Midleton not suitable for 'natural' flood defence measures, report finds

Report concluded natural measures would not contribute to any reduction in flood because of the nature of tidal flooding in the area. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

A report by an adviser to the British Environment Agency on the potential for "natural flood management" measures (NFM) to protect Midleton concluded it would not be feasible for the East Cork town.

It emerged at a Cork County Council meeting that this assessment was the first of its kind to be carried out in Ireland, but the British group found engineered flood defences would be required along the River Owenacurra, with scope for only minimal natural defences.