Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has called for an independent review of proposed flood relief walls in Cork City claiming they will damage the character of the entire city.

Campaigners opposed to the Office of Public Work’s €140m flood defence plan for Cork have insisted that a tidal barrier can be built for €135m.

Campaigners opposed to Cork’s €140m flood defence plan say a tidal barrier is a viable option after costing a cheaper version at a different location.

Here's your morning bulletin.

After heavy rainfall last night, Cork city was preparing for the worst and this morning the banks of the river Lee burst at high tide.

The High Court has awarded costs, minus a 40%, in favour of UCC following a legal action against the ESB that lasted more than 100 days.

The ESB is now facing legal action from over 100 victims of the 2009 Cork flood ahead of the looming deadline for lodging legal claims.

The ESB is to appeal a High Court judgment that found it 60% liable for devastating flood damage to buildings at University College Cork in November 2009.

The High Court ruling regarding the 2009 flood is timely in terms of potential redress claims and anyone who has sustained loss or damage as a result of the incident should take legal advice immediately, writes Joe Noonan

Flood defences may be strengthened using funds from the European Investment Bank, according to Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore.

Improved river defences, facilities for storing floodwater, and changes to the way that Cork’s dams operate are some of the proposals to be examined as part of the city’s €100m flood relief programme.

BALLYLONGFORD

Two Government funds will help alleviate the costs of damage from flooding in communities and homes, ministers have agreed.

Flood-hit traders in Cork City, who are bracing for more misery tonight, have pleaded with the Government to fast-track the delivery of a multi-million flood defence plan.

Waterford

The Government pledged a €10m emergency fund forcommunities worst hit by flooding, but it has accepted it will not be enough to meet people’s needs.

FOLLOWING a weekend in which the city she represents was swamped with flood water, Housing Minister Jan O’Sullivan said the devastation — and what happens in the future — would have to be an “absolute priority for the Government”.