Options to stem Cork’s flooding

Neil Hegarty, a former Cork City Architect, submitted an unsuccessful alternative proposal to the Jack Lynch Tunnel. The alternative was for a barrage-type river crossing which had some attractive and functional elements.

The level of the river could be controlled giving the possibility of utilising it for tourist and other transport and the tide could be controlled. Locks would enable shipping and other boats to enter and depart.

Alternatively, holding docks would be provided for craft to await suitable tidal conditions — a river crossing with openable section. It might be time for the relevant ministries to explore the feasibility and cost of such a crossing.

There are plans for a new bridge at Tivoli, perhaps such a flood control barrage would be desirable in that location. This would not be a short term solution to Cork’s problems — we should engage in planning that would control and eliminate the flooding.

David Prendergast

Tivoli

Cork