£1.35m Flood Defence Upgrade Completed on River Lagan

The Department for Infrastructure confirmed that the final stage of the works at Lambeg has now been completed, following earlier works at Hilden.

The project forms part of ongoing investment in flood risk management across Northern Ireland.

The upgraded flood gates play a critical role in regulating river levels during periods of heavy rainfall, helping to reduce flood risk for communities along the River Lagan, particularly in South Belfast.

Climate adaptation and infrastructure resilience

The project is part of the Department for Infrastructure’s wider “Foundations for a Better Future” framework, which identifies climate adaptation as a core priority.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said the investment will help ensure long-term protection for local communities and reflects the growing importance of climate adaptation in infrastructure planning.

She noted that while flooding cannot be fully prevented, the impacts can be reduced through targeted engineering solutions and improved water level management systems.

Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall and river flooding.

As a result, investment in flood management infrastructure is becoming an increasingly important part of climate adaptation planning across Northern Ireland.

The completion of the Lambeg works represents a continuation of efforts to strengthen resilience in vulnerable catchments and protect communities through improved water level management systems.

The works were delivered by local contractor Maurice Flynn and Sons, involving full replacement and mechanical upgrades to the existing infrastructure.