Manx Utilities has outlined plans to reduce flood risk to areas in the south of the island.

Rushen MHKs Juan Watterson and Laurence Skelly wrote to Environment Minister Geoffrey Boot in the wake of the flooding in Laxey - to ask about the timetable for flood risk management works in their constituency.

’Our principle concerns are Lime Street in Port St Mary, Brewery Beach in Gansey and Honna Road at Ballafesson, which are key flooding risks,’ they said.

’In addition, there are localised flooding regarding run-off across St Mary’s Road at the bottom of Baymount in Port Erin and at the top of Droghadfayle Park.’

Mr Boot directed the inquiry to Manx Utilities chairman Phil King who replied that Tynwald members had been circulated with a summary of progress on the top 24 action areas highlighted in the nation strategy report on sea defences, flooding and coastal erosion.

Mr King said consultants have compiled a report into flooding at Surby which details a range of options.

Non-return valves have been fitted on properties and manholes reconfigured to help with flows.

’We believe this has resolved the foul flooding in the area,’ said Mr King.

Potential large-scale solutions identified included an entire new separate surface water sewer system in Ballagale Avenue, relaying sections of foul sewer, and the construction of a pumping station to divert flows to Port Erin rather than Gansey.

Linked with the Surby investigations, the combined sewer network at Brewery Beach, Gansey, suffers from groundwater and surface water problems.

Ongoing CCTV surveys aim to identify these areas of infiltration,’ said Mr King. ’Once located these will be removed in order to reduce the frequency and surcharging in the Gansey area.’

Numerous complaints have been received concerning overland flows from adjacent fields affecting St Mary’s Road and adjacent properties.

Potential solutions have been investigated which entail diverting overland flows into a new sewer/highway drain along St Mary’s Road and discharging flows into Breagle Glen watercourse. The potential solutions would also entail improvements downstream in Breagle Glen to ensure flooding did not occur to properties.

Mr King said: ’The costs are likely to be considerable in relation to the benefits, and for that reason no immediate capital investment is planned.’

Mr King said the Department of Infrastructure has recently completed a tidal flooding scheme to the rear of Lime Street, Port St Mary.

In early 2018, foul flooding occurred in the rear gardens of a number of homes in Ballagale Avenue.

Investigations found a piece of timber had become lodged in a manhole which had caused the system to back-up.