SDLP South Belfast MLA Conall McDevitt has said Northern Ireland Water (NIW) has failed in their commitment to support residents in the Finaghy area of his constituency.

Speaking from the area, Mr McDevitt said: "Although we have exceptionally rainy conditions tonight, the fact is that NI Water has failed in their commitment to support residents here with sandbags or to come up with an emergency response plan should heavy rain fall.

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"This is despite the assurances which they gave to our MP Dr Alasdair McDonnell and I when we met them two weeks ago about this very issue. During our meeting they promised to distribute sandbags to residents and put in place a protocol to ensure there was a clear and coordinated response with emergency services during periods of heavy rainfall, but they have failed to do so.

"As a result people in Sicily Park and Ashton Park, particularly, are either flooded in or are unable to access their homes. This is totally unacceptable and represents an absolute failure on NI Water's part.

"We again call on them to live up to their assurances and assist these residents by acting immediately and pragmatically. It is not fair that residents have to live with the fear of their homes flooding every time it rains."

(CD/GK)