A proposal for a tidal barrage across the inner bay at Clonakilty, a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area in west Cork, has been appealed to An Bord Pleanála by An Taisce and the environmental group, Friends of the Irish Environment. Planning permission was granted to Clonakilty town council for the 300 metre long defence works before Christmas.
The tidal barrage was first applied for in 1996 by the town council to prevent flooding. This is still a problem, partly because of the increased use of land for housing, according to the town clerk, Ms Maria O'Donoghue.
Since the last census, the population in Clonakilty has increased by some 26 per cent, with many people commuting to work in Cork, she said. The sea end of town, and in particular the area around the brightly coloured houses is prone to flooding. The Clonakilty river also contributes to the flooding.
An Taisce said while some concerns have been met - that the barrage would reopen when the tidal level falls below a certain level - they are appealing on the grounds that no procedure for closure is detailed. They also object to the visual appearance of the barrage "composed of quarried boulders and mesh".
Friends of the Irish Environment said a permeable rather than a solid structure is needed. "The proposal does not form part of a planned approach to the problems of coastal defences and should go back to the drawing board," spokesman Mr Tony Lowes said.