New flood works to begin in Clady

A ‘localised’ flood alleviation scheme costing £300,000 is to begin in the Clady area before the end of the month.

First revealed in 2018, the works will include the construction of new flood walls on the Donnygowen Burn.

However despite parts of Clady and the surrounding area being repeatedly flooded in recent years, an “overarching flood alleviation” proposal remains economically impossible, according to the department.

In correspondence with SDLP Derg councillor Steven Edwards this week, Department of Infrastructure minister, Nichola Mallon said the new scheme should be complete by next March.

“I welcome the fact that work will soon be undertaken to alleviate localised flooding in the Clady area,” Steven Edwards remarked. “This £300,000 investment is good for the people of Clady village and I hope it goes some way in alleviating floods in the village in the future.

“Clady village has witnessed some of the worst flooding in recent years with many homes and businesses substantially damaged. That is why I, along with my colleague Daniel McCrossan, have continued to raise and lobby on this issue.”
Nichola Mallon’s missive to her party colleague explained, “Unfortunately overarching flood alleviation proposals, to reduce the existing flood risk to properties in Clady village and outlying areas along the Urney Road from the River Finn, are not economically viable.

“However, my Department plans to carry out a localised flood alleviation scheme on the Donnygowen Burn, where it joins the River Finn.

“This scheme is planned to commence on site in October 2020 with an estimated cost of £300,000.

“The scheme will involve the construction of floodwalls, widening of an existing road bridge and associated drainage works. This scheme will reduce the risk of flooding to properties in the immediate vicinity of Clady Bridge. It is anticipated that the works will be substantially complete by March 2021.”