Work is to begin this month on controversial flood defences for one of Cork city's most vulnerable flooding blackspots.
The €20 million project is one of a number of major construction projects about to get under way in the city.
Cork City Council said the Morrison's Island Public Realm and Flood Defence project will remove 80% of the flood threat to the city centre and protect 400 properties.
Cork City Council voted by 22 votes to six in 2018 in favour of the project, but it has been mired in legal challenges until recently.
Running from Parliament Bridge to Parnell Bridge on Morrison's Island, the project will see the construction of a new streetscape, as well as a three metre riverside promenade and a riverside viewing platform.
Parking will be reduced from 150 to 40 spaces, the quay walls will be refurbished and strengthened, and Trinity Bridge will be replaced and upgraded.
The integrated flood defences, which form part of the scheme, will provide protection against one-in-100-year tidal flooding events for some 400 city centre properties, the council said.
Lord Mayor of Cork Green Party Councillor Dan Boyle - who has been critical of the scheme - said he is looking forward to the works starting.
Cllr Boyle said: "Well, I think the wider flood protection measures are open to debate and submission, but this has gone through the process and anyone who believes in processes, both political and judicial, you accept that.
"I think part of the reason for having the ongoing debate and the argument about it, has helped define it a better way as well so, I am looking forward to the works starting and particularly the public realm aspect being brought to fruition as quickly as possible".
Cork Business Association (CBA) President Aaron Mansworth described the project as "transformative".
"Crucially, it will provide essential flood protection long campaigned for by the CBA, reassuring property owners and businesses by safeguarding their premises and livelihoods," Mr Mansworth said.
Chief Executive of Cork Chamber Conor Healy also welcomed news of the commencement of the works.
"Our city centre businesses and residents deserve the protection from flooding that the scheme will provide," Mr Healy said.
"Through the delivery of this scheme, the city will also benefit from the enhancement of the public realm," he added.
Jons Civil Engineering Company Limited have been appointed as the main contractor.
Supported by the Office of Public Works, construction will take 20 months.
The planned works on Morrison's Island coincide with a major upgrade of the city centre's pavements and street furniture on St Patrick's Street, Grand Parade and at Daunt Square.
Traffic diversions came into effect from 1 July and will remain in place until mid-September to facilitate the works, including the restoration of natural stone slabs at pedestrian crossings, work on damaged street furniture, road linings and signage.
Meanwhile, work on phase one of the €46.05 million Grand Parade Quarter has also begun.
The project will see a complete renewal of the area around the South Main Street and Barrack Street - the southern gateway to the medieval city.
The project was helped by funds from the Government's Urban Regeneration and Development Fund and from Cork City Council.
The local authority said Bishop Lucey Park is to be completely renewed and South Main Street will see improvements to the public realm as well as the creation of a large-scale public space that will open up the historic Counting House on the former Beamish and Crawford site.
Improvements will also be made to South Main Street, Tobin Street, Tuckey Street, South Gate Bridge, Keyser's Hill, Proby's Quay, French's Quay, Crosses Green, Clarke's Bridge and Wandesford Quay.
The final element of the project will see the development of a new city public library on the Grand Parade.
