OPW unveils €20m flood relief plan for mid-Cork

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has unveiled a €20m flood relief plan which will protect around 90 homes and businesses in two adjoining villages in mid-Cork.

People living in Ballymakeera and Ballyvourney were invited to the local Abbey Hotel yesterday to see the OPW’s preferred solution to prevent flooding which will involve dredging and the widening of the River Sullane, erecting earth banks and protective walls, rock armour and providing new culverts.

OPW chartered engineer Ezra MacManamon said the capital cost of the project would be in the region of €11m. However, when design fees, compensation for disruption caused to land-owners during the construction phase and maintenance during the scheme’s 50-year life expectancy are taken into account, it will cost in the region of €20m.