Construction to finally begin on key flood defences in Cork City
Construction is finally to begin on key flood defences in Cork City as part of a long-delayed public realm upgrade which has seen its cost almost triple since it was first proposed.
The Morrison’s Island revamp, running from Parliament Bridge to Parnell Bridge, will deliver new plazas, footpaths, viewing platforms, and river access points along a long low-lying and flood-prone stretch of the southern channel of the river Lee.
It includes plans for plazas at either side of Trinity footbridge and at the Parnell Bridge end of the quay, and for a reduction in car-parking spaces on Morrison’s Quay and Fr Mathew Quay by just over 100.
Critically, the project has been designed to remove an estimated 80% of the tidal flood threat, protecting around 400 homes and businesses in the city centre.
When first mooted in 2018, the scheme was estimated to cost around €7m.
But legal challenges, construction inflation, and complex ground conditions have all combined to see the cost soar to at least €20m.
Critics of the scheme have previously described it as a missed opportunity to eliminate cars from the area and create a truly world-class pedestrian precinct focused entirely on the river.
Others have criticised what they say is its lack of sensitivity to the history and heritage of the area.
But Lord Mayor Cllr Kieran McCarthy, a historian, who wanted to see the quays’ history and heritage protected, enhanced and interpreted for the public, defended the project.
“The Morrison’s Island Scheme is the city’s opportunity to bring about comprehensive regeneration of this historic part of the city and to re-orientate it towards the river, transforming it into a top-class public space, and highlighting features of architectural and heritage interest,” he said.
Cork Chamber chief executive, Conor Healy, also welcomed the start of work on the scheme and said climate adaption is crucial to the further prosperity of the city.
“We have seen as recently as last October the devastation flooding can bring to our region, inhabitants and businesses,” he said.
“Through the delivery of this scheme, the city will also benefit from the enhancement of the public realm through river front walkways, the introduction of plazas, repairs to historic masonry — all of which are improvements that will help enable a positive evolution of our urban landscape in Cork city.”
This is the latest major public construction project to get underway in the city centre.
Work started a few weeks ago on the regeneration of the public realm in and around the Beamish and Crawford area, and on the complete revamp of Bishop Lucey Park.
Separately, Uisce Éireann is working on a major pipe replacement programme in the city centre.
