€50m promised to Cork flood defence scheme

The Government has committed to spend at least €50m on a flood defence scheme for Cork City, with preferred engineering options due to be published in July.

Minister of State Brian Hayes insisted last night that funding will not be an issue for what he said is likely to be the biggest flood defence scheme in the country.

“We need to get on with this,” he said.

He was speaking after briefing city management, politicians, and business leaders on recent government decisions relating to Cork’s proposed flood defence scheme in the wake of two floods which swamped the city this week.

“There is an absolute firm commitment on the part of the Government to proceed with this,” he said.

“The funding is in place for this, and we do not want to see any slippage in the timeline.”

He said the Government has taken three key decisions in recent days in relation to the scheme, and revealed:

* It is hoped that construction will start by the end of 2015, and that it will take three years to complete;

* Some phases of the overall scheme, especially flood defences in Blackpool, could start sooner.

“That would send a clear message to people that we have started work on this major piece of infrastructure,” he said.

Mr Hayes has also agreed to a Cork Chamber proposal to set up a stakeholders group involving the OPW, city council and business leaders to consider immediate and short-term flood protection options.

However, he stressed that public buy-in was crucial if the overall scheme is to be delivered within three years, and warned that objections could delay delivery by several years.

Public consultation and engagement will be crucial, said Mr Hayes.

“That’s why it’s really important that we get the city behind this scheme when it’s produced,” he said.

Cork Chamber chief executive Conor Healy described the meeting with Mr Hayes as positive and said a lot of key issues were addressed. “We now have a commitment from Government to move forward with the project in as timely a manner as possible,” said Mr Healy.

“And most importantly we have a commitment from Government that this is a number one priority project which will be funded at the end of design and consultation phase.”

The news came as the city council announced a major five-week free parking initiative to support city centre traders.

Catherine Clancy, the lord mayor, and city manager Tim Lucey urged people to avail of the deals.

“I hope that the people of Cork will avail of this very welcome and insightful offer of free parking in light of what the city centre, businesses and residents have endured in the past couple of days,” Ms Clancy said.

Mr Lucey said the initiative was further evidence of the council’s strong commitment to creating favourable conditions for both business owners and customers to enjoy the diverse range of offerings across the city.

“I encourage people to avail of this free parking and come in to the city to support the businesses who have showed great resilience in recent days and ensured the city is open for business as usual,” said Mr Lucey.

City parking boost

* The 940-space Black Ash park-and-ride service will be free of charge every Saturday from February 8 to March 15, inclusive.

* From next week, parking will be free in both Paul St and North Main St car parks between 10am and 12pm each Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until March 15.

* Free evening parking will also be available in the Paul St car park on these days from 6.30pm to midnight.

* On-street parking is free of charge every Sunday.