Flooding in Cork city for the second night in a row

River Lee bursts its banks along the south channel after delays in flood defence plans

The River Lee in Cork city. File photograph: Bryan O’Brien/The Irish Times
The River Lee in Cork city. File photograph: Bryan O’Brien/The Irish Times

The River Lee has burst its banks along the south channel in Cork city, resulting in a second consecutive night of flooding in the city.

Flooding has occurred on Wandesford Quay, Morrison’s Island, Union Quay, Fr Matthew Quay and the South Terrace.

Traffic diversions are in place and motorists are advised to use other routes.

The flooding comes just weeks after it was confirmed that flood defence plans for the city have been delayed for a year.

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Flood defence plans

Final flood defence plans were expected to be published late last year but now will not be ready until early in 2016.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) published draft plans in the summer of 2014.

At the time, the OPW stated that the full plans would be ready that December.

The plans have been delayed on a number of occasions since, with sources saying the scheme is “very complex and challenging”.

Traders and homeowners in Cork have suffered millions of euro worth of damage in recent years because of flooding.