Cork City flood costs could rise to €187m a year by 2050 — and new homes may be at risk

EPA report warns that future floods are likely to impact areas previously deemed low-risk amid weather events driven by climate change

Flooding near County Hall in Cork City in February, 2021. The Environmental Protection Agency's 'Climate Resilient Places' report warns that a large proportion of the future flood costs in Cork City will be borne by areas currently considered relatively safe. File picture: Larry Cummins

The cost of flooding in Cork City could increase 10-fold to €187m per year by 2050 due to the impact of climate change, the State’s environmental watchdog has warned.

A new report commissioned by the Environmental Protection Agency also warned that a large proportion of the future flood costs in Cork City will be borne by areas that are currently considered relatively safe.