Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Deirdre Forde, Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Patrick O’Donovan, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath, and Senior Engineer on the project, Conor O’Leary, as a plaque to mark the completion of the Douglas Flood Relief Scheme was unveiled. Photo: Michael O’Sullivan/OSM Photo

Douglas flood relief project unveiled

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The completion of a flood scheme which will protect more than 200 properties was marked this week in Douglas.

The new Douglas Flood Relief Scheme includes works such as conveyance improvement measures along the Ballybrack Stream and Grange Stream and direct defences such as flood walls, embankments and the replacement of river crossings.

The scheme’s design has successfully integrated the flood relief works with public realm enhancement works. These have seen improvements to Douglas Community Park with new pathways, planting and seating and the creation of a public plaza on Church Street in Douglas.

Minister of State for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Patrick O’Donovan unveiled a plaque to mark the completion of the new Douglas Flood Relief Scheme on Monday. The completed scheme ensures 221 properties are now protected from potential flooding in the flood catchment area.

Minister O’Donovan was joined at the ceremony in Douglas Community Centre by the Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform, Michael McGrath, Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Deirdre Forde, Chief Executive of Cork City Council, Ann Doherty and engineering consultants Arup and contractors McGinty O’Shea.

The scheme was delivered by the OPW in partnership with Cork City Council and Cork County Council.

Minister O’Donovan said: “It gives me great pleasure to be here today to mark the completion of the new Douglas Flood Relief Scheme, which will protect over 200 family homes and businesses. As we head into a future that is becoming increasingly impacted by climate change, Douglas will benefit from continued protection due to these flood defence works. The real impact of these works is that families and local businesses in Douglas now don’t need to live in fear of flooding each time it rains.

“The importance of climate adaptation is critical across all stages of planning flood relief schemes, ensuring communities like Douglas are protected when it comes to facing the effects of climate change into the future,” the minister added.

Niamh Aine Ryan
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