The outline design of the Flood Relief Scheme for Cork City and Blackpool is currently being finalised, with formal Public Exhibition of the proposals planned to take place in the third quarter of this year. Subject to a successful Exhibition, and statutory approval by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform following an independent review of the Scheme's Environmental Impact Statement, it is hoped to commence works in the first half of 2016. The proposed scheme is substantial in terms of the scale of works required and the likely cost involved, and it is anticipated that the works will take at least 4-5 years to complete.
The cost of the Scheme is currently being assessed in the context of the preparation of a Cost Benefit Analysis to be completed prior to Public Exhibition. The Government is committed to providing the necessary funding to carry out the works.