Cork South Central Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer has welcomed confirmation that planning and design of risk management and mitigation scheme for the lower Lee is to proceed. Minister of State at the Office of Public Works (OPW) Brian Hayes, TD, confirmed that planning and design of the scheme will be progressed by the OPW during 2012.
Deputy Buttimer said “This is very welcome news for the people living in Cork City, particularly those communities in the Middle Parish and the Mardyke. For two years there has been little or no action to prevent a repeat of the disastrous floods of 2009. The floods caused devastation across large parts of the city, 18,000 homes were left without water, since then we have seen remedial works on quay walls begin and then, incomprehensively, come to a stop. Minister Hayes’s announcement will reassure residents that this government is taking their concerns seriously.
“For each of the next five years the government plans spending an additional €45 million on flood risk management and mitigation. A total of €225 million over the period is more than the total spent on such measures in the past 10 years. At a time when it has to take difficult financial decision this is a signal by government that it understands both the personal and economic impact of flooding.
“I have raised the issue of flood mitigation on the lower Lee with the Minister Hayes on a number of occasions. He previously confirmed to me that approximately €2.4m had been provided by the OPW under the Minor Works scheme to both the City and County Councils for the Cork city area. €900,000 of this funding has been provided to Cork City Council to commission works for the repair of the collapsed quay walls.
“The Minister also informed me that he proposed to engage consultants to carry out detailed design of the lower Lee flood defence works and to examine possible changes in operational procedures for Inniscarra dam. I am delighted that he is now following through on his commitment and delivering the initial steps for a badly needed flood mitigation scheme on the lower Lee.”