Plans for Ashgrove study after flooding

A feasibility study on the Ashgrove area of Portadown is planned after severe flooding last December, according to Upper Bann MLA John O'Dowd.
Floods at the bottom of Woodgrove and leading on to the Ashgrove Road.Floods at the bottom of Woodgrove and leading on to the Ashgrove Road.
Floods at the bottom of Woodgrove and leading on to the Ashgrove Road.

The Sinn Fein MLA has asked Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard whether the storm drainage in the Ashgrove Road area had been surveyed to ensure it is structurally sound and fit for purpose.

Mr Hazzard said: “Following the extreme weather in November 2015 and January 2016, Rivers Agency staff completed a walk over survey of their infrastructure and found no significant obstructions. Rivers Agency intends to commission consultants to complete a feasibility study for the Ashgrove Road this financial year. This feasibility study will appraise the flood risk in the Ashgrove Road area and investigate options to alleviate any potential flooding emanating from rivers. This study will be subject to prioritisation, finance and resource availability.

NI Water has advised that prior to the flooding incidents, it carried out mechanical improvement works at the Ashgrove Wastewater Pumping station to increase its efficiency. NI Water confirmed that the public sewerage system in the Ashgrove sub drainage area operated as designed throughout the extreme weather events.” Also NI Water commissioned consultants to undertake a drainage network study of the Ashgrove sub-drainage catchment area to examine and report on system, structural, hydraulic condition and capacity.

“When the outcome of the study is known, NI Water will consult with Rivers Agency and Transport NI to look at any development solutions deemed necessary. NI Water aims to have initial findings by late Autumn 2016.”

Mr O’ Dowd said: “I will continue to raise the matter with the Minister and relevant agencies.”