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.