BBC News NI economics and business editor<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n A study commissioned by the Department for Infrastructure has recommended building a \u00a320m flood prevention scheme in Downpatrick.<\/p>\n The town was hit by serious flooding in November 2023 when Storm Ciar\u00e1n brought exceptionally heavy rain to Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n The engineers’ report suggests a scheme involving culverts, embankments and pumps.<\/p>\n The infrastructure minister said further work would be undertaken to determine whether the scheme would be economically viable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Liz Kimmins added: “Flooding in Downpatrick – and how to reduce that flood risk – is an extremely complex issue with many variables.<\/p>\n “That is why it was important that a comprehensive study was carried out to inform the most viable and effective way ahead.”<\/p>\n The study, produced by engineering consultancy Amey, considered 14 possible schemes.<\/p>\n These were reduced to a shortlist of two, which were considered technically viable.<\/p>\n The preferred option would offer flood protection to 78 businesses and 28 homes.<\/p>\n The total estimated cost of \u00a322.5m includes maintenance costs of around \u00a32m.<\/p>\n A cost-benefit analysis suggests the scheme would prevent flood damage, which would cost around \u00a326m to repair.<\/p>\n The study cautions that what is proposed is a “complex scheme” and that given the risks and unknowns at this stage, it may become economically unviable as work on the design proceeds.<\/p>\n It concludes: “Further investigations are recommended prior to detailed design to mitigate some of these key risks and confirm economic viability through a business case.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Mal McGrady is the chairman of the Downpatrick regeneration working group, he said action needs to be taken now before flooding happens again. <\/p>\n “We can’t rely on chance… we have to have preventative measures in place… we need infrastructure changes in place to make sure this never happens again.”<\/p>\n He said the experts, the feasibility study and report should show how the damage from flooding has happened. <\/p>\n “Reports will have set out and will set out what caused this or what potential accumulation of events caused this.” <\/p>\n After speaking with the Infrastructure minister, Mr McGrady said the costing of the scheme is coming out at “\u00a322 odd million”. <\/p>\n He said the concern with that number is where the money will be found. <\/p>\n He added that the unspent funding<\/a> was not an option: “My understanding is that that (funding) has already been redistributed to other ministerial portfolios and has probably been spent at this stage, so we are probably looking at new money.” <\/p>\n<\/div>\n by Barra Best, BBC News NI weather presenter<\/b><\/p>\n Homes and businesses in Downpatrick were left underwater when Storm Ciar\u00e1n hit in November 2023.<\/p>\n The town centre and surrounding areas suffered severe flooding following weeks of heavy rainfall, with Market Street and low-lying parts of the town particularly hard hit. <\/p>\n Floodwater was made worse by high spring tides that prevented the River Quoile from discharging into Strangford Lough, which would have helped lower flood levels.<\/p>\n![\"PA](\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/0a14\/live\/f91c81a0-422a-11f0-b24e-5322b99b4bd8.jpg.webp\")
PA Media<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n‘Can’t rely on chance’<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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<\/div>\n<\/div>\nAnalysis: Floods expected to get more frequent and severe<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n