Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has proposed the development of a Flood Forecasting Service for Northern Ireland, subject to Business Case approvals. The announcement was made as Flood Awareness Week began, running from 12 to 18 October.

Kimmins said Northern Ireland is currently the only jurisdiction on these islands without a national flood forecasting service. The proposal aims to address that gap by creating a specialist service that could forecast significant tidal and river flooding in advance. This would support emergency responders, councils, infrastructure operators, and local communities take timely action to reduce the potential impact of flooding.

Around 45,000 homes and businesses are currently at risk of flooding, and with climate change increasing the likelihood of more frequent and intense rainfall events, this number is projected to increase. While flooding cannot be prevented entirely, better forecasting and earlier information would help protect lives, property, infrastructure, and essential services.

The programme is complex and requires detailed planning to ensure the right systems, infrastructure, and skills are in place. Implementation would be phased over the next decade. In the meantime, the Department will continue to inspect and manage existing watercourses and critical drainage infrastructure, advance flood alleviation schemes, monitor river networks, and work with communities to strengthen resilience.

Joan McCaffrey, Joint Chair of the Regional Community Resilience Group, said the provision of a Flood Forecasting Service would build on strong foundations and complement existing resilience measures to help communities better prepare for flooding events.

In a separate announcement, Kimmins unveiled a £1 million funding package for community transport providers. The investment will enable all 13 providers to purchase a new minibus as part of plans to replace ageing vehicles and improve reliability. The announcement came as Community Transport Week 2026 began, running from 12 to 16 October.

Kimmins said community transport can often be the only transport option for many and that it is vital providers have a reliable fleet of vehicles to allow services to be delivered safely and efficiently. The funding will allow each of the 13 providers to procure a new vehicle. Without these services, many elderly and disabled people who rely on them would find it difficult to access goods and services and remain connected to family and friends. The allocation will replace 13 of the 27 community transport vehicles prioritised for renewal based on age, mileage, and condition.

Regarding a road improvement scheme, Kimmins announced that a £757,000 carriageway resurfacing scheme on Belsize Road, Lisburn will commence on Monday 19 October 2026. The scheme includes essential resurfacing works between Kirkwood’s Road and Boomers Road alongside improvements to kerbs and footways. To minimise disruption, resurfacing works will be carried out using off-peak lane closures between 9.30am and 4.30pm daily. Road closures will be required towards the end of the scheme. Subject to favourable weather conditions, the works are anticipated to be substantially complete by 17 March 2027.

Kimmins also responded to concerns about proposed Translink cost-cutting measures. She said the consultation is now closed and Translink is considering responses. She stated her position remains that public transport should be affordable and accessible, particularly given the ongoing cost of living pressures, which is why she froze fares for two years in a row. She noted no decisions have been taken regarding the consultation on the yLink concession and other proposals. She said the executive is united in negotiations with the British Treasury for a fair funding settlement, and these cuts could result from the budget settlement currently offered. She said she would expect Translink to give full consideration to consultation responses and she met with trade union representatives last week. She added she will continue to work with Translink to avoid the cuts coming to bear.