Omagh flooding fears to be raised at high-level Stormont meeting

CONCERNS over flood risks and wastewater infrastructure in Omagh are set to be addressed at a high-level meeting with Stormont’s Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins, on May 28.

A cross-party delegation of local councillors will press for action following last year’s revelation that more than 700 homes and businesses in Omagh town centre remain at risk of flooding.

Despite flood defences installed after major events in 1987 and 2011, new assessments highlight continued vulnerability – especially along the Strule, Drumragh, Camowen and Fairywater rivers.

The Department for Infrastructure has launched a fresh feasibility study to examine flood risks, but local representatives say progress is too slow and the town remains ill-equipped for severe weather events that could cost millions in damage.

In addition to flood defences, councillors will raise alarm over Omagh’s overstretched wastewater treatment system, which they claim is stifling development and worsening environmental risks.

NI Water’s Chief Executive, Sara Venning, recently confirmed that some wastewater treatment works are now closed to new connections, unless covered by developer-funded solutions.

She cited £5.5 million in planned investment for the Mountfield facility but acknowledged major limitations.

“We will continue to work with DfI, developers and the environmental regulator to optimise available funding,” she said.

“But the opportunities to do so are severely restricted.”