Infrastructure Minister has launched a public
consultation on a strategic drainage infrastructure plan for
Derry.
The draft Living With Water in Derry / Londonderry Plan sets out
proposals for a strategic long-term approach to drainage and
wastewater management in the city and surrounding area. It
proposes a collaborative multi-agency approach by encouraging
partners to work together to develop the right solutions in the
right places promoting a combination of traditional hard
engineered measures alongside natural solutions such as using
open green spaces to naturally absorb and store surface water.
Opening the consultation, the Minister said:
“Infrastructure unlocks our opportunities for growth and
this draft Plan sets out how we can seek to achieve a resilient
Derry which is better protected and prepared for the
future.
“I want to thank our Living With Water partners and
stakeholders who have been working with officials in my
department to develop this draft plan. Development of the
draft Living With Water in Derry Plan demonstrates our commitment
to pursuing more sustainable drainage and wastewater solutions to
help protect against flooding, provide a cleaner and greener
environment and enable economic development in the Derry
area.
“We all 'live with water' so it is in our interests
to identify and deliver the best solutions for our homes,
businesses and communities. I encourage everyone to have their
say on this draft Plan.”
Karen Philips, Director of Environment and Regeneration
from Derry City & Strabane District Council, said:
“I very much welcome the publication of
this draft Plan which outlines a much-needed, long-term
integrated approach to tackling drainage and wastewater
management issues. Derry City and Strabane District Council looks
forward to working with partners, in particular the Department
for Infrastructure and Northern Ireland Water, to support the
development and delivery of projects that seek to address the
current constraints on drainage and infrastructure throughout the
City and District, in order to support the aims of Derry City and
Strabane District's Inclusive Strategic Growth Plan (2017 -
2032).”
The consultation process opens today, 13 January 2025, and will
be open until 7 April 2025. It is available at:
www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/consultations/living-water-derrylondonderry-draft-plan-consultation.
