Minister urges objectors to 'think twice' before opposing flood relief schemes

According to the OPW, the €30.5m flood defences in Bandon will ensure 392 properties are now protected from potential significant flooding

Patrick O'Donovan said: "We have towns all over Ireland that are left in limbo at the moment and it isn’t because there is a want of money.” Picture Denis Minihane

Members of the public who are thinking of objecting to flood relief schemes have been urged to think twice before doing so by the minister with responsibility for such projects.

Speaking at the official completion of the €30m flood relief scheme in Bandon, West Cork, Minister of State at the Office of Public Works Patrick O'Donovan said: “I know there are detractors who say that things are happening too slowly, unfortunately things are happening too slowly by virtue of the planning process we have to adhere to.