Floods bill won’t be brought forwarduntil new Assembly

Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill says new legislation to address the issue of flooding won’t be brought forward until the mandate of the next Northern Ireland Assembly.
By Kevin Mullan
Published 23rd Mar 2014, 07:45 BST
Minister Michelle O'Neill pictured visiting Culmore to view the flood defences. Included, are Councillors Tony Hasson, Sandra Duffy, Alderman Maurice Devenney, Kieran Mullan and Sean O'Neill, Rivers Agency and residents, John Clarke and Matt Stewart. DER1214SL012Minister Michelle O'Neill pictured visiting Culmore to view the flood defences. Included, are Councillors Tony Hasson, Sandra Duffy, Alderman Maurice Devenney, Kieran Mullan and Sean O'Neill, Rivers Agency and residents, John Clarke and Matt Stewart. DER1214SL012
Minister Michelle O'Neill pictured visiting Culmore to view the flood defences. Included, are Councillors Tony Hasson, Sandra Duffy, Alderman Maurice Devenney, Kieran Mullan and Sean O'Neill, Rivers Agency and residents, John Clarke and Matt Stewart. DER1214SL012

Asked by UUP MLA Robin Swann about her plans for a Floods Bill she said: “The need for a Floods Bill to update the current Drainage (NI) Order 1973, and to address known legislative gaps, is widely acknowledged.

“Rivers Agency is currently developing a bid for the establishment of a Bill Team to take forward this work.

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“Given the complexities of some of the policy areas to be addressed, this Bill will not be introduced until the next mandate of the Assembly.”

Last month the Sentinel reported on fears in Culmore Point that confusion over statutory responsibility for flooding and sea defences in the area was leaving residents vulnerable to inundation.

Related topics:Michelle O'NeillRobin SwannUUP