Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2022
285. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the persons whose businesses and premises were flooded in Fermoy, County Cork on 24 February 2021 will receive compensation for the flooding event that caused damage to their premises. [22589/22]
View answerThe Office of Public Works commenced construction of the Fermoy North flood relief scheme in 2009, and the scheme was completed in 2011. The Scheme comprises grass embankments, permanent walls and demountable flood barriers, and pumping stations, and is designed to protect 77 properties on the north side of Fermoy against the 1-in-100-year flood event. Damages avoided in such an event are in the order of €18m.
Cork Co. Council carries out the Operation and Maintenance of the Fermoy North scheme on behalf of the Office Public Works (OPW), the Contracting Authority. An OPW-developed Flood Early Warning System (FEWS), which is used for both the towns of Fermoy and Mallow, is operated by Cork County Council staff in Mallow. Upon receipt of a flood warning, Local Authority staff erect the substantial demountable defences on the completed scheme on the north side of Fermoy.
The flood event which occurred in Fermoy on the morning of the 24th February 2021 led to three properties flooding at Brian Ború Square and flooding of the Town Park area, although no properties flooded there.
I am advised that the Office of Public Works has not received to date, any claims for compensation for consideration from those whose businesses or premises experienced flooding at Brian Ború Square, Fermoy on 24th February 2021.
