A resilient city
Contribute to a framework for the transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient City, resilient to extreme weather events, pandemics, economic cycles and other potential shocks. Resilient city
Additionally, public realm improvement and flood protection works can be considered Parliament Bridge and Parnell Bridge along Morrison's Quay and Fr. Mathew Quay in the short-term. In the longer term, the delivery of the various infrastructure projects will help protect the city as a whole against flooding events, while also helping to improving the character and accessibility of the city centre quaysides.
The impacts of climate change, including more frequent and more intense storm events and increased risk of flooding, are hastening the need for adaptation and mitigation measures in city centres, such as flood protection, improved stormwater drainage, and urban greening. The pandemic has further highlighted the need for high quality accessible outdoor green spaces and amenities. The City Centre’s Green and Blue Infrastructure network – its network of natural and semi-natural spaces and assets – is essential for mitigating and adapting to these impacts. Major assets within the City Centre include Bishop Lucy Park and the River Lee, while the Council has been proactive in developing smaller scale parklets throughout the city. The wider rollout of pocket parks and green plazas, and the implementation of other innovative solutions such as green roofs and green walls can further improve the resilience of the city centre, helping to combat the urban heat island effect and providing attractive new spaces for socialisation and recreation. There is a need to proceed with action on the flood defences as a means of mitigating future risk from rising water levels in the south and north channels. Deliver on the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme and specifically the Morrison’s Island public realm and flood protection scheme, including remedial works to the existing quay walls.
There may be scope to increase funding available through the current City Centre Placemaking Fund, and to potentially make it permanent on an expanded basis. It could be used to establish community and rooftop gardens, vertical greening / rainwater box, and, potentially, small parks and plazas around the city centre. This multi- stakeholder approach, coupled with community innovation, should yield positive outcomes for the public realm and urban resilience.
Key areas: • Parliament Bridge- Parnell Bridge • Morrison's Quay-Fr. Mathew Quay • Existing parklets at Douglas Street South Mall • Linear parks at Popes Quay and Lavitt’s Quay
Comparative learnings: Milan/Sydney – vertical forests, DLR - green buildings concept, Living Wall on Orchard Lisle Building in London, Green squares in Barcelona Stakeholders: Cork Environmental Forum, Cork Healthy Cities, Environmental Research Institute, EPA, National Parks and Wildlife Service, SEAI, Office of Public Works
41
© 2022 KPMG, an Irish partnership and a member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.
Powered by FlippingBook