Cork council expects 'major challenge' to complete Storm Babet road repairs by end of 2024

Senior engineer says such significant damage has not been seen since Hurricane Charley hit in August 1986

A washed away road near Ladysbridge in East Cork. Pictures: Dan Linehan

A senior county council engineer has said it will be “a major challenge” to complete all the necessary repairs even by the end of next year to roads damaged in East Cork by flooding during Storm Babet.

Dave Clarke, the senior executive roads engineer, said initial estimates show at least €23m worth of damage — nearly three times the amount of money the council spends annually on road repairs and maintenance in the region.