Dep Collins says Council will clear gravel in River Bandon

CORK South West TD Michael Collins (Ind) says Cork County Council has been given the green light to clear gravel at the main bridge on the Bandon River, following consent with Inland Fisheries.

‘After weeks of negotiations with the Minister, the OPW, Inland Fisheries and Cork County Council, I am pleased to announce that we have been given the green light for the clearing of gravel in Bandon River,’ Deputy Collins told The Southern Star.

‘Following discussions with the Bandon Flood Group and experienced people who have dealt with this problem in other counties, it became apparent to me that we, the business people of Bandon, could clear the gravel in the river.’

Following a meeting with Minister Sean Canney in Galway last month, Deputy Collins was informed by the OPW that they would not be in a position to stop local business people from putting in a machine to clean it, but that certain conditions would have to be met with Inland Fisheries.

‘I contacted Cork County Council then and made it quite clear from the beginning that if they would not put a machine in to clear the gravel before the last day of September, then we would.’

Deputy Collins was then informed that subject to clearance from the OPW and Inland Fisheries, Cork County Council would clear the gravel from the bridge. ‘I’ve received confirmation this week that Inland Fisheries has given full consent for the Council to clear the gravel, who have given a start date of September 20th.’

However, Deputy Collins is urging the Council to bring this date forward as ‘every day is crucial before the deadline date at the end of this month’.