To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any existing proposals to reduce the risk of flooding in (i) Eliza Close; and (ii) Dunwellan Park, Newcastle.

My Department continues to work with multi-agency partners, including Local Government, to support local communities affected by flooding through the work of the Regional Community Resilience Group (RCRG). A resilience group has been established in Newcastle following flooding in 2020 which has resulted in some positive outcomes in relation to additional resources provided, information sharing and enhanced communication channels.

(i) I have been advised by NI Water that work was conducted at Eliza Close following Storm Ciaran to alleviate flooding by installing an outfall. It was however subsequently discovered that a flap valve had not been fitted at the outfall. NI Water has now arranged for a contractor to install the required flap valve.

(ii)NIW has advised that there are no indications of flooding at Dunwellan Park during previous storms. The cause of recent minor flooding at this site was due to misuse of the system in this area, particularly due to wet wipes.