£790,000 flood prevention scheme announced for Strabane housing estate
The Belfast Desk | 15 October 2026 | Latest News
A £790,000 flood prevention scheme is set to begin at the Ballycolman Estate in Strabane, County Tyrone, in a bid to tackle flooding problems that have previously affected local residents.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced that work will begin on Monday 19 October 2026, with improvements including a new road drainage system, stormwater storage facilities and resurfacing of affected roads.
The Department for Infrastructure said the investment is intended to improve drainage infrastructure and reduce the risk of flooding affecting homes and other properties in the area.
The scheme is expected to be substantially completed by 31 March 2027, subject to favourable weather conditions.
£790,000 investment to tackle flooding in Ballycolman Estate
The flood alleviation scheme will involve installing a new carriageway drainage system to improve how rainwater is collected and managed.
A stormwater storage facility will also be constructed to help manage surface water during periods of heavy rainfall.
Roads affected by the drainage works will be resurfaced as part of the project.
The improvements are intended to address flooding issues experienced by some residents of the Ballycolman Estate in previous years.
The Department for Infrastructure said the investment will help develop a more resilient drainage system, protecting homes and other infrastructure from the potential effects of flooding.
Infrastructure Minister welcomes Strabane flood scheme
Announcing the project, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said the investment would deliver important improvements for the local community.
“This is a substantial investment of £790k for the Strabane area and the Ballycolman Estate where flooding has been an issue for some residents in the past,” she said.
“This investment demonstrates my commitment to improving our road network and developing a more resilient drainage system to protect local homes and other built infrastructure from the negative impacts of flooding.”
The Minister also acknowledged that the construction work would cause some disruption.
“I would like to thank residents, local businesses, and commuters for their patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out,” she added.
Road and lane closures expected during construction
Road users in the Ballycolman Estate area have been advised to expect temporary traffic restrictions while the scheme is carried out.
The Department for Infrastructure confirmed that road and lane closures will be necessary to allow the drainage and resurfacing works to proceed safely.
Temporary traffic signs and restrictions will be introduced during the construction period.
Motorists are being asked to drive carefully near the works and allow additional time for their journeys.
The Department said it would plan the construction programme and traffic management arrangements to minimise disruption wherever possible.
Measures will also be taken to accommodate local access during the works, although some delays are expected.
Residents and businesses are advised to follow temporary traffic signs and any further instructions issued as the project progresses.
When will the Ballycolman flood prevention scheme be completed?
Work is scheduled to begin on Monday 19 October 2026.
The Department for Infrastructure expects the scheme to be substantially completed by Wednesday 31 March 2027, provided weather conditions allow work to progress as planned.
The Department has said it will keep the public informed of any changes to the construction programme.
The investment forms part of efforts to improve drainage resilience and reduce the impact of flooding on communities across Northern Ireland.
For Ballycolman Estate residents who have experienced flooding in the past, the project is intended to provide longer-term improvements to local drainage infrastructure and reduce the risk of similar problems occurring in future.