FERMANAGH is to benefit from almost half of Stormont’s £1.3 million flood relief fund.


A total of £625,000 is to be spent on a range of road improvements in areas of the county that were hit hardest following several weeks of severe flooding. It is hoped the work, passed by the Northern Ireland Executive, will mitigate against future flooding in Fermanagh.


Yesterday (Wednesday) Roads Minister Michelle McIlveen said: “This significant investment by the Northern Ireland Executive in the roads and drainage infrastructure is very welcome news. As a result of the additional funding, Transport NI is developing programmes of work to raise key roads and to carry out local drainage works.”


The money is to be spent on key roads impacted by flooding, including the B127 Derrylin Road Lisnaskea; the B533 Wattlebridge Road, Newtownbutler and the C436 Inishmore Road, Maguiresbridge.


“These roads will all be raised and, in addition, a number of other local schemes will be carried out to deal with areas where localised flooding cuts off the local community from schools, churches and shops. I believe this major package of improvements will help to considerably lessen the difficult and distressing impacts that severe flooding has on our community,” she said.


First Minister Arlene Foster, who chaired the Executive meeting, has welcomed the news. The Fermanagh-south Tyrone MLA told The Impartial Reporter: “Fermanagh suffered particularly badly during recent flooding and I am committed to ensuring that the county benefits from investment to reduce this threat in the future.”


“The previous investment by the Executive in raising roads had a positive impact on many communities, but this continued work will further help those who suffered such problems lasting for a number of weeks. People understand the difficulties we face in combating problems such as flooding, which by their nature are difficult to predict. However, I am delighted that Michelle McIlveen has announced this significant funding which will make a practical difference to the lives of people in Fermanagh,” he said. 


Sinn Féin MLA Sean Lynch said:  “This includes plans to raise a number of roads in Fermanagh which will significantly help reduce flooding problems in the future following proposals put forward by my party colleague, Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill. 


“I particularly welcome the news that the Derrylin to Lisnaskea road will be raised as it was one of the worst-hit areas in the recent floods. 
“This is part of Sinn Féin’s commitment to ensuring that effective flood defences are in place and that those worst-hit by the flooding are supported,” he concluded.