€300 million of government funding has been allocated to carry out flood relief schemes in Cork.

Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) Kevin "Boxer" Moran visited the schemes to view the progress that has been made.

He met with officials from Cork City Council who are working with the Office of Public Works (OPW) to bring forward the planned Lower Lee (Cork City) Flood Relief Scheme which will see €140 million invested in flood relief funding in the heart of the City.

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It is estimated that the 2009 flood event alone cost householders and businesses about €90m.

The Minister also met with business representatives and with local residents to hear how they have been impacted by flooding in the City. The planned scheme will protect businesses and other property owners from the 1 in 100 year fluvial (river) flood event and the 1 in 200 year tidal flood, protecting 2,100 properties.

The Minister is also visiting flood relief schemes underway in Bandon and Skibbereen representing a combined investment of over €50m and which will protect 670 properties with work set to be complete by 2019. He will also meet with local interests in Clonakilty in relation to the flood relief scheme due to commence later this year in that town.