Department has established ‘community resilience group’ to tackle flooding

Ms Mallon replied: “Flooding in the Boho area of Co Fermanagh usually occurs when water levels in the river there rise after prolonged and heavy rainfall. In the past, officials have considered a flood alleviation scheme for this area, which would involve the diversion of the river and improving the gradient in what is a flat and slow-flowing river.

“Unfortunately, the costs of this proposal far outweigh any flood alleviation benefits that would be gained.

“However, my department has established a community resilience group in the Boho area to help residents to be more resilient to the impacts of flooding.

“Officials have also developed strong links with other response organisations and the voluntary sector to provide coordinated multi-agency support to individual properties or communities that may be cut off by floodwater and require access to essential services.”

Mr Lynch further asked the minister: “Does she understand the impact that it is having on day-to-day lives, particularly those of care workers?”

The minister replied: “I do indeed recognise the importance of that. Multi-agency coordination has been ongoing at a local level in relation to the impacts on residents, and as recently as Friday 28 February.

“A watching brief is ongoing and further calls will be held as required with participants from right across a number of sectors and partners.

“The member will know - he has been advocating on the issue - that Fermanagh and Omagh District Council initiated a welfare assistance line to advise that, if there are instances where a carer is unable to access a client’s home, they should contact their social worker.

“I am advised that no calls have been received to this helpline to date, but I am very conscious of the impact on carers.”