'SHORT-TERM' and 'cost effective' were the words a local authority engineer used to describe the type of upgrade a Bantry town centre junction could expect ahead of a €15 million plan to replace a subterranean drain.

The issue was raised by Cllr Danny Collins (Ind Ire) at a meeting of the West Cork Municipal District because repeated flood events, as well as wear and tear over time, have destroyed the town centre junction with New Street, Main Street, High Street, and Bridge Street. 

At previous meetings, the councillors were made aware that an estimated €15 million needs to be spent on replacing an old Victorian, brick-built culvert beneath this junction, and at New Street and Bridge Street. 

Engineers told the WCMD members that the culvert project is in ​the design phase and is expected to be finalised by the end of this year, or January 2027.

They said the plan would go out to tender in the second quarter of 2027, and a contractor would be on site by the summer.

Cllr Collins had tabled a motion calling on the local authority to resurface the junction for the safety of motorists and pedestrians alike, but executive engineer Kevin Lynch said​ works in this location are 'under consideration.' 

He said: 'The presence of the culvert poses a significant challenge to resurfacing work. Owing to the poor condition of the culvert beneath the road at New Street and Bridge Street, careful consideration will have to be given to the type of works.

And he warned that the use of heavy machinery, excavators and vibrating rollers could cause further deterioration to the crumbling Victorian culvert.

The engineer gave the councillors an assurance that the engineering department would will consult with the Road Design Office and request 'a functional design that would take into account the least impact on the culvert.'

He also informed the members of the West Cork Municipal District that any repairs would be 'short-term owing to the proposed upgrade of the culvert, and as such those repairs will need to be cost effective.'