Update on Midleton FRS

December 2023

Since the extreme flood event in Midleton in October 2023 (Storm Babet), the Midleton Flood Relief Scheme steering group (which comprises Cork County Council, the Office of Public Works and Arup, as consultants for the scheme) has been continuing to progress the scheme as expediently as possible.  In parallel CCC is assessing the impacts of Storm Babet and will identify any interim measures that can be delivered in advance of the scheme.  Progress on the scheme in recent weeks has included: 

• Significant landowner and stakeholder engagement, including meetings with elected representatives (local and central government), business group representatives, residents’ associations and numerous one-to-one engagements with individual landowners.
• Assessment of the extents and impact of Storm Babet – a report has been prepared by Arup and has been published on the project website here (22/12/2023) 
• Appointment of Site Investigation contractor (PGL) for detailed site investigation contract (appointment date 07/11/2023) – this contract will be used to inform the planning and detailed design of the scheme over the coming months; non-intrusive SI has started in week ending 15/12/2023, and intrusive works are programmed to commence in January 2024
• Appointment of topographical surveying contractor (Apex) to carry out detailed topographical (level) survey of the scheme area (appointment date 07/11/2023), to inform the planning and detailed design of the scheme.  Additional survey information to inform interim works design was subsequently requested from Apex. This survey is now substantially complete. 
• OPW and CCC are engaging with Met Éireann in relation to flood awareness, community resilience and preparedness and improving flood forecasting for high risk towns and village, and additional training for CCC staff.  
• Identification and ongoing roll out of interim measures.  This includes the following which are underway and/or complete:
  • Removal of trees in channel at Moore’s Bridge – contractor on site on 19/12/2023 to carry out these works.
  • Installation of water level gauge at Tir Cluain Bridge (12/12/23); additional gauges to be installed at Lidl Bridge and pedestrian bridge in People’s Park in January 2024
  • Upgrade of the Ballyedmond gauge to provide real time flow and level data (completed) (see information here) 
  • Drone survey to identify blockages in channel (survey complete and data is being processed)

Tree removal at Moore’s Bridge – 19/12/2023