Remedial works to begin on Bandon River flood scheme

By Kieran O’Mahony

AFTER years of waiting, it has been finally confirmed that remedial works on the Bandon River  finally began last week. 

Councillors met with Council chief executive Tim Lucey, county engineer David Keane and West Cork divisional manager Clodagh Henahan recently, where plans for the interim works were outlined.

The Council will be putting down 15 non-return valves at all entry points from the river, as well as raising the embankment at the Lidl car cark.

‘This is welcome news for the people of the town as they have been to hell and back in recent months. Having experienced unacceptable delays with an overly bureaucratic tendering process, led by a central Government agency (OPW), this action is a reprieve for the resilient people of this West Cork town,’ said Cllr Alan Coleman.

In a welcome development for Skibbereen, which itself has been affected by regular flooding problems, tenders for the proposed flood defence scheme in the town opened earlier this week in Cork County Hall. 

Cork County Council is the lead agency in this scheme under the auspicious of the Office of Public Works.

‘The peoples’ patience with flood defence scheme delays has been well tested and we just want to see action. I sincerely hope that there will be no further unnecessary delays,’ added Cllr Coleman.

Independent Flood candidate Gillian Powell has also welcomed the commencements of remedial works.

‘We’ve been six years asking for these works to be done and I hope there’s much more to come. I would also be calling for an immediate dredging of the Bandon River,’ said Gillian.

Sinn Féin Cllr Rachel McCarthy said the planned works shouldn’t interfere with the fisheries issues.

‘The Council has, however, written to the fisheries bodies on this and the tenders for the main work are back. At the moment there are no hiccups and the promised work is progressing,’ said Cllr McCarthy.