Mr. Tony Smyth:

It would be a technical decision within the project, taking into account the various options. In Clonmel, solid walls were too high for the locals, and that was why we went for the demountables. The reason in Mallow and Fermoy was that one has to block the main road into the town and one cannot provide permanent defences. Given that there is a cost to erecting them during a flood, a permanent wall would be a cheaper long-term option. The decision is taken within the project, with assessment of which is the most cost-effective option.