OPW release new Cork flood defence images to allay 'misunderstanding' and 'misrepresentation' of the scheme

Further images of the planned flood defences for Cork have been published in order to allay fears raised by the public over the project.

It is planned to construct €140 million in flood defences along 15 kilometres of the River Lee from west of Ballincollig to the eastern tip of the Cork city island.

The Lower Lee Flood Relied Scheme (LLFRS) represents the largest State investment in flood defence ever undertaken in the country.

City councillors were today briefed on the project by City Hall officials and the Office of Public works (OPW).

In a statement this afternoon, LLFRS said they were releasing the new images to "assuage genuine misunderstanding about the Scheme" and to also challenge "significant misrepresentation" of it as well.

The current flood scheme proposes flood embankments along the Lee Fields and Fitzgerald's Park along with various upgrades to quay walls in the city centre.

However, there has been significant opposition to the current proposal. The Save Cork City organisation has been campaigning for an alternative downstream tidal barrier across Cork harbour.

Now the LLFRS has now restated the benefits of their proposal saying it includes a state-of-the-art flood forecasting system with revised operating procedures to regulate Inniscarra and Carrigadrohid dam. 

"It involves the creation of washlands to the west of the city, an enhanced early flood warning system, diversion of waters from the south channel into north channel and low-level quay side defences," the OPW said.

"The Scheme will facilitate public realm improvements on a scale not previously seen in Cork city centre, making it more attractive to live in and visit. These improvements which include walkways and cycleways will encourage a switch from cars to other more environmentally friendly transport modalities."

The OPW also said that the river will be more 'open' as a result of the works to the quaysides, through additional access points, pontoons and moorings. Over 900 homes and 1200 businesses will be protected.

"About two thirds of public river frontage will have open railings after the Scheme is completed and it will create approximately 8km of new or improved riverside walk and cycleways from the Lee Fields to the City Centre."