£2.7m is to be spent on a flood alleviation scheme in east Belfast.

Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill announced the works will begin this month on the next stage of the scheme.

Work will be carried out on the Castlereagh Road, Ladas Way, Grand Parade, Clara Park, and Montgomery Road areas.

The £11m East Belfast Flood Alleviation Scheme is expected to provide enhanced protection from sea and river flooding for some 1,700 properties.

Major elements of the scheme have been integrated into the wider Connswater Community Greenway Project for East Belfast, which will see a new 9km linear park created, following the course of the Connswater, Knock and Loop rivers.

The Minister also confirmed that further flood alleviation works including the upgrading of sea defences at Sydenham will commence this summer as scheduled.

Minister O'Neill said: "The New Year coastal storms, as well as flooding in recent years have reinforced the need for this vital work and I am pleased that the next stage of these much needed flood alleviation works is getting underway."

"I am pleased with the progress on the flood alleviation works which have been integrated into Phase I of the Greenway Project at Orangefield and Victoria Parks. They are almost complete and I look forward to construction starting in the summer on the final phase of the Greenway Project, which will include sea defences for the Sydenham area.

"I hope this latest development will bring some comfort to residents, businesses and property owners who have been vulnerable to flooding and who have experienced considerable stress as a result of the coastal storms."

(IT/MH)