Long-awaited Midleton flood scheme to go to planning soon

The Midleton flood relief scheme is to advance to planning before the end of the year.

The long-awaited plan will be with An Coimisiún Pleanála for review by the year's end, the Office of Public Works has told Cork East TD James O’Connor.

Storm Babet damaged 600 homes and 300 businesses in October 2023. Some businesses in Midleton closed permanently, and the overall damage cost between €180m and €200m.

Residents are planning to protest the slow pace of progress of the scheme.

Entering the planning phase will allow the project to progress to the detailed assessment, design, and statutory approval processes, before construction can begin.

Mr O’Connor said: “This is a significant milestone for Midleton and the many people who have been affected by the devastating flooding three years ago this month.

“The local community has rightly sought for a comprehensive solution to tackle Midleton’s flooding vulnerabilities, which include fluvial, surface, and tidal concerns.

“Getting the scheme, which is expected to cost upwards of €55m, in to the planning phase by the end of this year is a very significant step forward,” he said.

“We now need to see the scheme progress as efficiently through the planning process and the design stages, so we can see shovels on the ground as soon as possible.”

The scheme is expected to protect 750 properties, including all homes and businesses affected by Storm Babet.

Advance works, valued at €5.8m for the Tír Cluain area of Midleton, received planning approval in January 2026. The works are expected to begin in March 2027 and will provide early flood protection to 135 homes on the northern side of the town. The start date will be confirmed once ground investigations are completed.

In October 2024, the OPW approved €5.8m to fund individual property protection measures for homeowners and businesses affected by Storm Babet. Cork County Council said 94% of flood gates have now been delivered, with the remainder due by mid-November.

Over 80% of the flood gates have been installed, with €5.1m of the allotted funds spent to date.