OPW to fast track construction of flood defences in Cork city

The construction of flood defences for one of the most flood-prone zones in Cork city centre is being fast-tracked amid criticism of ongoing delays on the Lower Lee flood relief scheme.

The Office of Public Works, which is overseeing the €60m flood defence scheme — the largest of its kind in the country — confirmed last night that it is working to decouple flood defence works in and around Morrison’s Island from the overall project, and hand responsibility for its delivery over to Cork City Council.

“OPW and Cork City Council have agreed in principle to bring forward the design and construction of the defences on Morrison’s Island which will largely deal with the tidal flooding problem which regularly affects the city,” a spokesperson for the OPW said.