Interim measures to prevent floods in Bantry should be put in place, Taoiseach says

He said that the OPW Minister Kieran O’Donnell would be in Bantry today and would engage with locals around further assistance.

The severe floods in parts of Cork followed heavy rainfall, with a status orange warning having been in place for Cork, Kerry and Waterford until midnight.

Bantry was among the worst impacted, with shops on Main Street and New Street being flooded.

Mr Harris said that what people in Bantry really wanted to know was when the flood relief scheme for the town would be delivered.

In advance of this, Mr Harris said that Mr O’Donnell would hear from the community as to any interim measures that are required.

“Any interim measures that can be put in place as we move into this winter should absolutely do so,” Mr Harris said.

“We’ve seen great results from flood protection schemes across the country, but where towns and villages are still waiting for flood relief schemes, we do need to say what more can be done in the interim.” Asked about support levels likely to be granted to businesses and households, Mr Harris said that there is a template in place for financial aid.

“I know that is no substitute, by the way, for the trauma that you can experience if your business or your home is flooded,” Mr Harris said.

The Taoiseach said that supports would be similar to the scale seen in previous floods.

Yesterday, Enterprise Minister Peter Burke confirmed he would work with Government to reopen the Emergency Business Flooding Scheme.

He said that his department is liaising with Cork County Council and added that the Government will “stand ready to provide support”.

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.