Calls for city flood defence review
Speaking after the November floods brought the city to a near standstill, the Irish Academy of Engineers (IAE) said it was vital existing “unsuitable 19th century defences” were replaced by up-to-date protection as a matter of urgency.
Don Moore, engineering consultant with the IAE, said it was essential local authorities examined the possibility of building better defences around the Lee Road water treatment plant.
If no action is taken, the widespread crisis of recent weeks and the expensive destruction of the quay wall near the Mercy University Hospital (MUH) would almost certainly be repeated.
“If this happened once, it could happen again,” Mr Moore warned.
“It needs to be examined if flood defences can be built around the waterworks. A wall or some other barrier may be needed. “The quay walls were built in the 19th century and we need to recognise they do not last forever.
“Cork is a series of islands; it is particularly susceptible to flooding and it would be prudent to carry out a review of all critical infrastructures,” he added.
