Sir, – If flooding in Cork city and surrounding areas is to be properly resolved once and for all then the only satisfactory solution is the construction of a tidal barrage at Rochestown Point.
Such an engineering project could regulate the tidal flows and water levels from Rochestown all the way back as far as Cork and ensure that Cork city would not become imprisoned and its environment ruined by inappropriate and inadequate piecemeal flood defences as currently proposed by the Office of Public Works and which are being quite correctly challenged by concerned citizens of Cork.
Such an engineering feat, while being substantial would be far cheaper in the long run in terms of results and benefits and could be designed in such a way as to have minimal impact on the important wildlife habitats in the greater estuary. – Yours, etc,
PHILIP O’REILLY,
Rathmines, Dublin 6.