A vital £5.1 million flood scheme in Newcastle, County Down, is continuing to make significant progress.

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon visited the Shimna River Flood Alleviation Scheme to witness the progress first-hand.

This Scheme involves the construction of 1,430 metres of flood walls and embankments that will extend both upstream into Tipperary Wood and downstream into Island Park from the New Bridge on the Bryansford Road. This work to provide enhanced flood protection will reduce flood risk for 312 homes and businesses in Newcastle.

Speaking during her recent site visit, Minister Mallon said: "I was here in August 2020 and saw the devastation and destruction the flooding brought. At that time I committed to working at pace to see this project on the ground. I visited the site in November 2021 to mark work commencing and I am pleased to be here again today to view for myself the excellent progress made to date on site. Once complete this vital project will bring enhanced flood protection for 312 homes and businesses in Newcastle. Two of the four flood walls are now nearing completion and the overall project is on course to be completed by Autumn 2022.

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"I committed during my time as Minister to taking action to protect homes and businesses from flooding and I have followed through on this commitment by allocating £19 million in funding for flood alleviation schemes across the North in my 2021/22 budget, an increase of £11 million from last year. Schemes like this one on the Shimna River demonstrate how our infrastructure can improve the lives of people and communities across the North."

Road users and pedestrians are urged to continue to take care when travelling in the vicinity of the works.