COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, May 11, 2015

QUESTION NO.4

QUESTION: Councillor W. Lavelle

To ask the Chief Executive for a detailed update on the Feasibility Study to investigate the potential for small-scale hydro generated power?

REPLY:

The Architectural Services Department issued a Request for Tenders to six suitably qualified consultants for the preparation of a Feasibility Study to investigate the potential for small-scale hydro-generated power on watercourses where they traverse the land area of South Dublin County Council, these are the rivers Liffey, Dodder, Griffeen, Cammock and Owendoher and their tributaries.

Four tender submissions were returned from:

Water Power Services

Hydro N.I.

Fingleton White

Eco Evolution

Hydro N.I. presented a very professional and clearly documented tender response. Their experience of preparing the Waterways Ireland feasibility study gives them good knowledge in methodology and suitable sites in South Dublin.

On the basis of tender and experience, Hydro Northern Ireland Ltd were appointed to carry out the survey.

The purpose of this feasibility study is to provide analysis of small hydro-potential of the County for commercial purposes (>50Kwh). Specifically the study will include the identification of priority and high priority sites and associated electricity potential as well as the costs associated with developing such sites. The focus will be on commercial potential as well as the technical turbine requirements and capabilities of each site. Environmental and planning considerations will also form an important part of this analysis.

The study will be carried out in 3 stages as follows:-

• Stage 1 – scope out potential      sites
• Stage 2 – detailed scoping      study
• Stage 3 – detailed feasibility      study plus 4 no. high priority sites.

Stage 1 has now been completed and a draft report prepared based on specialist analysis of existing information; maps and satellite imagery.   A meeting to discuss the recommendations of Stage 1 is scheduled for May 22nd.

11 sites have been visited to date and more detailed site visits will be carried out in forthcoming Stage 2. Sites assessed to date include:-

• Dodder River      – Oldbawn Bridge
• Dodder River – Junction 11, M50
• Dodder River – Site 55/Mareen Brook
• Cot Brook - (Dodder Tributary)
• Cot Brook Upper
• Slade Brook (Dodder Tributary)