OPW defends delay on Cork flood defence work

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has defended the timescale for delivering flood defences in Cork City, saying it hopes building work will start in late 2015.

The indicative start date was confirmed yesterday following the first public consultation on the Lower Lee (Cork City) Flood Relief Scheme, which will include proposals for tackling flooding in Blackpool and Ballyvolane.

Cork Chamber chief executive, Conor Healy, criticised the length of time it is taking to deal with the flooding problem which has cost businesses and homeowners an estimated €100m since the city’s devastating 2009 flood.