people have been kept informed about the development of the scheme and that the Rivers Agency has worked very closely with them to make sure that they are up to date with everything that is going on.

We are about to go out to tender, and the works will be completed by spring 2015.  I know that the residents will be waiting for that.  While we are designing a scheme we do not just leave an area vulnerable; we have taken forward work in other areas, particularly the removal of the railway bridge and river maintenance work.  That work has been ongoing to try to protect people until the scheme comes into play in spring 2015.

Photo of Roy Beggs Roy Beggs UUP

Before I call a Member to ask a supplementary question, I want to ensure that the question is about a relevant constituency issue.

Photo of Fearghal McKinney Fearghal McKinney Social Democratic and Labour Party

I will try my best, Mr Deputy Speaker.  Given the advancement of a scheme such as the one in Beragh and the expectation that it creates in people's minds about dealing with flood defences, will the Minister assure us that DARD and the Rivers Agency will put adequate resources into flooding schemes in general?

Photo of Michelle O'Neill Michelle O'Neill Sinn Féin

Yes, absolutely.  All schemes are dealt with on the basis of a cost-benefit analysis.  There are competing priorities — there always will be.  Do I have enough money in the Rivers Agency budget?  Do I want more?  Absolutely, and I will continue to bid for more.  At present, a number of schemes have been designed, and we have the funding to take them forward, which we will do.  Should more funding become available, the Rivers Agency can always take it and move schemes forward. 

We must remember that flood alleviation schemes are not designed overnight.  Even with Beragh, it takes time to be able to put together a scheme that is fit for purpose.  However, I will fight my corner strongly for the agency to have enough resources to take forward any necessary schemes.

Photo of David McNarry David McNarry UKIP

Will the Minister draw comparisons between Beragh and other areas, such as those I have written to her about?

Photo of Michelle O'Neill Michelle O'Neill Sinn Féin

I cannot do that during Question Time today, but I am always very happy to respond to the Member when he writes to me about any area.  As for comparing Beragh with other areas, every flood alleviation scheme and everybody's needs will be different, and each scheme will be assessed based on those issues.  They will also be based on a cost-benefit analysis and whether we can do it.  If the Rivers Agency identifies an area as a priority, I am happy to fight my corner for such a flood alleviation scheme to go ahead.