Minister announces £790k flooding alleviation scheme for the Ballycolman Estate in Strabane

WORK on a major new flood alleviation scheme will begin in Strabane on Monday.

Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins, has announced that the £790,000 flood alleviation scheme incorporating a new carriageway drainage system, a storm water storage facility and carriageway resurfacing of the affected roads will commence in the Ballycolman Estate.

Minister Kimmins said: “This is a substantial investment of £790k for the Strabane area and the Ballycolman Estate where flooding has been an issue for some residents in the past.

"This investment demonstrates my commitment to improving our road network and developing a more resilient drainage system to protect local homes and other built infrastructure from the negative impacts of flooding.

“I would like to thank residents, local businesses, and commuters for their patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out.”

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA., Paul Boggs, said it's welcome news for residents of the area who have been severely impacted by past flooding incidents in recent years.

"£790k is a substantial investment for the Strabane area and specifically the Ballycolman Estate," he said.

"This is a community which has felt the worst impacts of flooding in the past.

"In 2022, the then Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, visited the area in the aftermath of a flooding incident.

"He then subsequently delivered a £100,000 flood alleviation scheme which has had a positive impact on the local residents.

"I commend the Infrastructure Minister on this further investment which is focussed on developing a more resilient drainage system to protect local homes and other built infrastructure from the negative impacts of flooding."

Works are expected to conclude at the beginning of April.

"Measures will be taken to accommodate local access but there will undoubtedly be a level of disruption," Mr Boggs said.

"I encourage residents to be patient while this essential infrastructure work is carried out.”

To facilitate the safe delivery of the scheme, the Department of Infrastructure (DfI) says it will be necessary to implement road and lane closures during the works.

A spokesperson said: "In order to help ensure the safety of road users and road workers the public is asked to comply with all temporary traffic restrictions and signs, and to drive with extra care when travelling in the vicinity of the works.

"The department will programme the work operations and traffic management arrangements to minimise inconvenience, however, while measures will been taken to accommodate local access, road users should expect some delays and are advised to allow additional time when travelling in the vicinity of the works and are asked to comply with all temporary traffic restrictions.

"Subject to favourable weather conditions, the works will be substantially complete by the March 31, 2027, however the department will keep the public informed of any change.

For more information about this and other improvement schemes visit: http://www.TrafficwatchNI.com.