A total of £500,000 has been allocated by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to carry out remedial works in the North West in areas affected by flooding.

The work will include redirecting watercourses back to the main river systems, erection of riparian fencing and buffer strips along the affected rivers, removing debris, management of overhanging trees and strengthening flood defences.

Denis McMahon, Permanent Secretary at DAERA, said: "This funding of £500,000 to enable Loughs Agency to carry out remedial works in the Glenelly and Owenkillew Valleys will also support the farming community impacted by the flooding.

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"The benefits arising from these remedial works will contribute to the ecology and water quality of the watercourses affected, and will also assist farmers affected by the flooding, including through fencing for stock control, reduction of unwanted sediment deposition, and prevention of further bankside erosion and resultant loss of grazing."

Sharon McMahon, Designated Officer at Loughs Agency, said: "The overall aim of this project is to repair and maintain the affected rivers mainly for fishery management purposes but it will also provide a positive effect on the economic, social and environmental area of the Foyle catchment. These works will stabilise river banks and reduce erosion and downstream deposition, ensuring that spawning and invertebrate habitats are safeguarded for the future."

(CD/LM)