The next stage of work on a £60m scheme to help address the growing threat of river flooding in the Portadown area is due to start today.

Advanced works and site clearance is planned to begin as work on the Portadown Flood Alleviation Scheme continues to move forward.

This includes service diversion works and some tree and vegetation clearance in advance of bird nesting season for Phase 1 of the scheme.

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) said these essential works are in preparation for taking forward this vitally important scheme to help address the growing threat of river flooding due to climate change.

Significant damage was caused to many businesses and infrastructure after the River Bann bursts its banks in Portadown in October 2023. Picture: Tony Hendron

placeholder image — Significant damage was caused to many businesses and infrastructure after the River Bann bursts its banks in Portadown in October 2023. Picture: Tony Hendron

The £60m scheme will deliver enhanced protection for over 380 homes and businesses at 21 sites throughout the Portadown area.

The Department said it has carefully considered expert advice, including an arboricultural impact assessment, and a number of design changes have been made to reduce the amount of tree removal required.

"The Department fully values the environment and seeks to nurture and develop it as part of our work,” a DfI spokesperson said.

"Areas where trees and shrubs have to be removed to facilitate the works are to be reinstated with similar species where possible, and where it is not possible to reinstate in the original location, some compensatory planting will be undertaken in suitable areas subject to the agreement of the appropriate landowners.

Flooding at the River Bann in Portadown after recent heavy rain. Picture: Willie Fenton

"To date 1,200 trees have already been planted in the Portadown area and the Department continues to engage with stakeholders, to identify potential opportunities for further compensatory planting.”

Photos of the River Bann in Portadown after flooding as Armagh Banbridge and Cra...

Significant flood events have been recorded during 1986, 1987, 2009, 2011, 2014, 2015/16 and 2023. The frequency and extent of the flooding is predicted to increase with the effects of climate change.

In October 2011 out-of-bank flooding occurred in the Portadown area resulting in the flooding of properties and infrastructure. Further floods in 2014 and 2015 caused damage to residential properties and businesses across the wider Portadown area.

The proposed scheme is being designed to protect against a ‘1% Annual Exceedance Probability flood’ with an allowance for climate change. This is a flood which is calculated to have a 1% chance of occurring in any given year and is known as the design flood event.