Cork Chamber reiterates call for independent flood probe
In a statement the group’s transport and infrastructure committee chairman, Kevin Murray, said the move was the only way to ensure the truth behind the events of November 19 and 20 is revealed.
“The business community of Cork needs to know who is protecting the city from a potential future flood event.
“Businesses need to be assured that the lessons that can be learnt from the November occurrence will be learnt and addressed quickly,” Mr Murray said.
He warned companies may be unable to receive insurance cover “while the uncertainty remains”.
The comment was repeated by Cork Chamber’s chief executive Conor Healy who said the answers given by some organisations connected to the crisis last November have failed to clarify who was at fault for the damage caused.
“Cork Chamber does not accept there are any reasonable grounds to delay an independent inquiry specifically into the Cork floods.
“We repeat our call for the Minister for the Environment John Gormley to establish terms of reference and related timelines and to appoint an international expert to chair an efficient inquiry,” he said.
In the four months since the major floods caused havoc throughout Cork city, businesses in the region have faced mounting repair costs while some flood victims have been unable to return to their homes.
An ongoing Oireachtas Committee on the Environment investigation into the national flood crisis last year is due to report its findings in early May.
While it has met with officials from ESB, Cork City Council, Cork County Council and flood victim groups, its chairman, Fianna Fáil TD Seán Fleming, said it is unlikely to specifically blame any group for the events which may have contributed to the crisis.
However, it is likely to make specific comments and recommendations regarding a number of issues, including a series of questions surrounding actions at Inniscarra dam last November.
