A flood alleviation scheme has been proposed for Midleton and Ballinacurra says Cork East Fine Gael TD, David Stanton. Details of the proposed plan will be published shortly in the final Lee Catchment and Flood Risk Management (CFRAM) Plan.
“Following extreme flooding in July of the Midleton and Ballinacurra area, I wrote to the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Cork County Council seeking an update on planned works to combat future flooding. Both the OPW and Cork County Council are responsible for flood alleviation works and both bodies are involved in the development of the Lee Catchment and Flood Risk Management (CFRAM) Plan.
“I understand that Cork County Council’s assessment after the flooding ascertained that flooding had resulted from unexpectedly heavy rainfall land insufficient capacity of the surface water drainage system. Various drainage works and studies have been carried out in recent years, for example OPW approved €19,000 for Cork County Council for the completion of the Midleton Northern Relief Road Study and €23,880 was allocated in 2009 and 201for the installation of a debris screen in Ballinacurra to alleviate flooding due to culvert blockages. However, despite this and other works carried out by Cork County Council, many homes and businesses in these areas still experienced serious flood damage in July, at great cost to the owners.
“Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Brian Hayes TD, however, has advised me that the Midleton area was examined under the Lee Catchment and Flood Risk Management (CFRAM) and the resulting draft plan identified a preferred option for Midleton and Ballinacurra which includes permanent floodwalls and/or embankments to manage both tidal and fluvial flood risks.
“I am pleased that this finalised flood plan is due to be published shortly and that it is hoped that the scheme could be delivered in the coming years. I understand also that tendering for the consultants to design this scheme is expected to commence by the end of the year. It is essential that all potential flood risks are identified and resolved to ensure no further damage to properties in Midleton and Ballinacurra.
