Flood project gets go ahead
Homes and businesses are set to benefit from a long awaited €14 million flood defence project in Glanmire, it was announced this week.
The funding was granted on Tuesday for the Glashaboy River Flood Relief Scheme at Glanmire and Sallybrook and can now proceed to the next stage of its development.
News of the funding was welcomed in the area. Independent councillor Kenneth O’Flynn said he was delighted to welcome the funding for the scheme.
He said: “Approximately 103 properties, 78 residential and 25 commercial, will be protected by the scheme, which will provide standard protection against a flood event, with a one per cent probability of occurring in any given year - more commonly known as the one in one hundred year flood.”
The project, like all flood relief projects, needed the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath for it to proceed.
Minister McGrath said: “The Government is very conscious of the significant damage that flooding events can cause, and I am well aware of the impact of the serious flooding event in June 2012 in Glanmire/Sallybrook. Last year, I personally met some of the affected residents on site and they emphasised the importance of this flood scheme proceeding. This is one of many flood relief schemes in the pipeline through the Government’s €1 billion commitment to flood risk management under the current National Development Plan – Project Ireland 2040. The procurement and appointment of a contractor will be progressed for this scheme following a 12-week window period for judicial review.”
Patrick O'Donovan, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works said: “The effects of flooding are devastating and can be long-lasting for communities and Glanmire/Sallybrook is no exception, having suffered serious flooding in the past. I am delighted that this confirmation will, after the required public notice period, now enable my office, in partnership with Cork City Council to progress this major scheme of works on the Glashaboy River.”