Streams overwhelmed by deluge caused flooding

Sudden torrential rainfall into small streams was the cause of the massive flood damage in parts of Cork City and county.

According to the most senior engineer in Cork County Council, the areas of Douglas, Clonakilty and Glanmire all have small streams that couldn’t contain the rate and quantity of water in them on Wednesday night.

“Each of these areas had a small stream with a small and steep surrounding catchment area that couldn’t contain the rain. If you look at Douglas, we had just put a quality-approved culvert in by the Ballybrack stream and this was designed for a one- in-1,000-year flooding event. Yet, the rate of rainfall last night was 30%-40% greater than a one in 1,000 year event,” Noel O’Keeffe said.