Page 1 Summary; Page 2 Further information.

For residents and traders in Downptrick, here is a plain-language summary of the Downpatrick Flood Alleviation Feasibility Report (May 2025)

🛑 Why This Report Matters

After the devastating floods in November 2023, which badly affected Market Street, Asda, homes, and businesses across Downpatrick, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Rivers asked engineering experts to study what can be done to reduce future flooding.

📍 What Was Done

• Experts looked at flood risks from rivers, drains, tides, and rainfall.
• They studied the Quoile River, local drains (like Plank Drain and Town Drain), and the tidal barrier at Hare Island.
• They considered 14 different ideas (from dredging rivers to building barriers) and spoke with local residents, businesses, and MLAs.

✅ What Will Work

Only two practical options were found:

Option F

Build flood defences in town (near Ballydugan Road, Market Street, Meadowlands)
✔️ Protects 108 homes/businesses
⚠️ Requires manual barriers at the railway line during floods
⚠️ More costly, more complicated to operate

Option N (Preferred Option)

Build combined defences in town and near the Quoile River
✔️ Protects 106 homes/businesses
✔️ No manual barriers needed — automatic protection
✔️ Cheaper and safer in the long run
✅ This is the recommended solution

🧾 What It Will Cost

• Option N will cost around £22.5 million
• But it will save over £25 million in flood damage
• It also avoids disruption like closing shops, loss of trade, and flood repairs

♻️ Other Suggestions – Why They Won’t Work

• Dredging the Quoile River: too costly, doesn’t lower flood levels
• Removing or changing the tidal barrier: would make flooding worse
• Building huge reservoirs or upstream lakes: not enough land, too expensive
• Natural methods (like trees and ponds): not enough to stop big floods

📢 What Happens Next

Before anything is built, the government must:

• Do ground checks and cost reviews
• Talk to heritage and environmental agencies
• Finalise the design and apply for funding

🙋 What This Means for You

• If you’re a homeowner or business in the flood-prone areas, the preferred plan (Option N) could protect your property from future major floods.
• It means fewer closures, less damage, and better peace of mind during storms.
• Local voices helped shape the plan — and your continued input will be needed as it moves forward.