Press Releases
Chamber Queries Government Response to Flooding Plan - 02.02.2010
Cork Chamber has today welcomed the publication of the Lee Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Study (CFRAMS) Draft Catchment Flood Risk Management Plan, however, expressed acute disappointment at the announcement by Minister Martin Mansergh T.D., that the Government is not yet willing to provide funding for a comprehensive replacement of our City's aging flood defences.
Cork Chamber Chief Executive Conor Healy stated that, "This study which provides a strategic overview of the problems associated with flooding in the wider Cork area is the culmination of four years of diligent and thorough work by all parties involved. It demands a strong and committed approach by Government and the local authorities to implement and Cork Chamber urges Central Government to engage with Cork's local authorities to determine a funding model that will allow all of the necessary works to proceed as quickly as possible. We want to see a timetable for implementation produced without delay to ensure adequate flood protection for Ireland's second City".
"The plan identifies specific short-term preventative measures and Cork's business community now want to see urgent action on the ground to improve the existing flood defences so that business premises will not be flooded again next Winter or any time soon. This is a critical issue for those businesses that find it impossible to get insurance cover at a reasonable price for as long as steps are not taken to strengthen our compromised flood defences. Therefore, we want to see the low-cost repairs and improvements progressed immediately rather than waste time arguing over whether or not now is the time to invest in the more comprehensive solutions".
For further information please contact:
Conor Healy, Chief Executive, Cork Chamber, tel (021) 4509044 / 087 9471858
Lucy O'Donoghue, Membership Development & P.R. Manager, Cork Chamber, tel (021) 4509044