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The minister in charge of the OPW has given
a commitment that €23 million will be set aside to complete
the second phase of a flood relief project in Fermoy, Co Cork.
Minister Martin Mansergh gave the commitment
at a meeting in Leinster House with a delegation from Fermoy
Town Council.
The Mayor of Fermoy, Cllr Noel McCarthy, said
there had been serious concerns that the money wouldn’t be
forthcoming because of the economic crisis. Councillors had
met with OPW
officials last January and were unable to get a commitment
on funding.
"We were delighted to finally get this commitment.
The minister said that phase two would start when the first
phase is finished. This will be at the end of this year, or
more likely January of 2011," Mr McCarthy said.
Phase two will cost €23 million and should be
completed by 2013.
Phase one of the project, costing €12 million,
is nearing completion on the northern side of the town. The
biggest flood prevention works will have to be undertaken
on the southern side of the River Blackwater. Fermoy has endured
several major floods over the years which have cost residents
and businesses dearly.
"So many people have been inconvenienced over
the years. Around 90% of those who are normally affected by
flooding have been unable to get insurance coverage for many
years," Mr McCarthy said. "All we have to do now is be patient
for another two years and flooding will be a thing of the
past."
Mr McCarthy said flood relief works in Mallow
had proved highly effective and he was confident they will
be just as good in Fermoy.
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