The Department for Regional Development has confirmed it is to tackle ongoing flooding issues on the Portaferry Road in Strangford, Co Down.

Alliance Councillor Kellie Armstrong said the announcement is "long overdue".

A survey is to be carried out to assess the current weaknesses in the A20 Portaferry coastal roads.

Cllr Armstrong is also calling for follow up action to be taken and hopes the Minister will invest money to make it "a reality".

She said: The Portaferry Road is a vital link road enabling people from all communities across the Peninsula to access employment, education, shopping and recreation. In recent weeks we have had a road collapse, continuous flooding problems and waves breaching the sea walls carrying debris into the path of vehicles. I have received more than 50 calls, been contacted by email and social media by local people concerned by the state of the Portaferry Road and the lack of urgency by central government to their plight.

-- Advertisement --

"The extent of the problem can only be measured through a survey that not only looks at the state of the road but also includes the impact of coastal erosion. There are severely areas I am particularly concerned about where a collapse could happen again. The Minister must ensure the capital funding is in place to ensure local people don't have their hopes built up, only to be dashed when the Minister fails to follow through."

(CD/MH)