OPW to undertake major flood prevention study

A BARRAGE, similar to one on London’s Thames, may have to be built in Cork harbour to protect the city from flooding as a result of global warming.

The suggestion came yesterday from the most senior engineer in Cork, as it emerged that the Office of Public Works (OPW) is about to undertake a major flood prevention study the first of its type in the country.

Cork county engineer Ned Flynn said that a barrage may have to be built at Roche's Point, which will protect the city and communities in the lower harbour such as Crosshaven, Carrigaline, Passage West, Monkstown and Ringaskiddy.

Mr Flynn said the Flood Risk Assessment and Management Study will focus on the Cork harbour area and the River Lee and tributaries. The study is being undertaken because it is widely believed that Cork is more at risk from rising seas than anywhere else in Ireland.

A computerised 3-D model of the region will be built detailing its topography, and this will be capable of highlighting areas at risk of flooding if the sea rises as a result of global warming melting the polar ice caps.

"We will be able to do predictions of what will happen if the sea rises to certain levels. Part of the project will also be to see where further development in particular areas (creation of housing estates and industrial estates) will add to the risk," the county engineer said.

He added that initial surveys had just been completed and the process of appointing consulting engineers for the extensive project is now underway.

"The whole study will take until approximately mid 2007 before it's completed. Having identified the areas at risk we will then try and work out how to deal with the risks," Mr Flynn said.

"This is a very positive step and we very much welcome it. Cork is most at risk from flooding and we will be able to quantify it," Mr Flynn said.

He said there are already communities in the region suffering from flooding.

In the summer of 2004 the low-lying village of Glounthaune was hit by freak flooding. Cork city centre was extensively flooded in October 2004, as were parts of Blackpool and Togher.

"Places on the upper reaches of the River Lee, such as Macroom, are also at risk. So, too, are parts of Glanmire," Mr Flynn said.

"We very much welcome this initiative. Cork is most at risk and this will help us quantify it," Mr Flynn said.