Construction set to begin on ‘transformative’ public realm and flood defence project in Cork city
Image of Parnell Place Plaza as part of Morrison's Island Public Realm and Flood Defence Scheme.
Construction on the Morrison’s Island Public Realm and Flood Defence project is set to commence in the coming weeks, Cork City Council has announced.
Jons Civil Engineering Company Ltd has been appointed as the main contractor to carry out the works, with the scheme expected to be completed within approximately 20 months.
The project, ed by the Office of Public Works (OPW), will encom the area along Morrison’s Quay and Father Mathew Quay between Parnell Bridge and Parliament Bridge, as well as a small section on Union Quay at Trinity Bridge.
Cork City Council said integrated flood defences as part of the scheme will provide protection against “one-in-100 year tidal flooding events” for approximately 400 city centre properties.
The scheme will also include upgrades to the streetscape with new footpaths, public seating, new plaza space and river viewing platform at Parnell Bridge, and public space at Trinity Bridge, as well as improved public realm at Holy Trinity Church.
Additionally it will include a new three metre wide riverside promenade along the length of Morrison’s Quay and Father Mathew Quay; refurbished and strengthened quay walls; public realm improvements at the entrances to Trinity Bridge; refurbished and enhanced heritage features; enhanced planting and other works.
The Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Kieran McCarthy, described the scheme as “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”.
Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform with responsibility for the OPW, Kieran O’Donnell, said the Morrison’s Island project forms part of an overall allocation of almost €1.3bn in the National Development Plan for flood relief measures.
“I’m delighted that this project is now moving to construction.
“The collaborative approach between the Office of Public Works and Cork City Council will provide residents and businesses in Cork city centre with the assurance of protection from the regular flooding that they have had to endure for many years,” he added.
The chief executive of Cork City Council, Ann Doherty, said the scheme will “transform the Morrison’s Island area of the city and provide much needed flood protection to hundreds of residents and businesses”.
“This south-facing riverside area has so much more to offer and Cork City Council, with the of the OPW, is unlocking that potential, providing for the revitalisation and regeneration of this part of the city centre,” she continued.
Meanwhile Aaron Mansworth, president of the Cork Business Association (CBA), described the project as “transformative for Morrison’s Island and the entire city”.
“This scheme will significantly enhance visual amenity and unlock commercial potential, highlighted by the multi-million euro redevelopment of the Old Moore’s Hotel site which is now home to Premier Inn, Cork’s newest hotel offering.
“Crucially, it will provide essential flood protection long campaigned for by CBA, reassuring property owners and businesses by safeguarding their premises and livelihoods.
“In these challenging times, the reassurance of flood protection is a highly positive and welcome development,” he said.
The chief executive of Cork Chamber, Conor Healy, also welcomed the imminent commencement of the scheme.
“Climate adaption is crucial to the further prosperity of Cork.
“We have seen as recently as last October the devastation flooding can bring to our region, inhabitants and businesses.
“The commencement of the Morrison’s Island Public Realm and Flood Protection Scheme is wholeheartedly welcomed by Cork Chamber after many years advocacy.
“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,” he said.
Cork City Council said the first phase of the scheme’s construction will take place at the junction of Morrison’s Quay and South Mall, delivering an “enhanced plaza area and riverside viewing platform”.
The local authority said to facilitate the works, some local traffic diversions will be in place.
Local access and pedestrian and cycling access will remain.
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