Brian Hayes TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), was in Bandon, Co. Cork today to launch the public exhibition stage of the Bandon Flood Relief Scheme.
Speaking in Bandon Town Hall this afternoon, Minister Hayes said: “Bandon has a long history of flooding and I am pleased to be able to announce that this scheme, when completed, will provide one hundred year flood event protection to approximately 150 homes and 200 commercial properties and will provide a solution to the ongoing flooding concerns for the people of Bandon.”
“The scheme I’m launching here today, which will cost approximately €10million to construct, primarily comprises new walls and embankments, the excavation of the channel for 3.5kms, the replacement of the existing footbridge, the underpinning of Bandon Bridge, the provision of a rock ramp for fish passage and works to the drainage system including new pump stations,” the Minister said.
The Minister concluded: “This major capital investment commitment is part of the annual capital funding provision of €45m, which I announced last year, and demonstrates yet again this Government’s and OPW’s commitment to a sustained capital programme to improve the level of flood risk protection for homes, businesses and infrastructure as we all recognise the serious personal and economic impact of flooding.”
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For further information or if you wish to interview Minister of State Hayes please contact Neil Ryan, OPW Press Officer at 046 9426128 or 087 9475552 or neil.ryan@opw.ie
Note for Editors:
Representatives of the Office of Public Works’ Design Team and Environmental Consultants will be in attendance at Bandon Town Hall on the following dates and times to answer any questions that interested persons may have regarding the Scheme’s proposals:
Monday 11th June, 2012 2pm – 8pm
Wednesday, 20th June, 2012 10am – 5pm
Wednesday, 27th June, 2012 10am – 5pm
Tuesday, 3rd July, 2012 2pm – 8pm