Magherafelt flooding ‘more relevant’ to Mid-Ulster than Gaza - McCrea

The Mid-Ulster MLA today said he had concerns that the protocol relating to the enactment of the emergency plan had not been carried out.

“We had two women rescued, including a 65-year-old woman, and things were so bad at Sandy Braes that even the Fire Appliance had to be towed out of the water by a tractor,” said Mr McCrea.

“If it was my call I would have enacted the emergency plan which would have brought together all the relevant authorities to assist people in their time of need.

“For some reason this did not happen and I want to know why.”

Mr McCrea recalled there was a similar situation six years ago when homes along the River Moyola in the Tobermore and Castledawson areas were flooded.

“There was a delay on that occasion in putting in place the emergency plan and now it appears to have happened again,” he claimed.

He said would be discussing the matter with party colleagues with a view to calling a meeting of the council.

“I feel a meeting of the council needs to be held as this issue is much for pertinent and relevant to the people of this district than the affairs of Gaza,” he added.