The Office of Public Works (OPW) has again ruled out the construction of a downstream tidal barrier to protect Cork City from flood risk, saying that walls will be required.  

Jo Kerrigan picks her absolute favourite five places in West Cork.

Sinn Féin’s Liadh Ní Riada has written to the ESB requesting a meeting to discuss management plans for the ecological woodland treasure, the Gearagh.

The public has been urged to help shape a management plan for The Gearagh in mid-Cork.

Families living in the Lee Valley area of Co Cork are refusing to give up their nine-year fight to stop a windfarm being sited close to one of the Europe’s last ancient river forests. They are to appeal Cork County Council’s latest decision to An Bord Pleanála.

The upper Lee Valley’s river forest could be transformed into an eco-park, and its salmon population returned, if the ESB were to work with environmental campaigners, says the West Cork Ecology Centre.

The ESB, Cork County Council, Inland Fisheries Ireland, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, have been meeting to devise a plan to possibly save an ancient river forest that was flooded 60 years ago.

Finally the word is out on the damage caused by the flood waters of the Lee back in 2009. In the interim, thousands of Corkonians have watched the film, River Runner, which gives a cinematic, detailed account of the true story of our ancient and well-loved river.

NO road tax. No costly NCT, and you can repair a puncture yourself. Cycling is cheap, reliable transport, perfect for negotiating a city.

Two Cork landowners have mounted a High Court challenge against a decision of the authorities to grant planning permission for a windfarm near their home.

CARRIGFADA HILL, WEST CORK

A GROWING awareness of the value of our wetlands has become noticeable, often for practical reasons given that they act as water purifiers and play a vital role in flood control.

Denis Lehane learns from a beekeeper that the wet washes away nectar and prevents bees flying

PEOPLE fret nowadays when there’s a focus on the impact of a development, such as a windfarm on wildlife.

LOCATED on a height on the approach to Macroom town, this farm at Sleaveen East could be a long-term punt for investors.

I AM currently touring Ireland in the rain.

Living in Macroom, and other areas in the lush Lee Valley is an option for townies now, especially as many are priced out of the increasingly expensive suburbs.

ONE day you’re a rock ‘head’, the next you’re a chippie in a hard hat.

WHILE walking in the Gearagh river in the Macroom area of Co Cork recently I came across a number of anglers hoping to enjoy a bit of pike fishing, as they have done for years.

DON’T be too surprised if you see David Bellamy peering over the hedges at Gearagh Cottage – the eco-man is a regular visitor to the wildlife habitat on the doorstep.