Cork flood defence system ‘too costly’

EXPERTS have ruled out building a €100 million flood defence system for Cork city on cost grounds in favour of a smaller scale two-pronged approach to minimise flooding.

They have instead suggested that the ESB, through its dams at Inniscarra and Carrigrodrohid, would play a greater role in managing flood risk for the entire Lee catchment area.

And they have called for the establishment of a flood warning system for 90% of the Lee catchment area, and for several small-scale flood defences in at-risk zones.

They are among several recommendations of the Lee Catchment and Flood Risk Assessment and Management Study (CFRAMS), launched for public consultation yesterday.

The major study began four years ago to assess the flood risk in the 2,000 square kilometre Lee catchment area, and to come up with recommendations to minimise the risk.

Using hi-tech imaging and computer models, the experts have produced dozens of detailed flood risk maps for the entire region.

The report said a scheme to protect the city from a combination of tidal and fluvial (river) flooding could cost up to €100 million and could be cost prohibitive.

But Lord Mayor, Cllr Dara Murphy criticised the decision.

“The bill for the November flood was enormous. Surely we could get €10m every year for the next decade to protect the second city. This should be a political decision,” he said.

The report has instead recommended two separate approaches to tidal and fluvial flood risk management, which includes a change in the way the ESB manages its dams.

The report has called for lower water levels in the ESB reservoirs, better upstream flood forecasting, to ensure the ESB does not have to release vast quantities of water as occurred on November 19 and 20 last, and the building of some flood defences for vulnerable properties downstream.

A spokesperson for the ESB said it is “very pleased” to explore with all agencies ways in which the operation of the reservoirs could be enhanced as part of a broader approach to managing flood risk.

To tackle tidal flooding, the report calls for the construction of localised flood defences in the city, such as raising the height of quay walls in at-risk areas.

That work alone is estimated to cost in the region of €9m.

A tidal barrier was ruled out, again on cost grounds. And while the report says such a structure will be viable at Monkstown and Marloag Point between 2050 and 2075, it warns that defences will still be needed in certain areas to protect against fluvial flooding.

The report also identified several flood risk towns and villages and recommends the construction of flood defences, including permanent walls and embankments along their rivers, some within the next two years.

Minister of State Martin Mansergh, who launched the study, said the Government is committed to spending money on flood relief schemes.

“We spent €23m in 2008, €38m in 2009, and it will be €50m this year,” he said.

The Lee CFRAMS was a pilot programme. There are plans to extend the approach nationwide.

The public has until April 30 to comment on the draft Lee CFRAMS study. It can be read at www.leecframs.ie