Infrastructure Minister visits innovative nature-based flood mitigation pilot in Eglinton

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has visited Muff Glen Forest Park, Eglinton to see the nature-based flood management solutions which have been installed as a pilot to help address flood risk in the area.

The Department of Infrastructure in collaboration with Loughs Agency, have installed ten “leaky dams” with the permission of DAERA Forest Service in Muff Glen Forest, upstream of Eglinton village.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said: “I welcomed the opportunity to visit the Eglinton area and see first-hand these nature-based solutions. Eglinton has a history of repeated flooding which is complex and multi-faceted, coming from both surface water and the river. The leaky dams represent a nature-based solution that complements traditional engineering approaches by mimicking natural processes, temporarily storing water during heavy rainfall and reducing the speed and volume of flows downstream to mitigate against flood risk.

“The insights gained from this pilot will also provide key information to inform the future use of these natural flood management techniques for other flood risk areas across the North, helping to reduce the risk of flooding and protecting the water quality of our rivers and loughs.”

The Minister continued: “I understand that people in the Eglinton, Ivy Mead and Drumahoe areas, who have been affected by flooding, are understandably seeking reassurance. I remain committed to progressing practical flood alleviation proposals for these areas. Feasibility studies have identified potential solutions, and the next step is to develop a business case.

“These “leaky dams”, which are being delivered under the Living with Water principles, will run in conjunction with the business case process to provide some immediate assistance as we work to find viable long-term hard infrastructure solutions for the area. In the interim, targeted watercourse maintenance and emergency support will also continue to be delivered in collaboration with multi-agency partners. Community engagement also remains central to my Department's approach, with Community Resilience Groups playing a key role in strengthening preparedness for severe weather events.”

Notes to editors:

1. Photo captions: Pic 1 Pictured at the “leaky dams” flood mitigation pilot in Muff Glen Forest Park Eglinton are Mike O'Gorman, DFI Rivers, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins, Gary Quinn, Acting Director of Operations, DFI Rivers and Kenny Acheson DAERA Forest Service. Pic 2 - Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins pictured at the “leaky dams” flood mitigation pilot in Muff Glen Forest Park Eglinton. Pic 3 one of the 10 “leaky dams”  which have been built in Muff Glen Forest Park Eglinton as part of a flood mitigation pilot scheme.
2. All ten dams have been substantially constructed with just ancillary works ongoing. This is part of a wider holistic approach under the Living with Water principles - https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/articles/living-water-approach.5