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.

He later told the Irish Examiner that the meeting “had cleared the air”.

“I very much regret what happened in Blackpool. They [city council] recognise the issue was a blockage and that they’re responsible [for ensuring the river is clear],” he said.

However, city manager Tim Lucey hit back, maintaining there was no basis for the minister’s claim.

“There is no evidence to justify the council being criticised for the flooding last month,” he said.

Lord Mayor Cllr John Buttimer (FG) maintained that council workers had checked a screen in the river on a number of occasions before the flood and found it free of debris.

It has been claimed the screen at Orchard Court became blocked with debris which caused floodwater to pour into Blackpool village.

Mr Lucey revealed the city council is to appoint consultants next week to look at interim measures to reduce the possibility of flooding in Blackpool until the OPW completes a multimillion-euro project aimed at permanently protecting the area.

Meanwhile, Mr Hayes said he was hopeful forthcoming talks with the insurance industry may lead to an understanding whereby they would offer cover to people living in areas where significant flood prevention works had been completed.