A scheme to divert the Sillees River to alleviate flooding in Boho is “not economically viable” according to The Department of Infrastructure.

In a letter seen by this newspaper, the DfI said: “A flood alleviation scheme, which involves the diversion of the Sillies River, would cost around £12-15m and is likely to have significant adverse environmental impacts.

“Such a scheme is not economically viable as the estimated cost-benefit is approximately £3m.”

A letter sent to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council by the Department of Infrastructure  stated: “Soft Engineering methods or Natural Flood Management will always need to be used in conjunction with hard engineered solutions to achieve the required design standard and thus given the already low benefit to cost ratio, would be unlikely to lead to a viable scheme.”

Addressing the issue of River Basin Management, the DfI stated: “It is unlikely that there could be anything additional to the existing regime that could improve the situation. However, we intend to engage with our consultant partners to establish if there are any further measures we could consider.”

There was however an assurance that “routine watercourse management” would continue on the Sillees River “to help ensure that there is no increased risk of flooding in the Boho area and I can advise that maintenance works are programmed to be carried out by the end of this financial year.”

 These works would include the removal of silt and gravel from the channel and the clearance of trees and vegetation from the banks of the watercourse.

The letter did point to solutions found within the community: “Finally, you will be aware that my Department co-chairs the Regional Community Resilience Group (RCRG) and along with other multi-agency partners, including Fermanagh and Omagh District Council staff, has established a community resilience group in the Boho area to help residents manage the impacts of flooding.

“Through this work, strong links have been developed with other response organisations and the voluntary sector to provide coordinated multi-agency support to individual properties or communities that may be cut off by flood water and require access to essential services.”

The issue is due to be discussed at the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council meeting on Tuesday, December 3.