It’s been a two-year delay.

Today, however, An Bord Pleanála announced that it has approved the controversial Morrison’s Island Public Realm and Flood Defence Project after planning chiefs decided that the proposed development would deliver significant benefits in terms of reducing the risk of flooding in the area while providing for necessary remedial works to the quay walls.

The quays in this area are the lowest-lying in the city centre and are a source of regular tidal flooding.

The planned scheme, which included a viewing platform over the river Lee, three new public plazas, and a mini-boardwalk, as well as integrated flood defences, originally received the go-ahead at City Hall in 2018. It was later stalled by a legal challenge.

An Bord Pleanála said the project would “provide for a much-improved public realm along the waterside, deliver a safe environment for pedestrians and cyclists and be acceptable in terms of pedestrian and traffic safety.”

Welcoming the decision, Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr. Joe Kavanagh it was “a strong vindication of the rationale in bringing forward this public realm project” and an endorsement of the design and quality of the scheme.

“This is a transformational scheme for the city centre and for riverside amenity and I believe it will be warmly welcomed by Cork people and visitors alike.” the Cllr Kavanagh said.

Cork City Council will now complete the detailed design and tender documents with a view to awarding the works contract in the coming months.