To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the delivery of the flood alleviation scheme in Sicily Park, South Belfast.

I have been advised by NI Water that a multi-million pound engineering project to further reduce the risk of internal property flooding in the Sicily Park area has been developed. This scheme aims to contain flood waters within the flood plain of a local watercourse, during extreme rainfall conditions.

The optioneering and development process for this element of work is now complete, and NI Water is progressing the preferred option through the detailed design stage. This stage includes site investigations, obtaining statutory approvals and reaching agreement with a number of property owners and a range of stakeholders, who may be impacted by the proposed construction work.