FLOOD RISKS associated with rivers across the southwest of the country, including Cork, are to be assessed as part of a new study commissioned by the Office of Public Works (OPW).
The South Western River Basin Study will focus on the flooding problems of Cork and Kerry, as well as parts of Waterford, Tipperary and Limerick.
Appropriate measures for the protection of Cork city, which has sustained severe flood damage in the recent winters, will form a major part of the study. Flood risks and solutions for other large towns such as Mallow, Bandon and Killarney will also be assessed.
Much of the assessment area is, however, rural and the specific causes in relation to the flooding of agricultural lands and alleviation measures for these areas will also be assessed.
The study area contains the Blackwater, Lee, Bandon, Maine and Laune rivers, their associated tributaries and more than 1,800km of coastline.
Mott MacDonald Ireland has been appointed to undertake the study, which is part of the national catchment flood-risk assessment and management programme to develop a medium to long-term strategy.
Studies are also being undertaken of the Shannon, eastern, southeastern and western areas, while studies of the northwest and Neagh-Bann river basin districts will be commissioned by the end of the year. The study will examine all options to reduce flood risk, including structural and non-structural measures and will consider related environmental issues, Minister of State for the OPW Brian Hayes said. A public consultation process will be conducted as part of the study.
