Cork City flood defence scheme finally gets underway

Work around Morrison’s Island in the city centre expected to take 20 months

 The proposed new Parnell Plaza proposed as part of the Morrison's Island public realm upgrade in Cork. File picture

Almost a decade after Cork City’s flood defence plans were unveiled, six years after councillors approved the scheme for the flood-prone area, five years after a legal challenge to the project, and four years after planning was granted, work is finally set to begin on key flood defences in Cork City as part of a major public realm project.

It means an end is finally in sight to the flood risk from the low-lying Morrison’s Island quays area, which has been looming large over the city for years.