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Former mayor slams poor progress on flood relief schemes as Bandon under water again

December 5th, 2015 11:21 PM

By Siobhan Cronin

Emergency services at work in Bandon. Photo: Alan Coleman

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A Bandon Kinsale councillor and former County Mayor of Cork has slammed the slow progress on the flood relief scheme for Bandon, as the town suffered yet another flood tonight.    

A Bandon/Kinsale councillor and former County Mayor of Cork has slammed the slow progress on the flood relief scheme for Bandon, as the town suffered yet another flood tonight.

Posting photographs of businesses under floodwater, Cllr Alan Coleman said he was 'furious' at the inaction on the promised flood relief measures for the town, which has suffered badly from flood damage in recent years.

'I am furious that the Office of Public Works have not even commenced the flood defence works which were supposed to be a government priority,' he said tonight.

He posted pictures of streets in the town now under floodwater, following the persistent falls of rain as Storm Desmond continued to lash Ireland.

'Investment in a flood defence was promised by central Government. 
Tenders were submitted for works. These were rejected and another tender has been published. I feel that this is a delaying tactic and it is a betrayal of the people of the town,' he said.

Meanwhile, several areas of Skibbereen were also under floodwaters - as another town counted the cost of government inaction on promised flood relief measures. Properties at both the Marsh and Mill roads were said to be under water as Townshend St traders also braced themselves for trouble as the Ilen burst its banks in several places.

From early on in the day several roads were blocked in the Caheragh area as the river spread over the flood plains, blocking roads and causing long detours for drivers.

Response services were out in force all over West Cork during the day, and as darkness fell and the threat of increased flooding came to many areas of the region.

There was also flooding reported in many areas near Macroom, with the main Macroom to Killarney Road blocked.

The Coomhola River also burst its banks, near Bantry, in a number of places.

There were angry comments on various social media platforms, at the lack of preparation, given the heavy rain had been predicted for some days.

One commentator, in a post on the Southern Star site stated: 'The council are aware the town is more than likely going to flood but where are they with the sandbags? Nowhere. If you want sandbags you have to go to the council yourself to get them and they make you fill them yourself. There's no point in them coming out with them last minute – people need to be prepared.'

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