Plans have been announced to extend the Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme to small non-domestic properties in Northern Ireland.

Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill made the announcement today, 21 January.

In addition, the NI Executive also pledged to commit £1.3 million towards flood protection.

Minister O'Neill said: "I very much welcome the Executive's decision to commit £1.3million of additional funding to preventative measures and preparing for future flood incidents.

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"This demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that homes and other properties are protected from the worst effects of flooding and that our infrastructure, where possible, should remain useable to minimise the impacts on communities."

"I have long held the view that flood prevention must be the priority and, therefore, Rivers Agency will use its allocation from the Executive to inspect watercourses in areas recently affected by flooding and to carry out an essential maintenance work identified in order to strengthen protection for the future.

"I am also happy that the Executive will step in to assist businesses severely affected by the recent flooding event."

(LM/JP)