A call for action on flooding has been made after extensive damage occurred to property in Midleton, Co Cork following heavy rainfall last week.
Flash flooding has been an issue in the East Cork town for the last two summers. Council workers in Cork spent much of Thursday and Friday last clearing up the damage in the town and in washed down hills at Ballyedmond, Broomfield and roads outside Midleton.
Shop owners at the eastern end of the Main Street in the town were worst hit by the flooding whilst a number of houses in nearby Ballinacurra village were also badly impacted. There were several incidents of spot flooding as drains struggled to cope with the deluge.
Cork East Fine Gael TD, David Stanton, said that if current infrastructure is not adequate to cope with such heavy rainfall then it needs to be upgraded.
"It is not fair that businesses and households endure damage and hardship. I have been in contact with Cork County Council and with the Office of Public Works and have been informed that an investigation is to be carried out and a report on the flooding compiled. I want this report to be published, and, if needed, for action to be taken to ensure that this type of incident does not occur again."
It is understood that business owners in Midleton are considering not paying commercial rates to the local town council in protest at what they perceive as lack of action on flooding prevention.
Meanwhile, flash flooding occurred in areas of Cork city this morning. Motorists were urged to drive with caution following flooding in the Lower Glanmire Road, Penrose Wharf, Carrigrohane Straight, North Road, Sunvalley Drive and Boyce's Street. Conditions improved by lunchtime.