Kieran’s Comments to LEE CFRAMS- Catchment Flood Risk Management Plan, at Cork City Council Meeting, 15 February 2010

This is a very interesting and significant report. Unfortunately, the maps of the flood scenarios make frightening viewing.

It’s not the first time, an important topic such as this has come before Council – indeed in the library this morning, I was intrigued to find a flood management plan for 1884 by the then city architect, Robert Walker for a floating barrage outside City Hall – a tidal barrage that would serve as a public square as well in front of City Hall.

However in this report, I have a number of issues. There is a strong element in this report that is pitching the river as somewhat of a villain – I agree with my fellow councillors that we need to control it but we also need to harness it and promote it as a great natural amenity – we should also promote its tourist potential in the city and beyond into the valley and harbour itself.

I welcome the theme of our St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Celebrating the Maritime traditions of our City.

We should approach our river and its tributaries in a positive light as well

As a last point, I would also like to see the visit by Councillors to the Lee Hydro Stations/ dams as proposed by the labour party to take place. This is very important for the education of the Council.

http://www.opw.ie/en/media/Lee%20CFRAMS%20Draft%20Catchment%20Flood%20Risk%20Management%20Plan.pdf

http://www.opw.ie/en/FloodRiskManagement/

For further information on the OPW Flood Risk Management Plan please click on the link below: