Province begins clear-up following rainstorms

Northern Ireland was completing a clear up operation today following a second night of torrential rain which swept across the province.

Localised flooding led to a number of road closures across the country but by mid-afternoon, most roads had been reopened.

One of the worst hit areas was Newcastle in County Down, where many homes were inundated as a result of the heavy rainfall.

SDLP MLA for South Down, Eamonn O'Neill criticised the response by emergency services in the area as "completely unacceptable," despite severe weather warnings over the past few days.

He said: "Once again the emergency services have let the people of Newcastle down. Over the past few days we have had some of the worst October weather in years, with South Down being one of the most badly affected areas.

"Despite repeated calls from residents to the emergency services to enforce protective measures in the event of such bad storms, sufficient sandbags, support or help were not provided throughout this instance."

Roads Service' spokesman John White said staff were out through the night attempting to relieve flooding.

He added: "It's been particularly bad in the Newcastle area where the main emphasis has been on trying to keep the roads open.

"But the water flowing off the (Mourne) mountains combined with the very high tide has certainly caused extensive flooding."

The Omeath Road, just south of Newry in Co Down, was one of a number of roads reopened following earlier flooding.

In County Antrim, Troopers Lane in Carrickfergus was also reopened while the Hightown Road and Corrs Corner areas of Glengormley were also said to be getting back to normal.

(MB)