Design for Midleton's long-awaited flood relief scheme expected to be finalised shortly

A DESIGN for Midleton’s long-awaited flood relief scheme, described as possibly the most complex in the history of the State, is about to be finalised, which will allow a planning application to be prepared, a Cork East Fine Gael TD has said.

David Stanton was speaking to The Echo in advance of an anticipated visit by the minister of state with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kieran O’Donnell, to Midleton, Castlemartyr, and Mogeely tomorrow or next week at the latest.

Mr O’Donnell’s visit is definitely happening “very soon”, the Cork East TD said.

“I’m anxious to get him down here, and he wants to come,” said Mr Stanton.

“The sooner he’s down the better, so he can see for himself and then make a decision about which planning route to take.”

Mr Stanton said the proposed flood relief scheme would be the most complex in the State, as it is dealing with water from multiple sources, including two rivers, the Owenacurra and the Dungourney, the run-off from the land, the tide, and the caves underneath.

He added that it involved getting the co-operation of 80 landowners and would cost, in all likelihood, in excess of €50m.

Mona Stromsoe of the Midleton and East Cork Flood Protection Group said that a member of her group had phoned Mr O’Donnell who told her the visit could be going ahead as soon as Friday.

Ms Stromsoe, who is also standing for Aontú in East Cork in the local elections, said the group had huge support locally and many businesses, as well as residents, were now involved. She added that a protest held in the town on Saturday had drawn a large crowd and had passed off peacefully.

She warned that if flooding like that which occurred during Storm Babet happens again, “it wipes out the town”.

Clarification has been sought from the Office of the Public Works about the proposed visit.