31/07/2025
Minister Oversees Major Tidal Flood Defence Exercise In Belfast
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 2 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." 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.
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 2 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." 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.
Latest Northern Ireland News
31 July 2025
Health Minister Outlines Primary Care Expansion Plan
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has published an implementation plan for the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Programme, aiming to significantly expand patient appointments and stabilise GP services across Northern Ireland.
Health Minister Outlines Primary Care Expansion Plan
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has published an implementation plan for the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Programme, aiming to significantly expand patient appointments and stabilise GP services across Northern Ireland.
31 July 2025
Minister Praises Probation Board In Reducing Re-Offending
Justice Minister Naomi Long recently visited the Belfast headquarters of the Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI) to gain firsthand insight into their vital work.
Minister Praises Probation Board In Reducing Re-Offending
Justice Minister Naomi Long recently visited the Belfast headquarters of the Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI) to gain firsthand insight into their vital work.
31 July 2025
Minister Oversees Major Tidal Flood Defence Exercise In Belfast
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.
Minister Oversees Major Tidal Flood Defence Exercise In Belfast
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.
31 July 2025
Social Enterprise Sector Contributes £933m To NI Economy
The scale and impact of Northern Ireland's social enterprise sector have been detailed in a new report launched today by Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald.
Social Enterprise Sector Contributes £933m To NI Economy
The scale and impact of Northern Ireland's social enterprise sector have been detailed in a new report launched today by Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald.
31 July 2025
Traffic And Travel Advice Ahead Of Limavady Parades
Road users in Limavady should prepare for significant delays on Friday, 1 August, as two parades are scheduled to take place, leading to road closures in and around the town. Roads will be closed between 7pm and 10pm to ensure the safety of both participants and spectators. The main parade is set to commence at 8.
Traffic And Travel Advice Ahead Of Limavady Parades
Road users in Limavady should prepare for significant delays on Friday, 1 August, as two parades are scheduled to take place, leading to road closures in and around the town. Roads will be closed between 7pm and 10pm to ensure the safety of both participants and spectators. The main parade is set to commence at 8.
31 July 2025
UK Rules Could Push Gambling Fines Over 15% Of Operator GGY
Starting in October, gambling operators across the UK will face a sweeping new penalty system that ties financial fines directly to gross gambling yield, marking one of the sharpest regulatory shifts the industry has seen in years and raising the stakes for companies generating millions in annual revenue.
UK Rules Could Push Gambling Fines Over 15% Of Operator GGY
Starting in October, gambling operators across the UK will face a sweeping new penalty system that ties financial fines directly to gross gambling yield, marking one of the sharpest regulatory shifts the industry has seen in years and raising the stakes for companies generating millions in annual revenue.
31 July 2025
Other News In Brief
Alliance Calls For Greater Support For Integrated Schools Michelle Guy MLA of the Alliance Party has stated that the path for schools wishing to become integrated should not be an "uphill battle".
Other News In Brief
Alliance Calls For Greater Support For Integrated Schools Michelle Guy MLA of the Alliance Party has stated that the path for schools wishing to become integrated should not be an "uphill battle".
30 July 2025
Police Warn Of Surge In Romance Scams
The PSNI are urging the public to be vigilant against romance scams, after receiving multiple reports over the past month from victims targeted by fraudsters posing as romantic partners. These scams are predominantly conducted through online dating platforms, social media, and other messaging apps.
Police Warn Of Surge In Romance Scams
The PSNI are urging the public to be vigilant against romance scams, after receiving multiple reports over the past month from victims targeted by fraudsters posing as romantic partners. These scams are predominantly conducted through online dating platforms, social media, and other messaging apps.
30 July 2025
HEROS Ice Hockey Camp Inspires Young People
More than forty young people participated in an action-packed ice hockey camp as part of the highly successful HEROS cross-community programme – an initiative that uses ice hockey as a tool to inspire and motivate young participants.
HEROS Ice Hockey Camp Inspires Young People
More than forty young people participated in an action-packed ice hockey camp as part of the highly successful HEROS cross-community programme – an initiative that uses ice hockey as a tool to inspire and motivate young participants.
30 July 2025
Renewed Call For Health Minister To Engage with GPs
Alliance Health spokesperson Nuala McAllister MLA has reiterated her call for the Health Minister to "get round the table" with General Practitioners (GPs) to ensure the continued delivery of services for the public.
Renewed Call For Health Minister To Engage with GPs
Alliance Health spokesperson Nuala McAllister MLA has reiterated her call for the Health Minister to "get round the table" with General Practitioners (GPs) to ensure the continued delivery of services for the public.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.