Action call after flood threat

FIREFIGHTERS were called in to help residents in Strabane protect their homes from flooding on Saturday.

Slurry tankers were also drafted infor the emergency, which saw homes and business threatened with rising water in the Ballycolman, Koram Square, Carlton Drive, and Gartan Avenue areas of the town. On Sunday, West Tyrone MP, Órfhlaith Begley called on Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon to take action.

“I commend all those who assisted in the effort to prevent flooding of homes and local businesses.

“On several occasions, residents, especially in Ballycolman and Pearse Gardens, Strabane have been subjected to flooding along with other local businesses. It is simply unacceptable that every time we have heavy rain, these residents and businesses are at risk of being flooded.”

Ms Begley added, “Following the flooding on Saturday, I have requested that Minister Mallon prioritise a ministerial visit to West Tyrone to hear first hand the detrimental impact this is having on local residents.”

“I have expressed to the Minister the deep frustration within the community in respect of the failure of her department to provide an effective intervention to prevent the continual flooding of these homes and businesses.”