Rivers Agency report into Carrick B90 flooding source

The Rivers Agency has made a series of recommendations to help resolve the source of flooding on one of Carrick’s busiest commuter routes.

Following a complaint from a constituent about the recurring problems on the Marshallstown Road near Sullatober, East Antrim MLA Roy Beggs pressed the authorities to investigate.

The Rivers Agency has now identified a series of failings in local water courses in a detailed report.

Mr Beggs said: “Having identified a water course issue and pressed the River Agency to investigate, I welcome the result of their investigation.

“The Rivers Agency have produced a comprehensive report highlighting the source of the surface water that has been flowing from Sullatober onto the Marshallstown Road endangering road users and local residents property.

“More importantly they have identified improvements which will have to be made. “

The document highlights four different sources of flooding:

A sub-standard grill which has not been appropriately maintained;

A collapsed/fractured culvert;

An overflowing, above ground water storage tank;

A poorly maintained water course with a defective manhole with no proper inlet structure.

The next step, according to Mr Beggs, is for those responsible to action the recommendations.

“The Rivers Agency have documented the cause of the flooding. I hope that everyone will speedily carry out the up-grades where they are responsible.”

As the Carrick Times reported last week, Mr Beggs also brough the matter to the attention of the Deparment for Regional Development.

In response, Roads Minister Michelle McIlveen said officials “are aware of an ongoing flooding problem from Sullatober Lane which is privately owned”.

She added the issue was being investigated by department officials and Rivers Agency colleagues.

Mr Beggs said the latest development would mean the cause of the issue could be dealt with rather than the symptoms.

The Ulster Unionist representative went on to say: “By working with the River Agency it has been possible to identify the defects up stream rather than require TransportNI to regularly address the flooding symptom on our roads.

“When this work is completed the high risk of flooding in the Sullatober area and on the Marshallstown Road will be greatly diminished and the risks to road users and local residents will be greatly diminished if not removed.”