The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has placed the development of a flood forecasting service at the centre of its strategy to improve flood resilience across Northern Ireland.

The service is designed to provide timely, accurate information to communities, councils and businesses, helping them prepare for and respond to flood events more effectively.

A spokesperson for DfI said the move is part of a wider effort to manage flood risk in collaboration with local people and agencies. “Flood risk management remains a key priority for DfI. The development of a flood forecasting service will strengthen our ability to predict and respond to extreme weather events and protect communities across the North,” the spokesperson said.

The Department highlighted the unprecedented rainfall in autumn 2023, which brought the wettest October in more than 150 years to the south and east of the country. The floods prompted accelerated planning and investigations into flood alleviation schemes in affected areas.

In Downpatrick, feasibility work is underway to identify options to protect over 100 properties. A business case, including an economic assessment, is expected to be finalised in spring 2026.

In Newry, Phase 2 of three interconnected flood alleviation schemes is under assessment. This includes an Outline Business Case and environmental screening, with a draft expected in spring 2026.

The Portadown Flood Alleviation Scheme has completed its design stage and entered the procurement process. Subject to project viability, a contractor for Phase 1 is anticipated to be appointed by autumn or winter 2026.

Recent heavy rainfall in Newcastle caused significant damage to roads and flooding outside the areas protected by existing river defences. Investigations continue in Tullybrannigan, while DfI works with other agencies and the local Community Resilience Group to develop long-term solutions for surface water flooding.

DfI currently supports 50 Community Resilience Groups (CRGs) across Northern Ireland, which work voluntarily to help communities prepare for weather emergencies. The Department praised the efforts of volunteers in Newry, Portadown, Downpatrick and elsewhere for their role in sharing information and improving local resilience.

The Department emphasised that the flood forecasting service is one of several key initiatives stemming from recommendations following the autumn 2023 floods. The service will complement physical flood defences and community preparedness, enabling a more proactive approach to extreme weather events and climate change impacts.