Midleton flood relief scheme to advance to planning stage before end of 2026

Long-awaited plan will be with An Coimisiún Pleanála for review by the year end, the Office of Public Works has said

Midleton flooding during Storm Babet in October 2023. File picture

The Midleton flood relief scheme is set to advance to planning before the end of the year.

The long-awaited plan will be with An Coimisiún Pleanála for review by the year end, the Office of Public Works has told Cork East TD James O'Connor.

Storm Babet damaged around 600 homes and 300 businesses when it struck in October 2023. Some businesses in Midleton were forced to close permanently, with the overall cost of the damage estimated at between €180m and €200m.

Residents are planning a protest over what they say is the slow pace of progress on the flood relief scheme.

Entering the planning phase will allow the project to progress to the detailed assessment, design, and statutory approval processes required before construction can begin.

Welcoming the announcement, Mr O’Connor said: “This is a significant milestone for Midleton and many people who has been affected by the devastating flooding three years ago this month. 

"The local community have rightly sought for a comprehensive solution to tackle Midleton’s flooding vulnerabilities which include fluvial, surface, and tidal concerns.

"Getting the scheme, which is expected to cost upwards of €55m, into the planning phase by the end of this year is a very significant step forward," he said.

"We now need to see the scheme progress as efficiently through the planning process and the design stages so we can see shovels on the ground as soon as possible.” 

The Midleton flood relief scheme is expected to protect 750 properties, including all homes and businesses affected by Storm Babet in October 2023.

Advance works valued at €5.8m for the Tír Cluain area of Midleton received Part 8 planning approval in January 2026. The works are expected to begin in March 2027 and will provide early flood protection to 135 homes on the northern side of the town. 

The start date will be confirmed once ongoing ground investigations are completed.

In October 2024, the OPW approved a further €5.8m to fund Individual Property Protection measures for homeowners and businesses affected by Storm Babet. 

Cork County Council said 94% of flood gates have now been delivered, with the remainder due by mid-November.

 Over 80% of the flood gates have been installed with €5.1milllion of the allotted funds spent to date.