Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)·Page 287·13.5

Sources of flooding affecting the Borough

The Borough faces multiple flood risks including fluvial flooding in Antrim, Ballyclare and Newtownabbey; potential sea level rise affecting Belfast Lough coastline; surface water flooding in urban areas; and risks from controlled reservoirs.

There are a number of sources of flooding that may impact on our Borough. Both Antrim and Ballyclare as well as parts of Metropolitan Newtownabbey have all been affected by fluvial (river) flooding in recent years, whilst parts of our short coastline onto Belfast Lough may be impacted by sea level rise in the future. There is also a risk of surface water flooding within our urban areas as a consequence of impermeable surfaces and heavier rainfall events. In addition, controlled reservoirs represent a potential source of flood risk that can have serious consequences in the event of a breach or overtopping.

Source — /Users/richardhill/Documents/planning-arch-project/data/documents/antrim-newtownabbey/LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025).pdf