Cork flood defence work will be ‘transformative’

CONSTRUCTION on the Morrison’s Island Public Realm and Flood Defence Project is set to start within weeks.

The project, supported by the Office of Public Works, will encompass the area along Morrison’s Quay and Father Mathew Quay between Parnell Bridge and Parliament Bridge, as well as a small section on Union Quay at Trinity Bridge.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Kieran McCarthy, described the scheme as “the city’s opportunity to bring about comprehensive regeneration of this historic part of the city” and to reorientate it towards the river.

He said this will transform it “into a top-class public space, and highlighting features of architectural and heritage interest”.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin described the imminent commencement of works as “positive news”, and said he believes that the scheme will be “transformative, creating a world-class public space for the city, and providing flood protection for homes and businesses in the area”.

The scheme had been stalled by several legal challenges, but a Supreme Court decision last December allowed works to commence.

Jons Civil Engineering Company has been appointed as the main contractor, with the scheme expected to be completed within about 20 months.

The project will include upgrades to the streetscape, with new footpaths, public seating, new plaza space, and a river-viewing platform at Parnell Bridge, and public space at Trinity Bridge, as well as an improved public realm at Holy Trinity Church.

It will also include a new 3m-wide riverside promenade, along the length of Morrison’s Quay and Father Mathew Quay, and rerouted traffic movement and reduced parking “to facilitate significant improvements for pedestrians, wheelchair users, and cyclists, including the provision of cycle parking”.

Cork City Council said that integrated flood defences, as part of the scheme, will provide protection against “one-in-100 year tidal flooding events” for approximately 400 city centre properties.

John Minihan, who owns Minihan’s Pharmacy on Oliver Plunkett St, welcomed the update on the scheme.

“It’s [flooding] a constant risk hanging over the viability of city centre businesses, which indirectly, of course, links onto employment and jobs,” he said.

“A lot of us have experienced flooding, some of us have had a lot of damage done, so I’d welcome it with open arms.”

Aaron Mansworth, president of the Cork Business Association (CBA), described the project as “transformative for Morrison’s Island and the entire city”.

“Crucially, it will provide essential flood protection long-campaigned for by CBA, reassuring property owners and businesses by safeguarding their premises and livelihoods,” said Mr Mansworth.

The chief executive of Cork Chamber, Conor Healy, also welcomed the news of the commencement of works.

“Our city centre businesses and residents deserve the protection from flooding that the scheme will provide,” said Mr Healy.

“Through the delivery of this scheme, the city will also benefit from the enhancement of the public realm.”