Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins visited County Fermanagh to meet residents living near the Colebrooke River, which has experienced flooding in recent years, and hear their concerns firsthand.

The Colebrooke River, which originates in the Sliabh Beagh mountains as the Many Burns, flows south-west through Maguiresbridge, merges with the Tempo River and enters Upper Lough Erne near Inishcollan, Lisnaskea. Communities along its course have faced repeated flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.

Minister Kimmins said it was important to see the impact on local residents. “I understand that this time of year can be particularly worrying for those living close to the river, especially as we experience more frequent and intense rainfall driven by climate change,” she said.

The Minister reassured residents that the Department for Infrastructure maintains a 24/7 emergency flood response, working with multi-agency partners and Community Resilience Groups.

She highlighted measures taken during Storm Amy, including controlled water releases with ESB and proactive drainage cleaning and pumping, which helped protect homes in the west from flooding.

Minister Kimmins also met representatives from the Brookeborough and District Community Development Association to hear about their plans to expand local services, including acquiring a vacant site in the village.