DfI Rivers - Flood Alleviation Schemes

To help protect people and places from the risk of flooding, DfI Rivers has a 10 year capital works programme to help us plan the investment in both new flood defences and the upkeep of our existing drainage infrastructure. In NI there are approximately 45,000 properties at risk of flooding, with this figure set to increase with current climate change projections. The capital works programme aims to build flood measures to help alleviate flooding in affected communities and has two main drivers.

Firstly projects are identified through the Flood Risk Management Planning  process , where we have used predictive flood modelling to identify locations within NI that are at most risk of flooding and ranked these. In these locations we aim to undertake works pro-actively, so some locations may not have a history of flooding, however with the changing climate they could now be at risk.

Secondly projects can be identified through our local knowledge of places that commonly flood or have a history of flooding. We take all of these projects and include them on a prioritised programme of works. Projects are prioritised based on a range of criteria including current level of flood risk, estimated cost of flood alleviation works and benefit to cost ratio of potential works with other special considerations also taken into account. Currently we have over 50 separate projects on the programme, with approximately half of these in progress at various different stages. The programme currently has an estimated construction cost of £235m so we have a lot of work to do.

There are 5 main stages in developing a capital works project, these are:

• Inception / Pre-feasibility – This is a first look at a flooding issue.
• Feasibility Study – A more in-depth look at the flooding issue. This includes hydraulic modelling, high level optioneering and cost benefit analysis.
• Design Stage – Take the preferred option and undertake review and design in more detail. Typically a lot more detail than a feasibility study. Construction drawings prepared etc.
• Construction – Typically involves a procurement competition and appointment of a Contractor to undertake construction works.
• Completion – Once a project is completed, it is handed over to local Rivers staff to inspect and maintain.

When exploring the viewer you will see projects at all stages of the project lifecycle. The time taken to complete each stage depends on many factors and varies from project to project. The viewer is the best place to keep up to date with projects which affect you and is regularly updated. If you need any further information there is also contact details, please get in touch!

The map below illustrates the locations where we are currently progressing schemes and shows the status of each project.

The mitigation measures needed for each flood alleviation scheme are considered on a case by case basis. Examples of the measures that may be considered include:

• construction of flood or coastal defences (walls / embankments);
• flood storage;
• channel improvements / re-alignment;
• culverting;
• natural flood management;
• temporary flood defences.

The short video guide below explains how to find and use this story map to get up-to-date information on DfI Rivers' Flood Alleviation Schemes.

Any representations, enquiries or requests for further information should be sent to:

DfI Rivers HQ, 49 TullywigganRoad, Loughry, Cookstown, Co Tyrone, BT80 8SG Tel: 028 8676 8300 Email:  rivers.cpu@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk