Flood works in Cork City and Glanmire to begin by next year — but Blackpool faces further wait

Disagreement over Blackpool flood plan has caused delay and Office of Public Works has 'to wait for consent to be given', OPW Minister Patrick O'Donovan said

OPW Minister Patrick O'Donovan said tenders were expected for Morrison's Island this year and would be 'fair game' to begin once contractors were appointed, while Glanmire 'hopefully' will see a contractor in the first half of the year. Picture: Denis Minihane

Crucial flood defences on the northside of Cork city "will have to wait" as other projects in the city get under way this year and next, the minister overseeing the schemes has said.

Patrick O'Donovan, the junior minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), said he saw "no reason" the Glanmire flood relief should not begin this year following a contractor being appointed, while Morrison's Island should begin next year.