Removal begins of 200 tonnes of debris blocking river

Work got under way today on removing up to 200 tonnes of wood blocking a river to ensure that it doesn’t pose a danger to a Co Cork community in the event of a flash flood.

It is expected to take two weeks to clear the debris from the River Glashaboy, a mile upstream from Riverstown and Glanmire where extensive damage was caused during the flood of June 28 last.

County engineer Noel O’Keeffe said it would take around two weeks to remove the timber and was likely to cost in the region of €50,000.

Mr O’Keeffe is hoping the local authority will be reimbursed the money by the Office of Public Works (OPW).

He made an application to the Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), Coillte and National Parks & Wildlife Service to remove the blockages near Sarsfield’s Court on the grounds that it posed a health and safety risk to households downstream.

The application was granted by the three bodies, despite the fact that IFI will not normally allow such works to be go on between the end of September and March, due to the spawning season.

However, Mr O’Keeffe made a very forceful argument, much to the delight of local residents who were fearful that if the debris was shifted during a flood it could cause serious injuries or evenfatalities.

Officers from IFI will oversee the work to ensure there is no damage to the natural habitat.

More than 60 houses and up to 20 businesses suffered serious damage in Riverstown and Glanmire as the result of the June 28 flood.

The county engineer said there was one major obstruction and four lesser, but still significant obstructions in the river.

“There are also some large dead trees and other debris lying on the floodplain. The obstructions consist of scaffolding planks, pallets, deadwood and other debris,” Mr O’Keeffe said.

He said removing the material will be challenging, as access to this location is difficult, given the steep river valley terrain.

“The sheer volume of the obstructions is also an issue, as works will have to be organised to minimise the risk of material being swept downstream. We will access the river through Crowley Engineering’s premises. They have kindly offered to supply some machinery for the job as well,” the county engineer said.

He said it is hoped to salvage much of the wood which will be delivered in suitable lots to the St Vincent De Paul for distribution as firewood.