Learning from Flood issues

I've deliberately kept away from mentioning flood related activities for a while for a few reasons including: 1. We're trying to get over it but probably more importantly 2. a lot of things were being done in the background to put a plan in motion for the future.

Recent activities included two public meetings in early and late January in the Bandon Town Hall which highlighted a few issues.

Many poeople were unaware of the work done by the Gardai, Fire brigade, Ambulance services and the so many volunteers and civic groups.

Some of these include -
a lack of communication before, during and after the flood was a cause of concern.
post flood - the dreding of the river and the unblocking of drains are both worth considering.

The meeting on Jan 28 saw Mr Declan Waugh highlight some issues relating to the river, the use of flood plains and the importance of an early warning system.

Councillor Veronica Neville updated the attendees with up to date information from Cork County Council and the OPW as well as recent communication with Minister Manseragh who allocated c.€10m for flood related issues. Finer details of her contribution will be on-line when available.

A task force is being set up to help co-ordinate the planning of a plan.(more details to follow)

A text alert system was proposed and work is well under way to get this system up and running.

It is hoped to get advice and help from the West Cork Leader group (Now WCDP)for planning this. (Further details to be communicated when available)

We also hope to, in conjunction with the professionals who have training in emergency planning, to create a local 'Do's and don'ts' for people who may be affected by flooding. Some resources are already available on previous blogs and on the internet through sites such as www.flooding.ie

An email address of bandonemergencyplan@gmail.com has been created to allow people make suggestions wrt the above document. People were also asked to record what happened to them on the night of the flood and their inoput could be used for a possible future study on the impact that flooding has on people. (Further details to follow)

All relevant information regarding 'post flood updates' should be available online or locally through the Opinion, Southern Star or WhatsOnBandon newsletter.

The Evening Echo and Examiner have also highlighted Bandon's cause in great detail.

People are being urged to keep the pressure on their local politicians to keep Bandon's cause to the forefront.

More updates will be on-line when available