Laurelvale flood scheme finished

The completion of a £1.1m flood alleviation scheme at Laurelvale has been welcomed by local politicians.
Laurelvale Cricket ClubLaurelvale Cricket Club
Laurelvale Cricket Club

The scheme, by the Department for Infrastructure started in the summer of last year to help reduce the risk of flooding to nearby homes and the cricket club.

A Department spokesperson said: “This scheme, which started in summer 2017, was necessary to reduce the risk of flooding to residential properties in the Velton Lawns development and the Cricket Club. These locations in particular had been affected by a recurrent flooding issue.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The scheme focused on work to sections of the Laurelvale Stream and Branch Drain watercourses. It consisted of 260 metres of new concrete channel to the Laurelvale Stream, 65 metres of new earth embankment, 125 metres of new floodwalls, and various culverts.

“The works were successfully carried out by A.G. Wilson Civil Engineering Ltd.”

Newry and Armagh DUP Assemblyman William Irwin welcomed the completion of the £1.1m scheme in Laurelvale.

Mr Irwin said he had lobbied heavily over a period of years for a scheme that would protect homes from flooding following the 2008 incident which saw many homes badly hit after persistent heavy rain.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said, “I am really glad to see the scheme finished and I know that it has brought a lot of peace of mind for residents who were affected by the last flooding incident.

“I have been lobbying the Department and Rivers Agency for some time and it is a relief to see the works finally completed.”

He added: “I am grateful to Rivers Agency for the additional measures and alterations to the plans which accommodated the needs of the cricket club and also helped to soften the aesthetics of portions of the flood defences.

“I know that our local council will be carrying out some further planting which will also help to dress other more visible sections of the channelling.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He concluded, “Myself and my colleague Alderman Gareth Wilson have kept residents up to date over recent years with our lobbying progress through letter drops and it is so positive to see over one million pounds in investment to deal with this flooding risk. I want thank the Department, the Contractors and Rivers Agency for their work in implementing this scheme.”