The town of Fermoy, County Cork has a long history of flooding from the River Blackwater, which flows through the town, with major events occurring approximately 15 times in the last 30 years.  In 2002 the Office of Public Works commissioned a consortium consisting of DHV, Babtie Group, T.J.O'Connor & Associates and PM Group to assess flood risk in the town of Fermoy and to develop a flood alleviation scheme.  

An Engineering Report was completed in late 2003, which outlined a preferred solution to the flooding problems in Fermoy. The proposals mainly involved the construction of embankments, permanent walls, millrace gates and extensive use of demountable flood barriers, all along both banks of the River.  

The Scheme was placed on Public Exhibition in 2005 and was subsequently brought through detailed design in two phases. The first phase, Fermoy North, allowed construction works to commence in 2009, which were completed in 2011.

The second phase involves works on the south side of the river and works commenced in April, 2012 and were substantially completed in May, 2015.

OPW developed an Early Flood Warning System, which is used for both Fermoy and Mallow, with the system itself being operated by Cork County Council staff in Mallow. Upon receipt of a flood warning, Local Authority staff erect the substantial demountable defences on the completed scheme on the north side. The costs involved for the use of the system are borne by OPW.

Part view of completed embankment and wall on Fermoy North