The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) have said that pumping to clear water from the flooded areas of Downpatrick is expected to begin on Friday evening. The levels of water have been stubbornly high with extensive damage caused to businesses. A number of towns in counties Down, Armagh, and Antrim have been hit by heavy rainfall this week. About 25 businesses have been decimated by the flooding, according to Stephen Donnelly, a local councillor.
The DfI said water levels had fallen to a level in the Quoile River to allow pumping to start in Market Street. Conditions in Portadown are expected to improve as the levels of the River Bann fall. However, the damage caused to businesses from the flooding could run into millions of pounds. Newry Courthouse is set to reopen from Monday, according to the Department of Justice.
October 2023 was the wettest month ever in Armagh since records began in 1838. A number of homes in the Portadown area of County Armagh have been damaged by flooding in recent days, with roads closed and transport services affected. Paul McCartan, who owns two shops in Downpatrick, had said the damage caused by flooding had ripped the heart out of the town.
The Northern Ireland Executive Office said on Friday a recovery sub-group has been established bringing together civil service departments and local government. Departments are also exploring what financial support they could collectively provide as part of the overall response. The Department for Communities is providing emergency £1,000 payments for domestic properties which have been flooded. An approach will be made to HM Government, through NIO (Northern Ireland Office), for financial assistance for impacted businesses
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