Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has toured Muff Glen Forest Park, Eglinton, to review a pilot of nature-based flood mitigation measures designed to reduce downstream flood risk.

The Department for Infrastructure, working with the Loughs Agency and with permission from DAERA Forest Service, has installed ten "leaky dams" upstream of the village. The structures are largely in place, with ancillary works continuing, as part of the wider Living with Water approach.

"I welcomed the opportunity to visit the Eglinton area and see first-hand these nature-based solutions," Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said.

"Eglinton has a history of repeated flooding which is complex and multi-faceted, coming from both surface water and the river. The leaky dams represent a nature-based solution that complements traditional engineering approaches by mimicking natural processes, temporarily storing water during heavy rainfall and reducing the speed and volume of flows downstream to mitigate against flood risk.

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"The insights gained from this pilot will also provide key information to inform the future use of these natural flood management techniques for other flood risk areas across the North, helping to reduce the risk of flooding and protecting the water quality of our rivers and loughs."

She added that communities long affected by flooding are seeking reassurance and that further schemes are being developed: "I understand that people in the Eglinton, Ivy Mead and Drumahoe areas, who have been affected by flooding, are understandably seeking reassurance. I remain committed to progressing practical flood alleviation proposals for these areas. Feasibility studies have identified potential solutions, and the next step is to develop a business case.

"These 'leaky dams", which are being delivered under the Living with Water principles, will run in conjunction with the business case process to provide some immediate assistance as we work to find viable long-term hard infrastructure solutions for the area. In the interim, targeted watercourse maintenance and emergency support will also continue to be delivered in collaboration with multi-agency partners. Community engagement also remains central to my Department's approach, with Community Resilience Groups playing a key role in strengthening preparedness for severe weather events."