A sewer blockage in the Derrybeg area of Newry led to raw sewage overflowing onto roads and properties on Monday evening. Northern Ireland Water (NIW) said its contractor attended a manhole overflowing in Second Avenue and identified a blockage caused by inappropriate items in the wastewater system. The blockage was cleared and a full clean-up of the affected area was completed.

NIW reminded customers that only the three Ps - Pee, Poo and Paper - should be flushed down the toilet. Items such as wet wipes, cotton buds, sanitary products and fats, oils and grease can cause blockages in the sewer network. Further advice is available on the NI Water website.

Newry Sinn Fein councillor Aidan Mathers said he was deeply concerned by the flooding, which resulted in raw sewage, wastewater and toilet paper being deposited onto residents' properties. He contacted NI Water to request immediate action and said heavy rainfall was no excuse for sewage flowing onto roads and people's property.

Mathers described the situation as utterly unacceptable and a serious risk to public health, causing significant distress to affected households. He said Derrybeg residents deserve to live without the prospect of this ever happening again and welcomed NI Water's prompt response to clear the area and investigate the cause.

Some residents on social media suggested that new housing in the area has put pressure on the water system, with one claiming the problem has been ongoing for two years. Another described it as a severe health hazard. NI Water did not address those claims in its statement.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council said responsibility for maintenance of roads infrastructure, including gullies, drains and flood alleviation measures, lies with the Department for Infrastructure, not the council. The Department for Infrastructure referred the matter to NI Water.

NI Water has not announced any further investigation into the capacity of the sewer network in the area, but Mathers said the utility will survey the sewers to identify the cause and required preventative work.