Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The proposed flood protection works, for the area referred to, form part of the overall options for dealing with flood risk on the Poddle River. These options were identified under the Eastern Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (ECFRAM) study. The proposals for flood mitigation measures on the River Poddle also involve some downstream defence works. The proposed works at the location referred to are likely to be progressed first and consist in the main of the creation of additional storage capacity to attenuate downstream flows in the river in flood conditions.

The proposed works for the overall scheme cross two Council boundaries and South Dublin County Council (SDCC) working in collaboration with Dublin City Council (DCC) will take the proposals forward through planning and eventual construction. Documents for the procurement of the design and environmental consultants for the Scheme are currently being finalised. The consultants will also prepare a detailed Cost Benefit Analysis for the proposed works.

Subject to the identification of an environmentally viable and cost beneficial scheme and successful completion of the planning process it is hoped to be in a position to commence construction of the main scheme works in 2017. As indicated it would be the intention to commence works in the location mentioned in advance of the main scheme works.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has given a commitment, in principle, to funding a viable, cost beneficial and environmentally acceptable scheme for the Poddle and has made indicative provision for its cost in its Multi-Annual Capital Budget Profiles. The construction of any proposed scheme is expected to take at least two years.

The works proposed to alleviate flooding on the Poddle are to be designed to the standard level of protection often referred to as the 100-year flood, which is to prevent flooding during events with a 1% annual exceedance probability (AEP) for fluvial floods. The design will take account also of climate change.

I am advised that Interim works carried out to date by SDCC involve new debris screens placed on culverts on the river which are monitored remotely by telemetry. Any alarms can be responded to quickly so that debris built up can be removed in good time.