West Cork homes and businesses hit again as 110mm rain falls in 12 hours.

New figures show the true extent of the damage caused by flooding in Bantry in the last five years, with work on a flood relief scheme expected to start no earlier than 2031.

The bad news comes just days after Storm Amy unleashed high winds and 110mm of rain in just 12 hours in the West Cork town.

According to the Office of Public Works (OPW), August 2020 saw some of the worst flooding in Bantry when around 100 properties were affected.

In February 2021 ten properties were affected, with another 28 in December 2021.

Bantry is considered a high-risk flood zone and its ongoing struggle escalated again in October 2024, with 42 affected properties – 37 businesses and five homes.

Danielle Delaney, chairperson of Bantry Business Association, said the floods had already caused thousands of euro in damages over the years. Danielle, manager of The Brick Oven restaurant at The Quay, said a long-term investment was urgently needed.  

The recent floods were mainly caused by the failing Mill Culvert at New Street/Bridge Street, which channels the Mill River and its tributaries,  through over 130 inlets beneath the town.

A Flood Relief Scheme (FRS) aiming at protecting 200 properties has been in the planning and design stage since 2022. Emergency funding of €335,000 since 2021 has supported flood gates, pumps, sandbags and property protection.

Steve Bowden, chairperson of Bay Rovers AFC, whose football pitch at Lisheens, Kealkill, was badly waterlogged in October 2024, said: ‘At the time the pitch was about 5ft under water. It drained off by the next morning but it was the worst it’s ever been.

‘The pitch is always going to flood but it’s the businesses in town that don’t know whether they’re coming or going. Something needs to be done about flooding in Bantry, urgently.’

A spokesperson for the OPW said: ‘Bantry is prone to flash flooding from the numerous small steep rivers that flow through the town. Overtopping of the sea wall also results in flooding during extreme weather events.

‘The planning application for this major [flooding relief] scheme is scheduled for submission to An Coimisiún Pleanála in Q3 2027 with construction estimated for commencement in 2031.’

A spokesperson for Cork County Council said interim flood mitigation works are being progressed. Councillors have also called for action.