Fears flood works will cause traffic chaos

The mayor of a Co Cork town fears traffic gridlock will ensue during the second phase of its €38m flood alleviation works unless its bypass toll is axed.

Cllr Michael Hanley has pleaded with Minister for State at the Office of Public Works (OPW), Brian Hayes, to put pressure on private toll operators Direct Route to allow free access to Fermoy bypass (M8) when flood prevention works become disruptive to normal traffic flow through the town.

He was speaking yesterday as the minister announced the green light for the second phase of the project, which will focus on creating flood barriers on the southern side of the town.