Cork tidal barriers would cost over €1bn, says OPW

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has again ruled out the construction of a downstream tidal barrier to protect Cork City from flood risk, saying that walls will be required.  

The definitive statement came as the OPW and Arup engineers, who are overseeing the €140m Cork City flood relief scheme, briefed city councillors on the status of the project behind closed doors on Monday.

In documents seen by the Irish Examiner, they said they have conducted a detailed consideration of two tidal barrier alternatives — one at Little Island and the other, a double-barrier option either side of Great Island.