COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE (2)
Monday, January 23, 2012
MOTION NO. 3
MOTION: Councillor P. Kearns
That this committee calls on the manager, to report on what progress is being made in relation to the request to the OPW for funding to assist in the necessary works to prevent another major flooding incident in the county.
REPORT:
As a result of the severe flood events of 24th October 2011 South Dublin County Council are now in a position to propose certain flood alleviation schemes to minimise future flooding risks within the County. These schemes have been identified by the Council in conjunction with the Department and Office of Public Works (OPW) with a view to preparing funding applications for the schemes.
Irrespective of the event of 24th October last it should be noted that The Eastern Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) study commenced in the Eastern district in June 2011 and will run until the end of 2015.The main aims of the Eastern CFRAM Study are to (i) assess flood risk, through the identification of flood hazard areas and the associated impacts of flooding (ii) identify viable structural and non-structural measures and options for managing the flood risks for localised high-risk areas and within the catchment as a whole, (iii) prepare a strategic Flood Risk Management Plan (FRMP) and associated Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) that sets out the measures and policies that should be pursued to achieve the most cost effective and sustainable management of flood risk, (iv) ensure that full and thorough public and stakeholder consultation and engagement is achieved.
The Eastern CFRAM Study being carried out now includes all of the rivers in the South Dublin County Council area. A preliminary flood risk assessment has been carried out to identify areas that need further assessment to determine their risk of flooding. For these risk areas, flood risk maps and flood hazard maps will be drawn up by 2013. Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs) will be developed by 2015. FRMPs will include measures in relation to flood prevention, protection and preparedness. Emergency response to flooding, recovery from flooding and incorporating lessons learned will be important elements of the FRMPs. Issues such as climate change, land use practices and future development will also be addressed in the FRMPs. The public will have a right to access the CFRAMS programme information and to have their say in the development of FRMPs.
In specific terms as a result of the flood event of 24th October 2011 and notwithstanding the outcomes of the CFRAM Study, South Dublin County Council has identified a number of areas that would significantly benefit from emergency flood alleviation works. The OPW has a “minor works” programme in place that allows Local Authorities to apply for funding of up to €500,000 per scheme. Through discussions with the OPW, the Council will be applying for this funding for interim works which will be complimentary to the overall objectives of the CFRAMS. SDCC is in the process of completing minor works / studies claim forms for submission to the OPW in the near future. It is necessary, prior to submission of claims, to carry out various investigations and surveys and prepare appropriate drawings in support of each claim.
The following schemes are being developed by SDCC and are being discussed on a continual basis with the OPW to ensure compliance with the requirements of the funding criteria.
Poddle
It is proposed to integrate the three elements of emergency work on the Poddle (Tymon Park attenuation, screens installation / replacement / minor channel maintenance) into a single application at an estimated cost of €500k. To complete this application it is necessary to agree a re-design of screens with the OPW and to engage OPW nominated consultants to overview the design of these emergency works on the Poddle to ensure no negative impacts on future long term works.
It is agreed with the OPW that major drainage / channel works on the Poddle is best examined under the East CFRAM Study, given the potential scale of the works and the need to accurately assess requirements (and costs and benefits relative to other options).
Knockmore/Killinarden
The design of the appropriate swale to divert water from the Houses in Killinarden / Knockmore is being carried out in conjunction with the Parks Section and works will be carried out in the current year. An application for funding will also be submitted for these works.
It should be noted that in addition to the above the Council’s Water & Drainage Sections have been carrying out repairs and remedial works to the network since 24th October 2011 including the clearing of debris from the channels, removing ‘at risk’ trees and shrubs from the banks, clearing culverts and screens and this work will continue in the current year. In addition the following specific provision was provided for in the 2012 Budget
“That a ring fenced fund of 200,000 euro be provided to fund and prioritise an enhanced new gully installation and repair programme and also other local flood alleviation measures to reduce the risk of future flooding in the County.”
The above is exclusive of the humanitarian aid relief scheme (€10m) announced and operated by the Department of Social Protection following the October 2011 flooding.