We’re facing into another wet winter.

But an innovative new idea could help reduce the flooding we face every year in the city and later this month you can go along to an information evening to find out more.

The South Parish Community Climate Action Group, supported by Cork City Council and the Community Climate Action Fund want to install ‘rain garden’ planters in suitable places that will reduce the amount of water flowing from downpipes onto roads during heavy rain and help reduce the flooding that often happens in the area.

They’re inviting the public to a community meeting about the project on Wednesday, November 13th at 7pm at the South Parish Community Centre, Sawmill Street.

“The planters not only help slow the flow of water but can help increase biodiversity in the city, provide food for bees and other pollinators and capture toxins that otherwise get into our water system, while at the same time bringing nature back to our streets, making them look and feel much more pleasant.” the group told us.

“We will have a certain amount of planters to install that are fully funded under the Community Climate Action Fund but also can connect local people to make their own rain gardens or ‘rewild’ their own gardens in ways that help both nature and the city landscape.”

Speakers on the night will be Erin O’Brien and Sharon McDonnell, both Executive Planners with Cork City Council. Sharon is an expert in urban drainage and Erin has worked in developing the Cork Urban Soil Project. MC for the evening will be Evelyn Grant of Lyric FM and the Cork Pops Orchestra.

For more information simply go along on the night or email southparishclimate@gmail.com.