Aims of flood management

Northern Ireland is intersected by an extensive network of rivers and loughs. It has relatively high rainfall and soils of low permeability and poor drainage. Effective river management and arterial drainage are essential to support the economic development of Northern Ireland, both in rural areas and the urban environment. Within this context the Agency’s Flood Management Strategy aims to meet the changing economic development needs of Northern Ireland. The Agency concentrates on those works that protect people and property from flooding. Projects for the sole purpose of improving agricultural land are unlikely to be economically viable.