Residents of flood-affected estate in east Cork hail minister’s ‘positive message’

A RESIDENT of Mogeely near Midleton has welcomed the positive message to residents affected by flooding following a visit by minister of state with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Kieran O’Donnell, and his department representatives.

Mr O’Donnell met with Midleton Chamber of Commerce and visited businesses in Midleton town and residents of Mogeely and Castlemartyr who were affected by the flooding last October.

Gleann Fia Residents Association secretary Vivienne Jeffers said residents of the estate have been facing a “dangerous situation” whereby they are “threatened with flooding with every drop of rain” that falls.

“I want to thank minister O’Donnell, Cork County Council, the OPW, deputy David Stanton TD, and all other representatives that brought with them the very positive message of hope and reassurance to residents in the area,” she said. “Mr Jim Casey from the OPW agreed to fund a nature-based flood protection survey and groundwork in association with Professor Mary Bourke of Trinity College Dublin, who had been in talks with the residents association to use Mogeely as her next pilot project.

“Mr John Slattery of Cork County Council’s Flood and Coastal Department will start work immediately on a suite of interim measures, including a comprehensive hydrology survey of Mogeely in order to protect the whole community. For all this we are eternally grateful.”

Cork East Fine Gael TD Mr Stanton said that Mr O’Donnell had a very constructive meeting with officials from the OPW, Cork County Council, and Arup to scope out possible interim measures and advance works of the major scheme.

Mr Stanton said the timeframe for the major scheme had also been discussed.

Social Democrats councillor for East Cork, Liam Quaide, said that Mr O’Donnell’s visit was very welcome.

“It’s essential that the OPW and council give greater consideration to natural flood defences and land use changes that could be implemented in some parts of East Cork in the short to medium term,” said Mr Quaide.