ANYTHING CAN BE ACHIEVED

For decades many of us accepted that the destruction wrath by Mother Nature along the Blackwater would be a regular occurrence.

The devastation suffered by businesses and householders was an ever present risk for many. It was often thought that little to nothing could be done to prevent Fermoy and its surrounding areas suffering a wave of water.

But the community came together and in time a major flood defence project was secured for the area and the flooding instincts of that great river were tamed.

The trials and tribulations of global warming has meant that we will face an uncertain future, but because of an engineering solution in Fermoy we can defend against the magnificent power of the Blackwater.

Our ancestors did not succeed, all our heartbreak down through the years could never imagine a time when a colossal disaster could be averted.

But save for a handful of buildings the defences worked - we are not now looking at days of news reporters with Fermoy at the centre of the disaster zone.

We should marvel at this success. Too often we moan and whinge about those tasked with keeping us safe and secure.

But this project, this mammoth endeavour by all involved, has surely made the dreams of Fermoy to live in peace with the Blackwater, a glorious reality. Our next generations will not have to deal with the trauma of floods.

That is something we should celebrate and it will help us realise, with a concerted effort and the expertise at our disposal, anything can be achieved.