Mr. John Sydenham:

We did a preliminary assessment of where a tidal barrier might fit into the overall scheme because we have examined a load of options. The important issue to note with a tidal barrier is it will protect against tidal flooding. We still have a major problem with the discharge from the hydroelectric dam and such a barrier would not solve that problem. Both issues need to be addressed. As part of our preliminary assessment, we did quite a body of analysis on a tidal barrier and what it would cost. We estimated it would cost in excess of €1 billion. Following the public consultation exercise, we conducted a more detailed analysis of the barrier. The Save Cork City campaign uses a high level costing for a possible solution in a particular location. Our assessment, done by our own engineers who are international experts, looked at where a barrier would be located and it is important to note that the OPW has never said that a tidal barrier would not be an appropriate solution. It would work; it is just not cost efficient.

With regard to assessing it, there are navigation and location issues. We would not recommend the same location. Equally, we have to be careful because of special areas of conservation and habitats within the harbour area. They would result in a greater cost in addition to the construction cost of tidal barrier. Looking at everything in considerable detail, we concluded that while a barrier is a potential solution, the cost would be prohibitive.