6 . PROTECTING CORK FROM FLOODING
Cork’s history of serious and sometimes devastating flooding is well known to all who live and work in the city. Over many years, its most dramatic impacts have been felt in the city centre but on regular occasions, householders and businesses in suburbs such as Douglas, Togher, Blackpool and Glanmire have suffered serious damage and distress. In the past two years, the Office of Public Works (OPW), in partnership with Cork City and County Councils, has completed the Douglas and Togher Flood Protection schemes resulting in the protection of hundreds of homes and businesses. The Douglas Flood Relief Scheme provides protection to 130 properties. It includes measures along the Ballybrack and Grange Streams, including direct defences such as flood walls, embankments and the replacement of river crossings. The scheme’s design has successfully integrated flood relief works with public realm enhancement works. These have seen improvements to Douglas Community Park with new pathways, planting and seating and the creation of a public plaza on Church Street in Douglas. Prior to the Togher scheme approximately 100 properties were vulnerable to flooding from the Tramore River. The main works comprised construction of a new 675m long culvert (as replacement for an existing undercapacity culvert), a new entrance trash screen, retaining walls and a significant public realm upgrade. Both the Togher and Douglas schemes have been very effective in fulfilling their role of flood protection. They were most recently tested during Storm Babet in October 2023, when the community was protected from a 100-year flood event. The major Glashaboy Flood Relief Scheme, which is currently under construction, will provide flood protection to over a hundred residential and business properties in the Riverstown/Glanmire area. The Blackpool Scheme and the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme (LLFRS), are currently at the design/ planning stage by OPW.
The LLFRS is designed to resolve Cork’s flooding issues through the largest State investment in flood defence ever undertaken in the country. The scheme will provide protection for circa 2,100 properties. It is anticipated that the scheme will be submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform for approval in mid 2025 with phased tender/construction to be progressed following approval.
DENISE DIGNAM Director of Douglas Community Association describes how the Douglas Flood Relief Scheme has been embraced by the local community.
“We see it from the much higher numbers visiting the park who really enjoy seeing and listening to the waters now. That is a big plus but obviously flood protection of houses and businesses in Douglas is the most important aspect. Even though we have had really bad weather events including Storm Babet in recent months, we haven’t had flooding from my experience. Water came up to very high levels in the stream but was contained and quickly went down again. Everything seemed to work and the scheme is a welcome and important addition to the local infrastructure.”
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