Repair works completed at Cork city quay wall that collapsed almost two years ago 

REPAIR works to a damaged section of a Cork city centre quay wall, which collapsed almost two years ago, have now been completed.

The collapse of a portion of the northern quay wall near South Gate Bridge in August 2022 marked the latest in a number of quay wall collapses along that stretch of the south channel of the River Lee.

The incident left a sizeable hole in a section of quay wall that abuts a privately-owned car park.

In a statement to The Echo confirming the completion of the repair works, Cork City Council said it “engaged proactively” with the landowner at an early stage following the collapse of the wall.

“Engagement included a proposed schedule of works and a method statement for reinstatement,” said the local authority.

“The method statement was necessary as the site is within an area of archaeological potential.

“Repairs commenced on April 8, 2024. Prior to commencement of development, a licence was required from the Department of Heritage, Planning and Local Government [sic]. This is a lengthy process and additional information was sought from the DHPLG before the licence was awarded.

“It should be noted that the city council were continuously updated by the landowners’ agents.”

The council added that “a number of factors” contributed to the repairs delay, “including availability of supervising archaeologists”.

“Inclement weather, including severe weather events and several astronomical high tides, negated against safe working on the wall as the works involved working within the river at times.

“Additionally, temperature and air moisture conditions that have occurred until recently would not allow for a satisfactory and sustainable reinstatement of the wall.

“On initial examination of the completed works, Cork City Council are satisfied with the reinstatement and a final certification of works to be submitted by the landowners’ agents is expected in the short term.”