Minister rejects claims that flood defence schemes are 'environmentally destructive'

€20m Blackpool flood relief scheme delayed by legal challenge

The OPW's planned work on the River Bride in Blackpool, Cork City, has been put on hold pending the outcome of a judicial review after a local group objected to the plans.

The flood defence minister has rejected claims that Office of Public Works schemes are over-engineered and environmentally destructive as the agency confirmed a €20m scheme in Cork city has been delayed by a legal challenge.

Minister of State at the OPW, Patrick O’Donovan, said that the agency is “not in the business of destroying anything” as it insisted that the Blackpool flood relief scheme was prepared in accordance with the European directives and the respective Irish regulations.