County council urged to provide timeline for culvert works in West Cork town

Fri, 10 Oct, 2025 - 11:30

David Forsythe

Cork County Council should provide local people and businesses in Bantry a timeline for the proposed culvert replacement works in the town due to the serious disruption the works will cause, according to local Independent Ireland councillor Danny Collins.

Mr Collins proposed a motion to the recent meeting of Cork County Council’s West Cork municipal district: “I am calling on the council to give the businesses and residents of Bantry a timeline of when they hope to start the much-needed culvert works in the town.”

Mr Collins said the badly needed works to alleviate flooding will have a major impact on the town, and local businesses and residents needed some idea of when the works would take place.

Progressing plans

Responding for Cork County Council (CCC), Padraig Barrett, director of services for roads and transportation said: “Cork County Council, in collaboration with the Office of Public Works is actively progressing plans to upgrade the existing stone masonry arch culvert that runs through Wolfe Tone Square, New St, and Bridge St in Bantry, Co Cork.

“The chief executive’s Part VIII report detailing the proposed works was approved at the full council meeting held on February 24, 2025. Concurrently, CCC has completed the procurement process for technical advisers who will be responsible for preparing detailed design drawings and technical specifications and developing tender documentation for the construction phase.

“CCC is pleased to confirm that funding approval has recently been received from the OPW, enabling the project to advance to the next stage. This funding will support the development of detailed design and tender documentation, bringing the project closer to implementation.

“CCC is now proceeding with the appointment of technical advisers and the completion of design and tender preparations. CCC and the OPW are committed to delivering this vital infrastructure project. The timeline remains subject to the successful completion of the remaining design, procurement, and statutory processes, as well as continued funding support from the OPW.”