COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
Monday, December 08, 2025
QUESTION NO. 28
QUESTION: Councillor N. Whelan
To ask the Chief Executive to outline the ongoing efforts to prevent flooding from heavy rainfall, in areas at risk throughout our County.
REPLY:
South Dublin is facing increased flood risks due to climate change effects such as heavier rainfall and more intense storms. The county is vulnerable primarily to fluvial and pluvial flooding, and several schemes and maintenance operations are underway to mitigate these risks.
The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) programme commenced in Ireland in 2011. One of the main aims of the programme was to assess flood risk through the identification of flood hazard areas and the associated impacts of flooding. These flood risk maps are available on the OPW’s flood information website: http://www.floodinfo.ie/map/floodmaps
South Dublin County Council is advancing a number of schemes in 2026 aimed at preventing future flooding incidents. These projects range from major capital works to small, localised schemes targeting recurring flooding issues.
- Newcastle to Hazelhatch Surface Water Pipeline: A new €10M surface water pipeline will be installed from Newcastle to Hazelhatch, commencing in January 2026. This infrastructure is necessary to provide stormwater capacity and reduce flood risk in the area. It will support the development of residential sites in Newcastle that previously could not proceed without this pipeline, with completion expected in Q3 2026.
- River Poddle Flood Alleviation Scheme (FAS): In partnership with the OPW, SDCC began construction of the River Poddle FAS in April 2024, with completion scheduled for July 2027. The completed impoundment works in Tymon Park now offer flood protection to downstream areas during future rainfall events. More details are available at poddlefas.ie
- Whitechurch Stream Flood Alleviation Scheme: Construction commenced in May 2023, conducted by the OPW, and is due to finish in October 2027. More information can be found at whitechurchfas.ie
- Camac Flood Alleviation Scheme: Led by Dublin City Council with SDCC, the Camac FAS is in Stage 1 – Preliminary Design. Viable options are being assessed, and public consultations are planned for 2026. The preferred option will be identified and prepared for a Part 10 planning application to An Coimisiún Pleanála. Further details are available at camacfas.ie
An annual €435,000 budget supports minor capital and flood alleviation works including new pipelines and drainage improvements in multiple locations, accompanied by maintenance and upgrades. Pluvial flooding hotspots will be addressed through minor works guided by surveys. A drainage study is underway for Newcastle, Rathcoole, and Saggart areas.
In response to severe weather events, SDCC has a Severe Weather Assessment Team (SWAT), which is made up of senior staff across the council. This team monitors the weather alert systems and flood forecast reports and implement the necessary actions due to the event.
The Climate Action Plan 2024-2029 includes an Action area titled ‘Increasing Flood Resilience in South Dublin’, with 13 of the 15 actions in this area in progress, for further information Increasing Flood Resilience In South Dublin - SDCC
The Natural Water Operations section manage surface water networks and rivers by clearing blockages, repairing infrastructure, maintaining pumping stations, and cleaning streams and screens to ensure proper function.
To help prevent flooding, several routine operations are conducted:
- Clearing of vegetation from rivers and streams
- Regular inspection and cleaning of trash screens at culvert inlets, with increased frequency upon receipt of Met Éireann weather warnings
- Cleaning of road gullies by contracted personnel as part of the annual road sweeping programme, including up to four cleanings per year for part of the network, as well as testing, cleaning, and jetting of connections when necessary
- Post-event reviews following significant rainfall to identify future flood risk areas, which inform investment priorities and revisions to maintenance plans for channels and piped networks.