Bantry flood protection is set to receive a further boost after the Office of Public Works (OPW) approved additional funding for Cork County Council. The €48,105 allocation will support flood barriers for 19 properties in Bantry, helping reduce the risk of water entering homes and buildings during future flood events.
The announcement was made by Minister Kevin “Boxer” Moran on 3 November 2026 through a government press release issued by the OPW. The latest approval represents the third phase of the Bantry project and brings total funding under the scheme to €193,636.
Bantry flood protection funding reaches €193,636
The approved measures are being funded through the OPW’s Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The scheme supports local authorities in addressing smaller-scale flooding and coastal protection challenges where practical solutions can be identified and delivered within a relatively short timeframe.
For Bantry, the new phase will provide flood barriers to 19 properties. These barriers are intended to limit the movement of floodwater into affected premises when flood events occur, providing an additional layer of protection for residents and property owners.
- Additional OPW funding: €48,105
- Properties covered in Phase 3: 19
- Total funding for the Bantry project: €193,636
- Local authority responsible for delivery: Cork County Council
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How the OPW minor works scheme operates
Introduced in 2009, the OPW scheme provides funding to local authorities for minor flood mitigation works, studies and coastal protection projects within their administrative areas. Cork County Council has received support for 74 applications under the scheme, according to the release.
The programme is designed for localised issues rather than major national flood infrastructure. Projects may be considered where they can address a specific risk to properties or communities and where the proposed works are not expected to significantly increase flood risk elsewhere.
Local authorities must assess proposed works before they proceed. The start date, procurement and completion of approved projects remain the responsibility of the relevant local authority. In this case, Cork County Council will manage the commencement and progression of the Bantry works.
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What the Bantry announcement means for residents
The approval gives Cork County Council additional resources to install protective barriers at the 19 identified properties. While flood barriers cannot eliminate every flood risk, they can help reduce potential damage when properly installed and used as part of wider local flood preparedness.
Residents seeking further information about the project should contact Cork County Council. General information about approved minor works projects is available through the OPW’s flood information resources, including annual lists of projects supported under the scheme.
Key takeaway: The latest Bantry flood protection approval provides targeted support for 19 properties and brings the project’s total OPW funding to €193,636, strengthening local resilience in one of Cork’s coastal communities.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie