Group backs Cork tidal barrier for €140m

A tidal barrier like those protecting New Orleans could be built in Cork for €140m, an independent report suggests.

International engineering and hydraulics company, HR Wallingford, believes a tidal barrier would protect more of the city from flood risk than the OPW’s controversial Lower Lee flood relief scheme — the single largest investment in flood defences in the history of the State.

The news comes as the OPW finalises its analysis of the 1,250 public submissions made on its Cork City flood defence plan. Its reliance on raised quay walls has sparked controversy, with the Save Cork City campaign group a vocal opponent. It has called for its alternative plan to be considered — a downstream tidal barrier and upstream catchment management measures.