Timeline delaysOne concern is the completion timeline for the Midleton flood relief scheme. Given major flood relief schemes take an average 11 years from start to finish, according to the OPW, the Midleton scheme is on course to take at least 15 years. Cork County Council told the Irish Examiner in February 2024 the plans would be submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála in September 2025. A council spokesperson said “a flood warning system for Midleton would not be effective”. In response to Storm Babet, Colin James set about designing and implementing the Midleton early warning system (Mews).

Source: Irish Examiner February 07, 2026 15:00 UTC