16/05/2024
It is "unacceptable" that flood defences have still not been built to protect homes in an area of the north west previously hit by flooding, residents have said.
Following severe flooding in 2017 a number of people had to be rescued, homes were destroyed, roads and bridges crumbled and cars were washed away, with areas such as Drumahoe and Eglinton among the worst affected.
In the aftermath, Stormont officials said flood alleviation schemes would be considered in those areas to help prevent the same thing happening again.
Further severe flooding caused widespread damage across the north west in July 2022.
On Wednesday, a Derry City and Strabane District Council meeting was told work to develop the projects remained ongoing.
In a written update to the council's Environment and Regeneration Committee, the Department of Infrastructure (DfI) said an economically viable scheme had been identified in Drumahoe, but its completion was dependent on it remaining viable and also subject to capital funding.
In Eglinton, the DfI said it had now appointed a consultant to review options for what it called a more holistic scheme to protect homes and businesses.
The meeting also was told a scheme to reduce the impact of any potential tidal flooding in Londonderry would also undergo a further review.
Waterside resident Brian Molloy said residents were still no further forward with any measures to protect their properties.
"We have been left in limbo," he told BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme.
He and his family had to leave their property for six months following severe flooding and their entire downstairs was destroyed.
