To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for her assessment of whether the new flood alleviation schemes in Newcastle were a contributing factor in the recent flooding in the Tullybrannigan area of Newcastle.

The source of the recent flooding in the Tullybrannigan area of Newcastle remains under investigation, but initial findings suggest it may have been caused by extensive run-off from the Mourne Mountains after heavy overnight rain.

I can advise that the previously completed flood alleviation schemes on the Shimna and Burren Rivers situated within another area of the town were not a contributing factor.