To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, given her Department has overall responsibility for flood risk management and policy in Northern Ireland, whether she intends to extend the Rivers Agency powers beyond maintenance of only the 26km of sea defences and two tidal barriers to all low-lying coastal land impacted by climate change and repeated flooding.

My Department has undertaken significant work to develop the 2nd Cycle Flood Risk Management Plan (FRMP) 2021 -2027 that has highlighted the most significant areas of risk in Northern Ireland from rivers, the sea and surface water. A prioritised long term programme has been developed to take forward and deliver the works identified in the plans where they are cost beneficial i.e the costs to construct the flood alleviation scheme are less than the flood damages that would occur in the absence of a scheme. This would include any works identified to deal with coastal flooding.

The plan also sets out how the relevant authorities will work together with communities to manage flood risks. My officials have worked with partner organisations to develop a coastal flooding emergency response plan. This plan details the arrangements for a co-ordinated multi-agency emergency response to coastal flooding in Northern Ireland.

My Department is currently progressing the Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme (BTFAS). The scheme aims to provide a long term approach to tidal flood risk management for the City and covers the area from Belfast Harbour to Stranmillis Weir. The scheme which takes into account the latest projections on climate change, also allows for future adaption to mitigate against potential sea level rises.

The scheme has been designed to reduce tidal flood risk to over 1,500 properties in the City and will involve the construction of approximately 8.5km of flood defences along the tidal River Lagan. Following an initial design period it is anticipated that construction works will commence on site in early 2022.