Seven roads in East Cork damaged by Storm Babet blocked by padlocked gates
A washed away road near Ladysbridge in East Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan
Padlocked gates have been used to block seven roads that remain closed across East Cork following catastrophic damage caused by Storm Babet, with the full repair bill expected to surpass €50m.
Cork County Council confirmed that of the 22 roads that suffered unprecedented structural damage during the October storm, most of which are in East Cork, interim repairs had been carried out to facilitate the reopening of 15.
However, seven remain closed for public safety reasons, with major structural works required in several cases before they can be reopened.
The council has installed gates with padlocks to prevent access to the L7655-18 near Midleton, and also at one end of the Inch Park Road near Youghal.
The council said it carried out emergency interim repairs on a section of the L7655, which forms part of the route between Ballinacurra and Ladysbridge, to reopen it to traffic.
However, a section between Glennageare Cross (known locally as Pope’s Cross) and Stacks Cross remains closed where floodwaters eroded part of a stream bank alongside it, resulting in a dangerous drop-off into the stream on a narrow bend.
The road was closed immediately after the storm using signs and barriers but following requests from local farmers, the council installed padlocked gates in early December to allow farmers to bring fodder to animals. Keys to the lock were provided to the farmers.
But the council said it received a report on December 4 that the chains were cut and removed, and the barriers and road signage interfered with and the road left open.
The council reinstated the chains, locks, and safety signage, and reported the interference and material damage to gardaí.
Significant road embankment failures also occurred on Inch Park Road, where gates have been erected at one end, with a barrier installed on the Youghal side.
In a statement, the council said its priority had been to repair and reopen the roads, with repairs prioritised based on how many roads in a certain area had been damaged, the level of damage, and the road use — whether it is a school bus route or local access only.
The council said the most badly affected roads would remain closed until the necessary structural works can be completed.
“Cork County Council is working on an overall programme to address the damage caused. It is in communication with the Department of Transport regarding funding," it said in a statement.
“At this time, it is not possible to give a date for the reopening of the L7655-18, as such works are dependent on receiving emergency funding from Government.
“Inspections and design on necessary works are progressing.
“Department officials have visited some of these sites and applications for funding have been submitted by the council consideration.
“Additional information has been sought in some instances. The council is awaiting confirmation of funding from the department.”
