OPW wants quay walls repaired

THE Office of Public Works (OPW) is to enter into talks with Cork city council to devise “an immediate plan to repair, improve and enhance” the city’s quay walls, the minister with responsibility for flood management has said.

Martin Mansergh, minister of state at the OPW, was speaking in the Seanad after Fine Gaelsenator Jerry Buttimer highlighted the lack of government funding for improvements to the quay walls over the last decade.

“Every year during Cork City Council’s estimates process, Cllr Jim Corr raises the issue of funding for the strengthening of the quay walls. For the past eight years, the council has requested funding as part of its submission on its annual roads programme but has repeatedly been refused.”

The recent flooding resulted in the demolition of the quay walls at Grenville Place, near the Mercy University Hospital.

Mr Buttimer said the walls at this location, as well as on Lancaster Quay, the Mardyke, Western Road and French’s Quay require enhancement and protection.

“The river and its quays are pivotal to Cork’s road arteries. Further flooding calamities could cause major traffic disruption in addition to their potential for loss of life and property,” Mr Buttimer said.

“We need to invest in the quay walls and put in place a strategy for protecting and enhancing them.”

Mr Mansergh said the Lee Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) study will provide the blueprint for a comprehensive and integrated strategy for managing flood risk in the Cork area.