How did the residents feel about the recent government meeting on flood defense schemes?

Residents described the recent government meeting as a "tick-box exercise" that offered little reassurance or concrete timelines for when flood defense work would begin.

How has the 2017 flooding impacted one homeowner, Steve Comber?

Steve Comber, whose home in Newtownstewart was destroyed during the 2017 floods, now chairs a flood resilience group and feels "left behind," living in constant fear of weather warnings. He believes his house is now "probably worthless" because of the damage.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Flood Victims Slam Government's "Tick-Box" Response Years After Devastating Disaster

Flood Victims Slam Government's "Tick-Box" Response Years After Devastating Disaster

Q: What happened to the homes in Northern Ireland during the 2017 floods?

The 2017 floods in Northern Ireland caused widespread destruction, with roads and bridges crumbling, cars being washed away, and homes and businesses destroyed.

13 Oct

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Summary

Residents frustrated by lack of progress on long-awaited flood defense schemes
Homeowner's house severely damaged, now "probably worthless"
Families feel "left behind" and live in constant fear of weather warnings

Flood Victims Slam Government's "Tick-Box" Response Years After Devastating Disaster

In October 2025, residents in Northern Ireland who were impacted by severe flooding in 2017 have expressed frustration with the government's response, describing a recent public meeting hosted by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) as a "tick-box exercise".

The floods in 2017 caused widespread destruction, with roads and bridges crumbling, cars being washed away, and homes and businesses destroyed. Over 100 people had to be rescued from their cars and homes after 63% of August's average rainfall fell within just 9 hours. The north-west region, particularly Derry and Drumahoe, as well as parts of County Tyrone, were the worst affected areas.