Residents upset as flooding continues despite £250k drainage scheme

DUP Cllr Mark Baxter urged NI Water to act after the village of Donaghcloney near Lurgan was flooded again.

Cllr Baxter said: “With a 250k road drainage improvement and resurfacing scheme nearing completion in the village, I was shocked to be met with yet more flooding on main street during the weekend’s rain.

“I along with colleagues have lobbied for many years to both Roads service and NI water to fix the ongoing issues with flooding at the junction of Laurelvale Grove and Main street in the village.

“After speaking with Roads service I am happy that they have upgraded their infrastructure to cope with the excess water but it’s now up to N.I Water to improve their systems to fix this issue once and for all.

“Residents quite rightly feel aggrieved because they felt that this scheme, nearing completion, was finally going to solve the issue that I’ve been highlighting since I first came on to council in 2011.”

A spokesperson for NI Water said: “NI Water is investigating, following recent flooding in Donaghcloney village at the weekend, Saturday 4 October.

“An NI Water crew will visit the village this week and will look at any possible measures to reduce the risk of flooding reoccurring.

“While the investigations are at an early stage, it is a timely reminder that everyone can help prevent the risk of out-of-sewer flooding and blockages occurring, by only flushing the three Ps – Paper, Poo and Pee.

“In the last ten years, NI Water has spent over £1.5 billion investing in water and wastewater infrastructure but no amount of investment will completely stop blocked pipes if people continue to flush wipes, sanitary items and cotton buds down the toilet.”

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