Labour Senator John Gilroy has welcomed last night’s Government announcement of a further €50 million to be spent on new flood defences for Cork.

During a visit to Cork, the Minister of State in charge of the Office of Public Works, Brian Hayes TD, announced that Cork has been upgraded to the Number One position on the Government’s programme of proposed flood defences.

Senator Gilroy said: “Minister Hayes has confirmed that the Preferred Design for the new flood defences will be announced before the end of July. Throughout yesterday, I met with Cork City traders and I commend them on their resilience. Everyone should be clear – Cork is open for business.”