Ten thousand properties in Belfast are at risk of coastal or river flooding according to the new strategic flood map of Northern Ireland.
Belfast was hit by severe flooding in August, when a new underpass was completely submerged.
Consultant Faber Maunsell Aecom will devise a new flood risk management study for the city.
"The Belfast study will form a key element of the flood risk management plan under the EU floods directive," said Rivers Agency head of floods directive implementation Pat Aldridge.
"Up to 10,000 properties in the Belfast area are within the fluvial and coastal flood plain."
Faber Maunsell Aecom director Bill Price said: "The main risk is from tidal flooding, and this is increasing due to climate change. In addition, surface water and inadequate drainage can also cause problems, as highlighted by the flooding in August this year."
