Update and progress in relation to ‘persistent flooding in Pettigo’

Progress has been made in relation to the issue of flooding in Pettigo. 

A review will now be undertaken in relation to the national indicative flood maps and the Office of Public Works is engaging in Cross-border talks with the Department of Infrastructure, Rivers. 

Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty received the update in response to a Parliamentary Question, after the matter was raised repeatedly by both Cllr Michael McMahon and Deputy Doherty in recent months. 

"The flooding of the River Termon has caused great stress for affected businesses and homeowners in Pettigo,” Cllr McMahon said. “Just back in September, 60 sandbags were needed urgently from the Council to prevent significant damage being done. And this flooding has been going on for a long time now, after storms and heavy rain. 

“The people of Pettigo have had to worry about this long enough. Ultimately, what is needed is for the bottom of the river to be cleared on both sides of the border. 

"I am pleased that the Government have responded to Deputy Doherty today with the news that the Department are progressing the matter and that they will work with their colleagues in the 6 counties."

The cross-border co-operation is essential as much of the River Termon is in Fermanagh and Tyrone.

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"I welcome the news today, communicated to me in a response to my Parliamentary Question, that progress has been made to prevent the persistent flooding of an area of Pettigo,” Deputy Doherty said. "Government have said that they will undertake a review of the national indicative flood maps for Pettigo to assess in more detail the level of risk in the town.

"Importantly, they have also said that the Office of Public Works have engaged with colleagues in the Department of Infrastructure Rivers in the north to find a solution to the problem. 

"They have also said that, at the most recent meeting of the Cross-Border Flood Risk Management Technical Coordination Group in September, it was agreed that the Office of Public Works would collaborate with DFI Rivers on this assessment project and that it is expected that the results of the project will be available in mid-2026. 

"Rest assured that both myself and Cllr Michael McMahon will continue to keep the pressure on to ensure progress on this matter is as swift as possible and that work begins urgently to address the issue. 

"The people of Pettigo have had to wait long enough for the flooding of the River Termon to be taken seriously."

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme