Madam, – In relation to the opening by the ESB of the Inniscarra dam last Friday week and subsequent flooding of Cork city, it should be noted that the operational water-level of the dam was clearly too high to cope with the volume of flooding in the Lee catchment area.
If it is true that (as a consequence of global warming) we must anticipate significantly higher levels of rainfall on a more regular basis, then, surely the river management procedures must adjust accordingly?
The presence and ongoing use of the dam, given its tiny percentage contribution to the national grid (less than 1 per cent), is a matter of ongoing debate.
In contrast, could the dam not be used to more effect as a flood water buffer during peak rainfall months? Why not even abandon the use of the dam for power generation during those months and lower the water (if necessary even to pre-dam) level? The resulting buffering capability could facilitate the release of water at a manageable rate, also taking into account factors such as tide level. – yours, etc,
Madam, – Some of the most distressing interviews with flood victims have been with those who are unable to obtain insurance cover.
They are overwhelmed by their helplessness, knowing they are totally reliant on the establishment of barricades to keep the rivers from overflowing, a task of gargantuan proportions.
In the interim, would it not be possible for watertight doors to be fitted to the requisite houses and business premises? If such components are not currently available, perhaps some enterprising manufacturer could see the obvious opportunities?
Having little knowledge of the construction industry, I can only assume that such self-evident solutions are simply impractical, but I would be intrigued to learn why. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – It will come as no surprise to Mary O’Leary (November 26th) that I disagree with her claims and assumptions. However I do agree with her when she states that “planning decisions must take into account the objective evidence and advice available from the experts..” The EPA, OPW, WHO and Health Safety Authority are among those who many of us look to when seeking expert advice. Each of these experts have been consulted or referenced as part of An Bord Pleanála’s hearing into Indaver’s proposed waste-to-energy facility in Ringaskiddy. None of these experts have objected to our proposal.
Expert advice has always been at the heart of what Indaver does. Expert flooding advice has informed our proposal to raise the height of a key section of land on our Ringaskiddy site by two metres and to provide for sophisticated water management systems on site. These measures will finally deliver a proper water drainage, collection and control system, alleviating the threat of flooding in the process. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Further to your report (November 28th) that 100 members of the Defence Forces are in Cork and Athlone providing emergency assistance to the flood victims, could I ask where the rest of the 8,500 military personnel mentioned in the Department of Defence website are and what are they doing? These figures are curiously resonant of the Government’s allocation of €10 million for the flood victims, while we continue to spend €900 million on “foreign aid”, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
I am still waiting to hear what our super funded aid agencies are doing for the problems caused by devastating floods in the south and west of Ireland. – Yours, etc,