A Strategic Drainage Infrastructure Plan has launched in L'Derry.

During a visit to the Buncrana Road area the Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon also announced a pilot sustainable drainage scheme linked to the A2 Buncrana Road scheme. This follows the results of a recent study to investigate the opportunities to provide sustainable drainage solutions related to the design of the road scheme.

This will be part of the Living with Water Programme (LWWP) which seeks to revolutionise drainage and wastewater management with greener integrated solutions which coexist alongside hard engineering infrastructure such as bigger pipes and flood defences.

Minister Mallon said: "The health and well-being of our citizens, our environment and our economy are dependent on effective water and sewerage services. Unfortunately, the existing drainage and wastewater infrastructure is becoming increasingly overwhelmed across the North, including Derry, and is in urgent need of modernisation.

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"We have begun the LWWP in Belfast as an innovative solution to this which is better for our environment and our economy and I want to see this extended to Derry. I commissioned this study to identify possible sustainable drainage solutions that would not only meet the needs of the new Buncrana Road scheme but could provide wider benefits for this part of the city.

"The findings from the study clearly show that there is potential for considerable financial savings to the design of the road scheme by using this approach, as well as significant environmental and drainage benefits to the wider community.

"The LWWP is about using natural solutions such as open green spaces to naturally absorb surface water which will improve water quality in the rivers, reduce flood risk within the surrounding area, and reduce the amount of wastewater having to be treated at the treatment plants. Schemes can also be designed to aesthetically enhance the green spaces in the surrounding area to bring communities wider benefits such as active travel, health and amenity improvements. This is the type of sustainable infrastructure that will transform communities across the North now and for future generations."