Concerns raised over timetable of flood plan in Cork

While householders and business owners have broadly welcomed the publication of plans for €8m worth of flood defences in Glanmire, they’ve also raised some concerns — primarily the need to see them completed in a timely fashion and with as little disruption as possible.

Liam Ryan, who runs the biggest SuperValu in the country, which is situated at the satellite town’s Crestfield shopping centre, said he is broadly in favour of the project, but has some concerns. He said flood defence works should be expanded further along the River Glashaboy. The OPW is proposing to build earth banks and flood defence walls from the Sallybrook Industrial Estate, on the northern side of the town, downstream as far as ‘The Groves,’ near the local garda station.

Mr Ryan said he believes the defences should also be built further upstream from Sallybrook industrial estate, in the direction of Sarsfield’s Court and downstream as far as the estuary itself. The latter would encompass all of the buildings in the old Glanmire village.

Seán O’Sullivan, chairman of Glanmire Business Alliance, said it is “imperative” there are no delays in carrying out the project.

He said his organisation will be lobbying local county councillors and TDs to ensure the insurance industry is forced to provide flood cover, at decent premiums, to all householders and businesses when the flood defences are complete.

Glanmire Chamber of Commerce president, Joe Organ, said his organisation welcomes the proposed works.

Mr Organ said it is vital that a temporary bridge is used to connect the Hazelwood and Crestfield shopping centre while a new one is being built as part of the defences.

The new bridge will allow for greater flow.