‘Minister must follow through on flood relief promises’

LOCAL HAVE HAD A LONG WAIT FOR FLOOD WORKS IN BAILE BHÚIRNE

LOCAL Dail deputy Aindrias Moynihan said this week that he will continue to keep pressure on the Minister for Flood Relief to ensure that the options for flood relief works on the Sullane river are put to the community early next year.

This after years of waiting by residents for flood relief works in the area.

Minister Kevin Boxer Moran gave assurances to Deputy Moynihan that the flood defence options will be put on public display in the first quarter of next year.

Deputy Moynihan said, “Flooding has been an issue in Ballyvourney for well over two years and residents are becoming frustrated that they are heading into another winter without any flood defences in place.

Earlier this year it was reported that Cork County Council engineers, who have helped draw up the project, had hoped construction would already be underway by this year.

The OPW had to undertake a second Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the scheme, which had already delayed it.

The new EIA was submitted thsi year along with the full plans to Mr Donohoe for his approval.

Millions of euro worth of damage was caused to more than 80 houses, businesses and infrastructure in the area when the River Glashaboy burst its banks in the early hours of June 28, 2012.

“I have been engaging with residents, local councillors and the Minister of State over the past number of years to try and get the project progressed,” said Deputy Moynihan. “While I appreciate there have been some environmental constraints in relation to freshwater pearl mussels and Knotweed, progress on the flood relief scheme has been painfully slow.

“I’m pleased that the works are now finally reaching planning stage; these are essential works that need to be carried out as soon as possible. Minister Moran has now given assurances that the options will be on public view in the first quarter of next year. I will be keeping pressure on the Minister to ensure there are no further delays to these works”, concluded Deputy Moynihan.