Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has participated in a significant training exercise designed to simulate the full operation of Belfast's flood defences in the event of a tidal surge.

The exercise involves the installation and subsequent dismantling of approximately 1,500 metres of temporary flood defences, part of the Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme. These defences are deployed across around 80 locations along the banks and towpath of the River Lagan, stretching from Stranmillis to Belfast Harbour.

It is currently estimated that a significant tidal flooding event could impact over two square kilometres of Belfast City, including residential areas, parts of the commercial city centre, and major infrastructure. Minister Kimmins highlighted the scheme's comprehensive protection: "The completed Belfast Tidal Scheme ultimately provides enhanced protection for over 3,000 homes and businesses in Belfast from tidal flooding with flood defences constructed along approximately 8.5km of the River Lagan from Stranmillis Weir to Belfast Harbour."

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The Minister explained that due to the scheme's scale through a busy city, a continuous permanent flood wall was not feasible. Therefore, temporary barriers were integrated at specific locations, designed for installation when a significant tidal surge is forecast. This week's practice exercise aims to familiarise staff with the equipment, rehearse emergency response procedures, and refine methods for minimising temporary disruption to homes and businesses. "Whilst individual sections were successfully installed during Storm Ashley in Autumn 2024, this will be the first deployment of all the integrated temporary measures at one time, so I wanted to see the full extent of the operational activity necessary," Minister Kimmins added. The lessons learned will inform and strengthen future flood responses.

Minister Kimmins concluded by emphasising the department's commitment to climate adaptation, noting that the £33 million scheme helps to avoid almost £180m of potential flood damage. The Department for Infrastructure has collaborated with multi-agency partners to program the exercise to minimise inconvenience, though some short-term disruption and footpath closures may occur.