Call for fast-tracking of defence scheme after Cork village flooded for second time in three months 

Ballinspittle was yesterday flooded for the second time in three months, with public representatives for the area calling for s for those affected, and for a flood-defence scheme to be fast-tracked.

Speaking yesterday Fine Gael senator Tim Lombard said: “It’s been an awful morning for people in Ballinspittle as homes and businesses were flooded again early this morning after torrential rainfall”.

“The fire service did a terrific job this morning and there’s no doubt that damage would have been even worse without their quick response.

“Two things are needed here for Ballinspittle and other areas impacted by flooding. Fast-tracking of flood relief schemes and a rolling humanitarian fund that is available immediately rather than waiting for a ministerial order.

“I’ve spoken to Patrick O’Donovan, minister of state with responsibility for Office of Public Works this morning on this and have also been in with both minister Simon Coveney and minister Heather Humphreys in relation to making the Emergency Business Flooding Scheme and Humanitarian scheme available to those impacted.”

Torrent

Mr Lombard said at 5am, “a torrent of rain came down through the valley and washed out businesses, restaurants, and several residential properties,” leaving them badly damaged.

He called for the Government to fast-track the flood protection process, saying that currently, it “involves so much regarding environmental impacts and everything else, that the actual process takes too long, meaning places like Ballinspittle are left vulnerable to repeated flooding of the same homes and businesses.”

“There should be a rolling fund, we shouldn’t be waiting for the minister to announce it. When you have an issue, when you are affected by a flood, you should not be waiting for a ministerial order, it should be there automatically so that you can actually get funding,” he said.

Cork South West TD Christopher O’Sullivan has also raised the issue, writing to Ms Humphreys and Mr Coveney to seek an extension of the flood- schemes to include the businesses and residences that have been flooded in Ballinspittle.

Mr O’Sullivan said: “It is devastating to hear the news that businesses and residences have once again experienced flooding in this beautiful village. My thoughts are with the premises owners who are clearing damage from the floods.

“I have written to minister Heather Humphreys and minister Simon Coveney seeking an extension of the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme for homeowners and also the Emergency Business Flood Relief Scheme, so that they would be extended to include the businesses and residences impacted by today’s flooding,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

“I know flood works have been approved for Ballinspittle, but it is vital now both the OPW and the local authority expedites these flooding works so that business owners and residents can finally sleep at night in the knowledge that their homes will not flood.”