LOUGHRAN: QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED OVER NEWRY FLOOD DEFENCES
The Aontú representative for Newry, Sharon Loughran, has expressed her concern for those homes and businesses affected today by flooding in the area.
Speaking today, Ms Loughran said:
The Clanrye burst its banks flooding much of Newry City Centre and the PSNI have advised avoidance of the area due to the still-high waters. Many businesses in Sugar Island Merchants' Quay have been destroyed. Repairs need to be swift and efficient to restore some semblance of normality within the city centre – and pertinent questions need to be asked of the Council, NI Water and the Department of Infrastructure.
We had all known that Storm Ciarán was on its way, and it appears that little had been done by authorities to bolster defences. Sandbags being handed out had little impact on many businesses and the compensation available to domestic properties is not available for businesses who will now have to tackle their insurance companies for restitution.
A properly funded flood defence scheme for Newry City Centre is now sorely needed."