Former chairman of the Bantry Business Association, Diarmuid Murphy, warned in October 2020, following a town flood, that Bantry may resemble Venice if flooding persists. He was concerned about how long it would take for a significant flood prevention scheme to get underway. Now, four years later, his dire prediction seems increasingly plausible. Bantry is labouring to recover from a recent deluge that affected as many as 42 buildings, some of which were submerged to depths up to half a metre.
As of last Saturday, the town has succumbed to its sixth flood since 2020 and the ninth since 2012. Nestled in a basin and enveloped by hills with a sea-facing side, the geography of the town, amplified by heavy downpours cascading down the hillsides, the high tide and southward winds, heightens its vulnerability to flooding. However, no high tide compounded last Saturday’s flooding, but rather, an overflow of the Mill, Abbey and Scart rivers which exceeded the culvert entrance leading underneath the town towards the sea, causing flooding in New Street and Main Street.
Christopher O’Sullivan, Cork South West Fianna Fáil TD, claimed in Dáil Éireann in 2021 that Bantry holds the dubious distinction of being “Ireland’s most flooded town”, a statement few local residents would oppose. The delay in implementing a comprehensive flood prevention scheme remains a pressing question for many.
A May brief from the Office of Public Works (OPW), clarified that the initial stage, which comprises scheme development and design, is slated to be finished by mid-2025. This will be ensued by four additional stages including environmental assessment and contractor procurement procedures. Construction is pre-empted to commence in early 2029. Those familiar with the project estimate that the construction of the scheme, which aims to safeguard around 200 properties, will require approximately 18 to 24 months.
In the aftermath of the Cork floods, where some regions recorded as much as 65mm of rain, a clean-up operation is underway. Some smaller immediate steps being considered include installing non-return valves and street pumps, but many residents of Bantry are pinning their hopes on a more extensive solution – the revamping of the town’s culvert system. Cork County Council is spearheading this intervention.
A 2018 assessment by engineering firm Malachy Walsh & Partners indicated that over half of the town’s 950m-long culvert network urgently needed refurbishment. It has been confirmed by the Cork County Council that the rectification work will commence in the middle of 2026 and is expected to finish in 18 months.
Representing the Bantry Business Association, Danielle Delaney expressed that local businesses are extremely apprehensive, especially considering the latest flood occurred during low tide. This raises concerns about the potential impact should the same volume of rainfall coincide with high tide.
Delaney said, “This season we experienced our first flood, and we have the whole winter ahead. The community’s stress levels rise with every weather alert. It is crucial that the culvert refurbishment begins soon. Despite the expected disruption, this improvement is essential to maintain the town’s peace of mind.”