Why not use dam as a flood buffer only?

I WISH to make a few points in relation to the opening by the ESB of the Inniscarra dam on Friday, November 20, and the subsequent flooding of Cork city.

The operational water level of the dam was clearly too high to cope with the volume of flooding in the Lee catchment area.

If it is true that, as a consequence of global warming, we must anticipate significantly higher levels of rainfall on a more regular basis, then surely the river management procedures must be adjusted accordingly.

The dam and its tiny contribution to the national grid (less than 1%) is a matter of ongoing debate. But could it not be used to better effect as a floodwater buffer during peak rainfall months?

Why not even abandon the use of the dam for power generation during those months and lower the water, if necessary even to pre-dam levels?

The resulting buffering capability could facilitate the release of water at a manageable rate – also taking into account factors such as tide levels, etc.

Diarmuid Linehan

Springfort

Montenotte

Cork