The Bandon Flood Relief Scheme has officially reached completion with the unveiling of a plaque in December 2022.
Representing an investment of €30.5 million, this County Cork scheme ensures 392 properties are now protected from potential significant flooding, 177 of which are residential and family homes in the local Bandon area.
The new flood relief scheme was delivered by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in partnership with Cork County Council and comprises river conveyance improvement, defence walls, replacement of the pedestrian bridge, flood defence embankments, pumping stations and service diversions. The scheme’s design has successfully integrated the flood relief works with the public realm enhancement works. These have seen improvements to Seán Hales place with new paving, seating, planting and lighting.
Minister of State for the Office of Public Works Patrick O’Donovan TD visited the site for the plaque unveiling, where he was joined by Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Danny Collins, CEO of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey, OPW officials, engineering consultants Byrne Looby, contractors Will Bros Ltd and members of the community.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister O’Donovan commented: “I am delighted to be here today to unveil the new Bandon Flood Relief Scheme which will protect more than 390 residential and family homes, and businesses, in the local area. I know the town of Bandon and I have a lot of family connections here. I have seen first hand the devastating impact that flooding has had on the town of Bandon over the last decade. I know what this scheme means to the people of the town. I have spoken with residents and local business owners who have seen homes or businesses lost to recent floods, and I know the damage these floods have done to the wider community in Bandon. Flood defence works in Bandon are a priority for me in my role as OPW Minister and I am delighted for the families and local businesses here.”
“All OPW flood relief schemes, such as the one here in Bandon, factor in climate adaptation at all stages of planning and works and, in doing so, we ensure that homes and communities across the country will be protected when it comes to facing the effects of climate change.”
The Bandon Flood Relief Scheme is one of some 150 additional schemes under the Government’s €1.3 billion investment in managing Ireland’s flood risk through the renewed National Development Plan.
It is one of eight OPW flood relief schemes completed across County Cork, with more than 50 schemes completed nationwide. Together, these schemes provide protection to over 11,900 family homes and businesses across the country, preventing up to €1.9 billion in potential damage and losses due to flooding.
