Blame game over Blackpool flooding

A war of words has broken out between the minister in charge of the OPW and Cork’s city manager over who was responsible for extensive flooding in Blackpool last month.

The minister, Brian Hayes, accused the city council of neglecting its responsibilities to clear debris from the River Bride, which is thought to have contributed significantly to extensive flooding of homes and businesses in the suburb on Mar 21.

Mr Hayes levelled the accusation during a 30-minute meeting with City Hall officials yesterday while he was on a day-long tour of flood-afflicted areas in the region.