East Belfast MLA Michael Copeland has called on the DARD Minister to urgently clarify her position over the Flood Alleviation Scheme for east Belfast after her figures for her Departments financial contribution to the scheme were heavily contradicted during Minister’s Question Time.
The Ulster Unionist said;
“In each of the last four years East Belfast has borne the brunt of some of the worst flooding this country has seen. The Flood Alleviation Scheme provided by the Rivers Agency has helped to defend those areas of the constituency which are most at risk. But I am worried that the Scheme will not have the finances needed to be effective.’
“Following my question on the scheme during Minister’s Question Time, the Minister informed me that DARD was contributing £1million to the scheme during the financial year of 2011-2012. This heavily contradicts figures released in March 2010 which stated that the estimated cost of the Flood Alleviation Scheme would amount to somewhere in the region of £7 - £14million.’
“I would urge the Minister to clarify her position over the money needed to continue the work of the Flood Alleviation Scheme.’
