NI Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill has visited the £1.5million flood alleviation scheme for Ballygawley, which will provide enhanced protection to properties in the County Tyrone village.

Construction work, which started early this year, is expected to be completed within the next few months. The scheme includes the construction of 1 kilometre of flood walls and flood banks at key locations along the Ballygawley River.

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Minister O'Neill, who has responsibility for the Rivers Agency, said: "Construction of the Ballygawley Flood Alleviation Scheme is nearing completion and will provide improved protection against river flooding for many residents, business owners and St Ciaran's College. In recent years, the area has experienced repeated flooding resulting from heavy and prolonged rainfall, and this project will bring relief to the college authorities, residents and property owners."

As well as the enhanced flood protection work, Rivers Agency has worked in partnership with DRD Roads Service and NI Water to replace the Tullybryan Road Bridge, a culvert on nearby Richmond Lane and to upgrade storm sewers adjacent to the river.

(CD/IT)