New defences to be built in flood-hit Beragh

New flood defences are to be built in Beragh, County Tyrone.

A £1.75m flood prevention scheme to protect properties in the village will be contstructed in the 2013/14 financial year.

The Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill made the announcement during a visit to Beragh on Friday.

The Beragh Red Knights GAC clubhouse and 17 homes suffered major flood damage during heavy rainfall in October.

The minister said that additional money and a review of the rivers agency's flood alleviation programme had allowed her to bring forward the scheme, but that it would take time for construction to begin.

"Time is needed to complete the design and tender process and obtain necessary approvals and the rivers agency intends to undertake this as quickly as possible," she said.

"In the interim, rivers agency will engage with the community through a representative group to ensure that all possible measures are put in place to reduce the risk of flooding until the scheme is commenced."

The minister announced that a similar scheme for Ballygawley would also be brought forward.