Debate contribution: Flooding: Six Mile River

Debate contribution by Mr John Blair on 17 February 2026.

MLA

Mr John Blair

Party at the time

Alliance Party

Date

17 February 2026

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Adjournment

Heading

Flooding: Six Mile River

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 5395144

Read the official Assembly record

Text

I am pleased that this important issue has been brought before the Assembly. I thank my South Antrim colleague Steve Aiken for securing the debate. The discussion is particularly timely, given the recent and, sadly, in many areas, ongoing flooding that is being experienced across my South Antrim constituency. I pay tribute to residents for their organised reaction during the floods recently and their proactive approach in organising meetings after the events. I also thank the Infrastructure Minister for taking the time to visit South Antrim, just a couple of weeks ago, to witness first-hand the devastation that has been caused by the flooding; and for being in the Chamber to respond to the debate. As climate change accelerates, heavier and more-frequent rainfall is becoming a regular feature of our weather and a reality. We have endured an exceptionally wet winter. What were once-in-a-decade events now occur regularly. The recent devastation is yet another stark reminder of the long-overdue need for a comprehensive flood alleviation scheme along the Sixmilewater and other locations in South Antrim. It is deeply frustrating to be contacted repeatedly by distressed constituents while I, and others, including Members who are here, have consistently pressed the Infrastructure Minister and her predecessors for mitigation measures. Ministers have indicated that there may be progress on an alleviation scheme by summer 2026. That work must proceed without delay. I will continue to press for it inside and outside the Chamber. My frustration is nothing compared with that of the people who live with daily flood risk and fear for their safety, families, homes and businesses every time heavy rain is forecast. I saw that fear again at the end of January and start of February, particularly in Ballyclare, Dunadry, Glenavy and other communities across South Antrim, especially —

Yes.

I thank the Member for the intervention. That is why the flood alleviation plans must examine and assess the entire Sixmilewater catchment area and development areas around it. As I was saying, fear and flooding have been a reality in Ballyclare, Dunadry, Glenavy and other communities across South Antrim, especially those residential streets in Antrim town, on so many occasions. The negative impact of continued development and associated run-off along the banks of the Sixmilewater can no longer be questioned. That reality must form part of future planning and infrastructure strategy. Flooding along the Sixmilewater is not only a threat to homes, roads and businesses but an environmental crisis. When the river bursts its banks, it carries sediment, agricultural run-off, nutrients and pollutants into the wider catchment, which, of course, includes Lough Neagh. Flood events damage water quality, undermine biodiversity and further strain already fragile ecosystems. We have all seen the images of blue-green algal blooms and the severe pressures on Lough Neagh, and we need not willingly contribute further to that situation. It is vital that the Infrastructure Minister rapidly bring forward robust flood alleviation plans for areas historically affected by flooding so that we will not be back here next autumn and winter, making the same requests. Those residents who have faced repeated flooding can be assured that I will continue to raise the matter with the Minister and seek the detailed updates that she has promised on the flood alleviation scheme for the area. My constituents cannot wait for the next storm to find out whether lessons have been learned. I have raised the issue before, I raise it this afternoon, and I will continue to do so until the people of South Antrim see the meaningful, climate-proofed action that they deserve.

594 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Not flagged

Jev’s structured answers

Assessed 21 October 2026 at 14:52 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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