Cork City Council Meeting, 7 December 2009:

City manager’s report, click on http://corkpolitics.ie/wp/?p=3731#more-3731

Lord Mayor, I wish to raise a number of questions, the first in relation to the dams.

I am asking this based on my own publication on the history and future of the two Lee stations last year.

From my own research, a flood can be halved passing through Inniscarra dam.

 In the event of flood control and subsequently initiated safety measures, all alarms are relayed to Lee Stations staff. Alarms are also relayed to an outside security company.  The Lee plant controllers, technical officers and plant manager all have home laptops and can view any ongoing developments.

In addition since 2004 a hydro control centre operates from Turlough Hill in Wicklow with after-hour control of all hydro stations. I would call on them as well for a report.

There is also a system of rain gauges at both dams plus lake levels can relay information and give historic breakdowns over the previous twenty-four hours. There is also knowledge of how much rains falls and that gives the station staff a six-hour gap to make decisions on the reservoir levels and river flow.

Just with that in mind, surely someone saw those levels rising over a number of hours, what was the response?

My second series of related queries relates to the flood damaged businesses in the western section of this section.

I see in the city council’s distant legislation that we have made provisions for businesses and rate reductions at certain times.

I would like to also to acknowledge the kind offer of Mahon Community Centre offering councilling support for those that have had their houses seriously damaged