COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
Monday, April 13, 2026
QUESTION NO. 19
QUESTION: Councillor J. Sinnott
To ask the Chief Executive to outline what measures South Dublin County Council take to manage and monitor the drainage network to identify blockages or a build of materials so that the risk of flooding is lowered?
REPLY:
South Dublin County Council is responsible for the management, monitoring, and maintenance of the stormwater and surface water drainage network, as well as watercourses within the county’s river catchments, with the objective of reducing flood risk and protecting water quality.
To strengthen and coordinate this function, a dedicated Natural Water Department was established in 2025. This team incorporates natural water operations, water pollution control, water capital projects and planning, and flood alleviation schemes. Its core objectives are the management of flood risk and the protection and enhancement of water quality.
Routine monitoring and maintenance of the drainage network is undertaken on an ongoing basis and includes:
- Regular inspection of surface water infrastructure and associated assets.
- Scheduled cleaning, jetting, and desilting of surface water pipes to maintain hydraulic capacity.
- Vegetation management along rivers and streams to ensure unobstructed flows.
- Regular inspection and clearing of trash screens at culvert inlets to prevent blockages.
- Maintenance and updating of asset data and drainage network mapping.
In addition to drainage-specific works, we operate a street sweeping programme covering approximately 900 kilometres of the road network, removing leaves, silt, and debris that could otherwise enter surface water systems. Road gullies are also cleaned annually by contracted personnel as part of this programme. Where a blockage or capacity issue is suspected, the Natural Water Section carries out targeted investigations using CCTV surveys, jetting, and desilting equipment, enabling early identification and remediation of problems before flood risk escalates.
We also implement a minor works programme to address localised flooding concerns, upgrade or repair damaged infrastructure, and respond to issues identified through inspections or reported by the public.
Jetting and desilting works are commencing in the Saggart–Rathcoole area, informed by the Newcastle, Saggart and Rathcoole Drainage Study. Furthermore, construction has commenced on a new surface water pipeline from Newcastle to Hazelhatch, which will significantly increase stormwater capacity and reduce flood risk in the Newcastle area.
Major capital flood alleviation projects are also progressing, including:
- The Poddle Flood Alleviation Scheme, currently under construction and scheduled for completion in July 2027.
- The Whitechurch Stream Flood Alleviation Scheme, under construction and due for completion in November 2026.
Through a combination of ongoing monitoring, routine and targeted maintenance, data-led investment, and major capital flood alleviation projects, we actively manage and monitors the drainage network to identify blockages, maintain system capacity, and reduce the risk of flooding across the county.
Recognising the increasing future challenges posed by climate change, including more frequent and intense rainfall events, we also continue to embed climate resilience into the management of the surface water and drainage network. This includes strengthening evidence-based decision-making through improved hydraulic modelling, enhanced asset data and mapping, and the use of drainage studies to inform investment priorities. We will continue to refine inspection and monitoring regimes, target interventions based on risk, and align drainage maintenance and capital programmes with national flood risk management policy and climate adaptation objectives. Through these measures, we aim to improve the long-term resilience of drainage infrastructure, reduce flood risk, and ensure the network remains fit for purpose in the context of a changing climate.