£1.3million flood alleviation scheme to start in Coleraine

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
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30 December 2010

£1.3million flood alleviation scheme to start in Coleraine

Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has welcomed a £1.3million investment by the Rivers Agency to undertake a flood alleviation scheme in Coleraine town centre.

The scheme will start on Monday 17 January and involves new flood alleviation works as well as upgrading existing drainage infrastructure. Environmental and fishery works will also be incorporated.

Minister Gildernew said: “The Anderson Park and Millburn Road areas have historically been troubled with flooding and this scheme has been designed to address these problems. Importantly, it will also cater for planned future development in the town.”

Work will take place on Railway Road, Brook Street, Mill House car park, Coleraine Leisure Centre car park and in the vicinity of Anderson Park. Disruption will be kept to a minimum however some diversions will be necessary.

A public open day will take place on Thursday 13 January from 1pm to 8pm in Coleraine Leisure Centre conference centre. Personnel from the Rivers Agency, the project’s engineering consultancy and its civil engineering contractor will be on hand to discuss the programme of work.

The Minister added: “I’d encourage anyone who may be affected by the scheme to use the opportunity of the open day to find out more about the scheme and discuss any questions or concerns that they have first hand with my officials.”

The project is expected to take 10 months to complete. For further information, visit http://www.riversagencyni.gov.uk.

Notes to editors:

1. Rivers Agency is an Executive Agency of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. It is the statutory drainage and flood defence authority for the north of Ireland.

2. All media enquiries should be directed to the DARD Press Office on 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.

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