East Cork residents discuss flood fears

A group of East Cork residents whose homes were flooded in the wake of Storm Babet in 2023 are due to address an Oireachtas committee tomorrow.

Members of the Gleann Fia Residents Association, the Rathcormac Flood Protection Group, and the Castlemartyr Flood Protection Group have been invited to make a presentation to the joint Oireachtas committee on public petitions and the Ombudsman.

They will discuss before the committee their petition for urgent flood relief for Rathcormac, Castlemartyr, Killeagh, and Mogeely.

Pat Buckley, Sinn Féin TD for East Cork, said he had invited the residents to speak before the committee.

“Having listened to the harrowing accounts of residents whose homes were flooded during Storm Babet, I am delighted that these residents will have the chance to share their stories with the committee,” he said.

“These residents and their families feel abandoned. Many have broken under the mental strain of trying to ensure their homes are protected.”

Mr Buckley said flooding was causing families to be displaced, while local businesses were suffering long-term damage and community morale was being eroded.

“Each new flood adds to the already significant financial and emotional burden faced by residents."

“The residents are fearful with every rainfall of the danger in poses to them, while their homes are left without adequate protection.

“It is imperative that the Government include these areas in tranche two of the flood protection scheme so that there is never a repeat of the devastation they suffered in 2023.”