Diocesan News07 Dec 15

Pastoral Message from Bishop Paul Colton to the people of Bandon & Co. Cork following weekend flooding

‘I am heading to Bandon this morning to see for myself the aftermath of the weekend flooding. It is with a very heavy heart that I find myself, yet again, expressing great sorrow, on behalf of us all in the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, to the people of our County Cork, and Bandon town in particular, in the wake of this weekend’s flooding. In the case of Bandon I know personally how the businesses and livelihoods of good friends, as well as our parishioners, and everyone in the business community have been affected. 

‘The clergy of the parish – the Revd Denis MacCarthy and the Revd David White – have kept me informed throughout the weekend. I watched the scenes unfold on social media and through contact with friends. I pay tribute to everyone in voluntary groups and throughout the community, to our own clergy, their families and parishioners, and to all who were present with helping hands on the spot assisting traders to move stock, and who are now there still alongside them in solidarity at the clean up stage.

‘It is important, at a time like this, that each of us makes an effort to stand alongside traders and business people in Bandon and other towns which have been badly affected. The town is again open for business It is vital that the flood relief and drainage scheme and strategies promised to Bandon in 2009 are actually delivered, not only in Bandon but in other parts of the county where they were promised also.

‘My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who is going through this devastation to their livelihoods, not least at this busy and expectant time coming up to Christmas, not only in this County but in other parts of Ireland as well.’