Chapter 9
Environmental Infrastructure
Issues / Recommendations / Observations
Sub. No.
Chief Executive’s Response & Recommendation
Submits that: on the issue of a harbour wide solution such as a tidal barrier or barrage in relation to future flood relief, such barrier options have recently been technically assessed by ARUP for the OPW, including one off Carrigrennan, which would affect the Douglas Estuary part of the SPA. With increasing frequency of use, and consequent changes to tidal processes, the operation of such a barrier is likely to have significant adverse effects on mudflat / sandflat ecosystems of Douglas Estuary and Lough Mahon. Given that development in the City Centre and the City Docks flood risk zones is planned to continue on an exceptional basis, it is recommended that the NIR assesses the impacts of such an apparently likely downstream tidal barrier. These submissions express concerns and opposition to the proposed Lower Lee (Cork City) Flood Relief Scheme. The issues raised include the impact on the heritage of the City, such as the mostly stone-built character of the quay walls and their navigation features which should not be erased by the new functionality of flood control. Stretches should be replicated in the original. More should be done so that the distinctive character of the City’s maritime history is honoured in its face to the river as much as it is in the City’s coat of arms. The flooding issue should be tackled with a tidal barrier in Cork Harbour and with natural flood plains and permeable road/ground surfaces so excess water can be soaked up by the land. A tidal barrier is the key solution necessary to protect the city for decades to come. Other measures could include upriver planning of trees and using existing dams to control flooding. The blind
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The Draft Plan is not proposing a tidal barrier and a tidal barrier is not required by the existing flood risk management framework of policies, strategies, plans
and programmes. Recommendation: No change.
41, 51, 128, 149, 155, 165, 345, 296, 338, 347, 359, 366, 396, 424, 427
The Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme (LLFRS) is being prepared by the OPW, in conjunction with Cork City Council and Cork County Council and is intended to run from Inniscarra Dam to the City Centre as protection against tidal and river flooding. It is subject to separate studies undertaken by the OPW and informed by public consultation as part of this process. As outlined in Objective 9.9 Flood Protection Schemes, Cork City Council will continue to work proactively with the OPW on the delivery of this and other flood relief works. As outlined in paragraph 9.10, the Draft plan acknowledges that other measures such as management of river catchments and provision of soft measures including SUDS and other floodmanagement measures are required to address increased flooding. It also states that careful consideration needs to be given to wider environmental concerns such as the aquatic environment, built heritage and the recreational value rivers provide for urban and rural areas and the city to function as a place to live and do work. A drainage and flooding strategy has been prepared for Cork City Docklands, which prioritises the use of existing infrastructure and nature based solutions to protect the developments at the
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