Local people in the Bantry area of Cork have been invited to help shape a flood prevention scheme for the area.

Following historical and recent flood events in the area, Cork County Council and the Office of Public Works (OPW) moved forward with the Bantry Flood Relief Scheme, appointing JB Barry and Partners Ltd and JBA Consulting Engineers and Scientists Ltd as consultant.

Members of the community are now being invited to a Public Participation Day on the Bantry Flood Relief Scheme. The event will be held in Áras Beanntraí, Wolfe Tone Square, Bantry on Wednesday 18 May between 4pm and 8pm.

Stage 1 of the Bantry Flood Relief Scheme involves a detailed study of flooding mechanisms in Bantry and its environs. The initial stage of the scheme includes extensive data collection, site investigation, hydraulic and hydrological assessment, and public consultation to identify a preferred option.

Different potential options will be assessed and the most appropriate sustainable solutions to alleviate flooding will be brought to planning stage. There will be two further public participation days as the preferred option emerges prior to submission of a planning application. Presentations will be given on the evening by the project team at 5pm and 7pm.

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Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Gillian Coughlan said: "The success of the recent flood relief schemes including Bandon and Clonakilty demonstrates the wide ranging, positive impact these schemes have on communities. I would like to encourage members of the public and representatives from local business to attend the initial public participation day in Bantry on May 18th and share their experiences. Cork County Council warmly welcomes the OPW advancing this scheme which will provide critical infrastructure to provide protection for Bantry against significant flood events in the future similar to those experienced in recent years."

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey added: "The Bantry Flood Relief Scheme involves the analysis of several very complex factors, including tidal, fluvial and pluvial flood mechanisms. Constraints include environmental factors, cultural and heritage elements, and impacts on existing infrastructure. This event is an opportunity for interested parties to share their experience of flooding in Bantry, submit comments and make their views known to the project team. I encourage everyone to participate in this very important step in progressing the Bantry Flood Relief Scheme and to have your say."

Cork County Council welcomes feedback on the Bantry Flood Relief Scheme project and encourages members of the public to submit their feedback by completing the questionnaire at the Public Participation Day or by emailing [email protected] or by post to Bantry Flood Relief Scheme, JBA Consulting, Unit 24 Grove Island, Corbally, Limerick.