Climate changes anticipated in city plan

NEW ways of dealing with age-old flooding problems in Ireland are to be tried out for the first time in Cork, it was announced yesterday.

There are hopes that a catchment-based solution will help solve flooding problems, which could be worsened by ongoing development and climate change.

Launching the Lee Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Study, in Cork City Hall, Minister of State Tom Parlon warned of ‘significant increases’ in flooding if risk factors were not well managed.

Flooding has, historically, been dealt with through engineering solutions, such as localised flood relief schemes to protect towns or areas already at risk. But since 2002, the government has adopted a new policy on flood management to be carried out by the Office of Public Works (OPW).

Mr Parlon said this policy shifted the emphasis towards catchments, planning for the future and the use of flood impact mitigation measures.

He stressed, however, that engineered solutions would continue to be a key component of flood risk management, adding that work on schemes for Mallow and Fermoy should start next year.

The new study, meanwhile, will assess and map flood-prone areas in the Lee catchment and develop a long-term plan to ensure the safety of communities throughout the catchment.

Mr Parlon said the study would also make recommendations in relation to appropriate development planning.

’It will therefore be a vital tool for planners. I would emphasise that the study is intended to facilitate good planning and development. It should not be viewed as being anti-development,’ he added.

The plan will also include a Strategic Environmental Assessment to protect and enhance the environment.

Halcrow, an international consultancy with a track record in various aspects of flood management, is undertaking the study. Halcrow has teamed up with local consulting engineers, J.B. Barry and MarCon Computation International, and other Irish consultants for the project

Mr Parlon appealed for the assistance of everybody living in the study area, saying information would be needed on floods that had happened in the past. Local ground conditions, flora and fauna and other data would also be essential to the study.

He also said the consultants would be asking for access to some properties to do surveys, undertake tests and urged the property owners in question to facilitate them.

Also, the consultants would be holding a series of public information and consultation days at various locations, at which people would be welcome to make their voices heard.

The Lee catchment plan is expected to be available by the end of next year.