Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Mr. Patrick O’Donovan, T.D, has welcomed progress on flood relief projects in Bantry and Crookstown in Cork.

Commenting on the recent advertisement for the engagement of engineering consultants to carry out the design of the Bantry Flood Relief Scheme, Minister O’Donovan said

"I am delighted that this tender has issued to the market for the design of the Bantry Flood Relief Scheme. I visited Bantry last year and saw first-hand the damage the flooding caused following an extremely heavy rainfall event. I met with people locally and visited premises that were caught totally off-guard with the speed at which the flooding occurred and I understand the anxiety of the community during severe weather events. This Scheme, with a preliminary estimated project budget for construction of some €7m, will protect 198 properties when completed and I have no doubt that the community will welcome this important milestone”.

Separately, Minister O’Donovan today approved funding to Cork County Council of €295,000 under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme for flood relief works at Crookstown in County Cork. These works include the provision of a storm water pumping station, new drainage pipes & associated work in the village of Crookstown.

Speaking earlier, Minister O’Donovan confirmed

“I informed the Council today of approval to proceed with these works in Crookstown which will protect over 20 properties in the village. I have no doubt the community of Crookstown will be delighted that these works can now proceed and provide much needed protection”.

Minister O’Donovan concluded

“My Office and Cork County Council have a long-standing and collaborative working relationship and are committed to progressing flood relief schemes in the county as expeditiously as possible and I look forward to the ongoing progression of all schemes for the county of Cork”.

ENDS

Note to Editors

Cork County Council, in partnership with the Office of Public Works, has advertised for the engagement of engineering consultants to carry out the design of the Bantry Flood Relief Scheme. Details of the tender were published on etenders.gov.ie on 11 March 2021 and tenderers have until 7 June 2021 to submit a tender for this scheme. A number of potentially viable flood relief works will be considered and developed following the appointment of the successful engineering consultancy to this scheme

For further information please contact pressoffice@opw.ie