A group including architects, business owners, artists and archaeologists has taken a legal challenge over plans for construction of 553 metres of flood defence walls in the Morrison’s Island area of Cork city.

Campaigners opposed to OPW flood defence plans in Cork city have expressed concerns about the “dismissal” of 700 submissions on a quay revamp which will include integrated flood defences.

Work on the first flood defences in Cork City could get under way before the end of the year after a €6m quay regeneration project got the green light last night.

Cork Business Association members have expressed concern about the proposed reduction of a large number of parking spaces in the city centre and the closure of St Patrick’s Street to traffic.

Plans for flood defences to protect one of Cork City’s most flood-prone areas as part of a major public realm upgrade have gone on public display.