Flood protection in North Ayrshire 'has improved', report finds

Flood protection has been improved across North Ayrshire, a report has revealed.

North Ayrshire Council have published an update on action that has been planned to help reduce flood risk.

The Interim Progress Report on the second Ayrshire Local Flood Risk Management Plan focuses on options to minimise the impact of flooding across Ayrshire, Arran and Great Cumbrae between 2022 and 2028.

Under the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009, 12 Local Plan Districts across the country are responsible for assessing and managing flood risk.

Ayrshire operates as a single Local Plan District, with responsible flood authorities involved being the three Ayrshire local authorities, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Scottish Water.

Progress highlights include the completion of two multi-million projects – the Upper Garnock Valley Flood Protection Scheme and Millport Flood Protection Scheme, both of which were first identified in the earlier planning cycle.

The completed schemes have improved the standard of flood protection to the communities of Kilbirnie, Glengarnock, Dalry and Millport.

Coastal Change Adaptation studies at Ballantrae in South Ayrshire, Irvine and Stevenston have also been completed.

These studies will help parties with an interest in the coastal environment to better respond to the predicted changes driven by sea-level rise and climate change.

Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for Green Environment and Economy, said: “It is good to see that two major flood protection schemes have been completed successfully.

“With our partners, we will continue to work hard to protect communities from the ongoing risks that flooding presents to residents, properties and the local environment through rising sea levels, the increasing number of storms and coastal erosion.”

The report is published by the Council on behalf of partners SEPA, Scottish Water and East and South Ayrshire councils.

A copy of the Local Flood Risk Management (FRM) plan can be found on North Ayrshire Council’s dedicated Flood Protection web page https://tinyurl.com/ypkkcc76 where you can also read information about flood protection schemes and how to report an issue.

To request a hard copy of the Local FRM plan, send an email to flooding@north-ayrshire.gov.uk or phone 01294 310000.