Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council received criticism at a communities committee meeting for its sandbag response to storm flooding. Councillor Jonathan Craig pointed to surface water from council lands at Aberdelghy Golf Club, Lambeg and a green area at Beach Park off Kennedy Drive. He visited affected homes and noted only sandbags in place despite council responsibility.

Craig stated that a large volume of surface water flows from these sites during storms and called for a solution. He expressed frustration after speaking to residents outside the meeting, describing the issue as a major flooding problem. One elderly resident claimed on their insurance for home repairs after water came from council lands following heavy rain.

A council officer said the authority plans meetings with departments to decide short-term and long-term measures. The officer noted some flooded areas are council land and others are not. Craig indicated the drainage fix seems straightforward and should be implemented before more storms.