AQO 3228/22-27

Mr Keith Buchanan
Democratic Unionist Party
Mid Ulster

Tabled Date: 19/02/2026
Answered On Date: 03/03/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when the Moyola River feasibility study will be published.

Answer:

My Department’s Rivers Directorate continues to progress a feasibility study to assess the river flood risk to properties within the Moyola catchment in Mid Ulster. This work will identify if there are any viable measures to reduce the impacts of flooding from the Moyola River in the key towns of Maghera, Tobermore, Castledawson, Magherafelt and the surrounding rural areas.

The feasibility study is nearing completion and is currently estimated to be finalised in Summer 2026.

This feasibility study will fully assess the practicality, suitability, benefit, costs and potential impacts of providing flood alleviation options in the Moyola catchment. As part of the Department’s drive to deliver wholly sustainable solutions, additional work is being undertaken in this study to assess the potential for the inclusion of natural flood management techniques. Potential solutions will be identified and assessed for suitability as part of any possible viable final solution.