A ‘dam’ crazy idea, but it might turn the tide
This idea may seem crazy - but it may work. Obviously, the various professional bodies and the public would have to be consulted and the entire plan would take many years to complete.
The combination of lots of rain, east winds and high tides in the harbour are usually at the root of the problem. We can neither control the winds nor the rain, but I believe we can control the tide in the harbour.
I propose that Cork City Council, county council, the ESB and other interested bodies combine to plan and construct a dam cum water barrier near the mouth of harbour at Crosshaven.
The barrier could be erected when there is risk of flooding from a high tide. It could also use tidal power to generate electricity. A canal-type system could be incorporated to allow ships in and out of the harbour when the barrier is up. The barrier could also be used as a bridge to link both sides of the harbour.
Could funds be allocated as part of regional aid and as a means to generate environmentally friendly power?
The next few years may see greater changes in the weather and we may suffer flooding on a more regular basis. Isn’t it about time that we started to prepare for the future?
Trevor Collins
Crover House
Clancool Beg
Bandon
Co Cork
