Cork flood defence project delays blamed on forecasting system

Lengthy delays in the design of Cork’s massive flood defence project have been blamed on the development of a complex flood forecasting system linked to discharges from the Inniscarra dams.

But the development of the forecasting system will mean more certainty to the physical defence proposals which will be brought forward for public consultation later this year, the Office of Public Works (OPW) said. The Irish Examiner revealed on Tuesday that flood defence work in the Morrison’s Island area of the city was being fast-tracked to begin next year.

Proposals to deal with tidal flooding there should be ready for public consultation this summer, and they will be implemented as part of a public realm project being undertaken by Cork City Council. Flood defence work in the Blackpool area has already been fast-tracked.