Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I hope the Minister of State has been briefed on the severe flooding in Bantry yesterday as a result of Storm Barra. From early yesterday morning, when the storm made landfall, the fire brigade and Cork County Council were out doing everything they could to prevent flooding. Substantial parts of the square were flooded, with more than 20 premises affected. Most challenging is the fact this is the fourth time Bantry has flooded in 18 months. In the words of Danielle Delaney, chairperson of the Bantry Business Association, without a major flood defence scheme, Bantry will continue to be flooded and the workers on the ground are fighting a losing battle. Reports from the town yesterday indicate the remedial flood relief works carried out by Cork County Council did prevent further flooding, but the capacity of sand banks and pumps is limited. A permanent flood defence scheme is the only solution and it is one Bantry needs immediately.

When I last spoke to the Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Deputy O'Donovan, on this matter in September, I highlighted the increased risk Bantry faced in the winter months. As the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, will be aware, I regularly seek updates from the OPW on the Bantry scheme, along with others in Cork South-West. At every stage, I have welcomed progress, and I appreciate there is a set-out process, but it is taking too long. Phrases such as "almost completed" and "it is expected the preferred tenderer will be notified in the coming weeks" are not good enough as the town floods again. Yesterday, there was Storm Barra, only the second storm this winter, but there will be more, with each bringing the risk of flooding to Bantry and other areas. Will the Minister of State assure Bantry businesses and homeowners that this will be prioritised by the OPW?

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