Flood insurance: We pay cost of mapping errors

The Office of Public Works needs to explain why, according to claims made by county councillors, their mapping of potential flooding in parts of Cork county is inaccurate to the extent that it provides an excuse for insurance companies to hike up flooding cover or refuse it altogether.

A hill road that overlooks rooftops in the town of Innishannon has been deemed by the OPW a flood risk, although Noah’s Ark would need to be brought back into service if such an unthinkable event ensued.

Similarly, say councillors, the village of Ballyfeard in Carrigaline, on the outskirts of Cork City, has been deemed a total flood plain, while locals say this is inaccurate.

Even the hugely successful flood relief scheme carried out by the OPW in Fermoy includes areas mapped as being likely to flooding.

The consequences of anyone’s home being included in a risk area for flooding are threefold. Firstly, insurance companies will either quote punitive premiums or none at all.

Secondly, council planners will use those maps to refuse planning for extensions and other works and, thirdly, premises within an area deemed at risk will be hugely devalued.

The OPW is a revered institution, tasked with maintaining our built heritage as well as being the lead agency for flood risk management. It has — and continues to do — great work, but in the area of flood mapping, it could do better.