Cork quays flood defence construction to start by end of year

Work on the first flood defences in Cork City could get under way before the end of the year after a €6m quay regeneration project got the green light last night.

City councillors voted 22-6, following a lengthy debate, to approve the Part 8 planning report on Morrison’s Island regeneration despite significant opposition to the inclusion of flood defences proposed as part of the OPW’s Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme (LLFRS) — the largest flood defence project in the history of the State.

Work will now begin to prepare tender documents for the Morrison’s Island scheme in the hope construction will start before the end of the year, and take eight to 12 months to complete.