Town plans alert system on river level

AN early warning plan is being drawn up in Bandon so the town will never again suffer the millions of euro of damage that it did last November.

A database is being put together of businesses and homes, in close proximity to the river, who have to be immediately notified if the river rises over a certain level. A list of volunteers who have agreed – in the event of another potential flood – to help move people and belongings at risk of flood damage is also being finalised.

Up to 100 people gathered at Bandon Town Hall on Wednesday night to look at how they could prevent a re-occurence of the great floods of eight weeks ago which saw parts of the town under eight and nine feet of flood water.

It was suggested at the meeting that the River Bandon be dredged as a priority and that flood plains be created in high risk areas. Others called for an engineer to examine the river and how its flooding could be prevented in the future.

Just nine days ago seven hours of torrential rainfall caused up to three feet of flooding around the town with emergency services forced to rescue people from their homes.

Bandon Town Council has made a submission to the Office of Public Works (OPW) for funding for new flood defences. A copy of the submission will be given to town councillors at its monthly meeting on Tuesday, according to Fianna Fáil town councillor Sean O’Donovan.

“We are hopeful that the money will come through. There was wide recognition at a national level that the town suffered hugely. Both President Mary McAleese and Minister John Gormley visited the town in the aftermath of the flooding,” said Councillor O’Donovan, who attended the meeting.

Cllr O’Donovan is a publican. Up to €100,000 worth of damage was done to his Oliver Plunkett Street premises.

“There was never anything like the November flooding. There was six feet of water inside the bar. We lost everything apart from the counter. We had to replace our glass washer, furniture, fridges, the lot,” he said.

“But we weren’t the only ones. And if there is one positive thing out of this, it’s the great display of community spirit. Everyone has been helping out when they can.”

Cllr O’Donovan’s bar was re-opened for Christmas but he admits it was quiet. “Taxis were finishing at 7pm because of the bad weather and, due to the hotel being closed, there was no nightclub. That all affects pubs,” he said.