Member's statement: Flood Awareness Week
Member's statement by Mr John Blair on .
- MLA
- Mr John Blair
- Party at the time
- Alliance Party
- Date
- 13 October 2026
- Type
- Member's statement
- Business
- Members' Statements
- Heading
- Flood Awareness Week
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5789443
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I wish to mark Flood Awareness Week, which provides an important opportunity for us all to reflect on the risks posed by flooding and the practical steps that we can take to prepare for severe weather. The Department for Infrastructure estimates that around 45,000 homes and businesses are situated in areas of risk across Northern Ireland. Flooding can endanger lives, cause tens of thousands of pounds' worth of damage, at least, and leave lasting physical and emotional consequences. I regret to say that those dangers are already a distressing reality for many residents in my South Antrim constituency. Homes and businesses along the Sixmilewater river and elsewhere have experienced repeated and devastating flooding. Residents in Antrim, Ballyclare, Dunadry, Glenavy and surrounding areas know the fear that comes with prolonged or heavy rain. They worry about their safety and that of their families and about whether their homes and businesses will once again be damaged, because it has happened so many times. The Infrastructure Minister previously indicated that progress would be made on a comprehensive flood alleviation scheme for the Sixmilewater river and its catchment area, and I will continue to seek updates on progress. As we head into autumn and winter, we must all become better prepared, monitor weather warnings and understand what to do before, during and after a flood. However, responsibility cannot rest solely with individual residents who are impacted by flooding. The impact of continued development and the associated run-off along the banks of the Sixmilewater river can no longer be ignored. The reality must form a central part of future planning and infrastructure policy. New development must be supported by adequate drainage and flood prevention measures, rather than adding further pressure to communities that already live with an unacceptable level of flood risk. Flooding along the Sixmilewater is not only a threat to homes, roads and businesses but an environmental crisis. When a river bursts its banks, it can carry sediment, agricultural run-off, nutrients and pollutants into the wider catchment, including, of course, Lough Neagh. Those flood events damage water quality, undermine biodiversity and place further strain on already fragile ecosystems. Therefore, again, I call on the Infrastructure Minister to bring forward robust and climate-resilient flood alleviation measures for the Sixmilewater river and other historically affected areas without further delay. We have already waited for some time. Residents who have faced repeated flooding can be assured that I will continue to raise the issue and work to ensure that the people of South Antrim will see the meaningful and climate-proofed action that they deserve.
428 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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