Bandon blueprint to stop flooding will cost €10m
Launching a new flood plan in Bandon yesterday, Brian Hayes, minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, said work on the scheme was expected to begin in mid-2013.
About 150 homes and 200 commercial properties would be protected from flooding as a result, he said.
New embankments and walls will be built to control the flow of water in the Bandon River which burst its banks in Nov 2009 causing damage in the region of €20m.
Underground pump stations will be installed in low-lying areas of the town.
Dredging of the river will reach a depth of 1.8m at its deepest level next to the Bandon Weir and continue for 3.6km upriver, about halfway to Innishannon where it will taper off to meet the existing river-bed level.
Flood defences will be built where the ground level is too low for dredging alone to suffice.
A 100-year-old foot bridge will be replaced by a 45-metre new bridge at the same location.
“There was concern that debris could catch on the old bridge and increase the risk of flooding,” said Ciaran Thornton, director of engineering at consulting firm WYG Ireland.
Piers forming part of the historic Bandon Bridge will be underpinned as part of the works.
Mr Hayes said the work would take an estimated two years to complete. “Bandon has a long history of flooding and I am pleased to be able to announce that this scheme, when completed, will provide a solution to the ongoing flooding concerns for the people of Bandon.”
Local campaigners welcomed the plans — particularly the length and depth of the dredging.
Bandon Flood Relief Committee members Gillian Powell and Maria McLaughlin had met the minister and officials from the OPW last year to discuss measures required to prevent another devastating flood in the town.
“We are happy with the careful planning of this scheme. The Cluid housing development will have special embankments built around it and the aesthetics are lovely. Overall we are delighted Mr Hayes and the OPW listened to and acted on the peoples’ wishes,” Ms Powell said.
Plans for the scheme will be on public display at Bandon Town Hall on Wednesday, June 20, from 10am-5pm.
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