Minister Mallon visits Shimna River Flood Alleviation scheme to mark significant progress

Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon has today visited the £5.1 million Shimna River Flood Alleviation Scheme to mark the significant progress on this vital construction project.

Minister Mallon is pictured with (left to right) Johnathan Carlisle and Ian Coulter, DfI

The Scheme involves the construction of 1430 metres of flood walls and embankments that will extend both upstream into Tipperary Wood and downstream into Island Park from the New Bridge on the Bryansford Road. This work to provide enhanced flood protection will reduce flood risk for 312 homes and businesses in Newcastle.

Minister Mallon said:

“I was here in August 2020 and saw the devastation and destruction the flooding brought. At that time I committed to working at pace to see this project on the ground. I visited the site in November 2021 to mark work commencing and I am pleased to be here again today to view for myself the excellent progress made to date on site. Once complete this vital project will bring enhanced flood protection for 312 homes and businesses in Newcastle. Two of the four flood walls are now nearing completion and the overall project is on course to be completed by Autumn 2022.

“I committed during my time as Minister to taking action to protect homes and businesses from flooding and I have followed through on this commitment by allocating £19 million in funding for flood alleviation schemes across the North in my 2021/22 budget, an increase of £11 million from last year. Schemes like this one on the Shimna River demonstrate how our infrastructure can improve the lives of people and communities across the North.”

The Minister concluded:

“My officials and the contractor have worked hard to minimise any inconvenience for the public.  I want to thank them for all their efforts and also the local residents and businesses for their continued patience and cooperation whilst these much needed works are carried out and ask that road users and pedestrians continue to take care when travelling in the vicinity of the works.”

Notes to editors: 

1. The scheme has been planned and developed by the Department with the assistance of Consulting Engineers Aecom. Aecom will continue on behalf of the Department as the Project Manager to oversee the successful delivery by the contractor Dawson Wam Ltd.
2. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
3. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
4. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure.

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