McMurray MLA welcomes Bill to address flooding

Andrew McMurray MLA has raised awareness of proposals for an important piece of legislation that is currently making its way through the Assembly.

The Water, Sustainable Drainage, and Flood Management Bill includes proposals in relation to hosepipe bans, sustainable drainage, and the Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme, among others.

It was brought forward earlier this year by the Minister for Infrastructure and passed an important hurdle when MLAs approved the principles and intent of the Bill last week. It will now undergo detailed scrutiny by the Infrastructure Committee.

Mr McMurray stated: "This is an important and welcome Bill, which aims to strengthen resilience in the face of heavy rain as well as drought, both of which we are seeing more of these days as a result of climate change. We are also being told that it will help reduce pollution in watercourses and facilitate more environmentally friendly solutions to managing water resources.

"Among other important proposals, the Bill will put the Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme on a statutory footing. While the pilot flood protection grant scheme hasn't been perfect, it has still been very important for residents in Newcastle.

"Meanwhile, businesses in Downpatrick could really do with a similar scheme for commercial properties. At the moment, the Bill doesn't include any plans to extend the scheme to commercial properties, which is disappointing.

"As member of the Infrastructure Committee and MLA for South Down, I will carefully scrutinise the proposals on behalf of my constituents to raise the issues that have been brought to my attention.

"The proposals also include plans that will help promote more sustainable drainage infrastructure in new developments and possibly even in existing townscapes through retrofitting. Sustainable drainage infrastructure can help reduce risk of flooding and help protect watercourses from sewage spills.

"As several different areas in South Down have suffered flooding in the past, I particularly welcome these plans. I shall scrutinise them carefully to make sure they are as effective as possible and shall respond to the Department's consultation on my constituents' behalf."