An analysis of the information from this survey showed that 62% of critically damaged bridges surveyed in County Cork had levels of bridge failure due to scour when compared to 15.51% [26], 25% [27] and 20.65% [28] from other similar international studies.

The findings concluded that scour was a particular issue in the Cork area and is a significant consequence of climate change resulting from increased rainfall intensity and larger flows. Following on from this survey, remedial works were carried out on a number of bridges and associated structures in County Cork. An example of this is on the L6822 Ballygrogan Bridge, Rathduff, where a floor slab and scour skirts were constructed to re-strengthen the bridge and to alleviate future damage from scour action.

intensity and larger flows. Following on from this survey, remedial works were carried out on a number of bridges and associated structures in County Cork. An example of this is on the L6822 Ballygrogan Bridge, Rathduff, where a floor slab and scour skirts were constructed to re-strengthen the bridge and to alleviate future damage from scour action.

Garrettstown beach is located approximately 9km south of Kinsale. This location consisted of sea walls, gabion baskets, rock armour and embankments all performing as coastal protection measures. During the storms of 2014, however, the gabion baskets suffered severe damage and alternative coastal protection measures had to be investigated.

In June 2017, an ECAB (Erosion Control Armour Block) coastal protection system was installed by Cork County Council to address the issues with coastal erosion and flooding at this location. The ECAB is manufactured from a blend of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and Ground Granulated Blast Furnace slag (GGBS). This system allows the concrete to achieve a lighter colour finish; it is a more environmentally friendly, stronger and a more durable concrete. The lighter colour allows the ECAB blocks to match the local sands and the voids allow indigenous vegetation such as marram grass to grow between the blocks to enhance their aesthetic and biodiversity appeal.

ECAB blocks to match the local sands and the voids allow indigenous vegetation such as marram grass to grow between the blocks to enhance their aesthetic and biodiversity appeal.

This ECAB revetment was designed primarily to protect the regional road (R604) from being overtopped. Overtopping resulted in sand and other beach debris being strewn across the road thereby limiting traffic movements in the area. During winter time this was a common occurrence and the road was cleared repeatedly by Cork County Council at considerable expense. The ECAB revetment has also been shown to be extremely stable when tested during storms when compared to the traditional rock armour boulders which can be displaced in similar conditions.