Major cleanup underway after status orange rain warning causes flooding in Cork
Tony The Picture: Street, Co From Linehan New J/dix Out & West Mcelhinney On Dan Floodwater Philip Sweeping Cork
A major cleanup is currently underway after a status orange rain warning caused severe flooding in parts of Cork on Saturday.
Bantry was one of the worst affected areas with a number of shops flooded on Main Street and New Street.
The West Cork town has experienced flooding four times between 2018 and 2020 which has had a devastating impact on local businesses.
Independent TD for Cork South-West Michael Collins says the local community has been left reeling following the latest damage.
He said: "It is a serious blow to the business people, they are very angry, and you can't blame them.
"And as good as the local authority are, and the fire brigade personnel, money still needs to be spent on that town to alleviate the floods.
"It caused a massive problem here in Bantry yesterday, there were scenes of devastation for quite a lot of people in business."
The status orange rain warning for counties Cork, Kerry and Waterford ended at midnight.
On Saturday, Enterprise Minister Peter Burke confirmed that he would seek urgent Government approval to reopen the Emergency Business Flooding Scheme following the floods in West Cork.
“I am closely monitoring the reports of significant flooding in Bantry, County Cork and acknowledge the distress and the impact it is having on traders and small businesses,” Mr Burke said.
He said that his department is liaising with Cork County Council and added that the Government will “stand ready to provide support”.
The scheme was in operation last October, following flooding across parts of the country – including severe floods in Cork.
The scheme previously worked in two stages – with one allowing for a quick payment of up to €5,000. A second stage, where damage exceeded €5,000, allowed businesses to apply for up to a maximum of €20,000 in aid.
Mr Burke said that he would be working within Government to reopen the scheme and “provide assistance to our much-valued local businesses at this difficult time”.
Meanwhile, Taoiseach Simon Harris said he was being "kept updated on the situation" and will ensure that those impacted by the floods in Cork are supported.
"Cork floods are a concern for households and businesses," Mr Harris said in a post on X.
"Thanks to all agencies & their staff who are working on the response & will continue to provide support in the coming days.
"I am being kept updated on the situation. We will ensure those impacted are supported," he added.
Up to 65mm of rain was recorded in locations across the county in a 12 hour period.
Motorists in Cork City reported hazardous conditions in places, with Silversprings and the Dunkettle interchange backed up due to flooded lanes. The North Ring Road was also deluged.
A number of collisions were reported in the city suburbs and outskirts during the extreme weather event.
Bantry took the brunt in West Cork as businesses in the town battled to keep the flood waters at bay with the help of emergency services and council workers.
In an update on Saturday evening, a spokesperson for Cork County Council said high tide which was at 7pm "passed without major incident."
"Up to 65mm of rain has been recorded in some locations over the past 12 hours," they said.
"Cork County Council’s crisis management team convened twice today and is scheduled to meet again tonight to assess the impact of these conditions."
During the warning, part of the N71, near Glengarriff, was "impassable" due to flooding.
Townlands impacted included Drumaclarig, Carrigrour, Canrooska, Crossterry East, Toreen, and Lickeen East.
Fota Wildlife Park also closed early at 3pm due to the high volume of rainfall.
"We apologise for the inconvenience caused," a spokesperson said.
Pumping arrangements were also put in place at known locations, and motorists were urged to exercise caution on the roads.
The N71 road between Kenmare and the Cork County Bounds also flooded and was impassable at several locations.
A spokesperson for Kerry County Council deployed crews to the site.
"Road should be avoided until further notice," they said.
In Cork City, the flooding affected much of the northside. There were reports of flooding on the Lower Glanmire Road, and just after the Dunkettle roundabout.
There are also reports of a raw sewage burst on Oliver Plunkett Street in the city centre which resulted in raw sewage on the streets.
Preparations were carried out by Cork City Council which saw crews clearing gullies, trash screens and debris, which continued through the weekend.
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