Fermoy receives €23m flood relief pledge

THE minister in charge of the OPW has given a commitment that €23 million will be set aside to complete the second phase of a flood relief project in Fermoy, Co Cork.

Minister Martin Mansergh gave the commitment at a meeting in Leinster House with a delegation from Fermoy Town Council.

The Mayor of Fermoy, Cllr Noel McCarthy, said there had been serious concerns that the money wouldn’t be forthcoming because of the economic crisis.

Councillors had met with OPW officials last January and were unable to get a commitment on funding.

“We were delighted to finally get this commitment. The minister said that phase two would start when the first phase is finished. This will be at the end of this year, or more likely January of 2011,” Mr McCarthy said.

Phase two will cost€23 million and should be completed by 2013.

Phase one of the project, costing €12 million, is nearing completion on the northern side of the town.

The biggest flood prevention works will have to be undertaken on the southern side of the River Blackwater. Fermoy has endured several major floods over the years which have cost residents and businesses dearly.

“So many people have been inconvenienced over the years. Around 90% of those who are normally affected by flooding have been unable to get insurance coverage for many years,” Mr McCarthy said.

“All we have to do now is be patient for another two years and flooding will be a thing of the past,” he said.

Mr McCarthy said flood relief works in Mallow had proved highly effective and he was confident they will be just as good in Fermoy.