Kieran O’Donnell T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), joined Cllr. Alan Hayes, Deputy Mayor of South Dublin County Council (SDCC) recently to launch the construction of the River Poddle Flood Alleviation Scheme. The scheme is the combined initiative of South Dublin County Council, Dublin City Council and the OPW.
The River Poddle has caused flooding in the region in the past, causing significant damage to private residents and businesses. The River Poddle Flood Alleviation Scheme aims to address this and provide added protection to property along the river in a 100 year flood event. This project is an adaptation action by South Dublin County Council in response to future threats posed by climate change and is included in the current South Dublin Climate Change Action Plan. The scheme is estimated to cost in the region of €19 million and is funded by the OPW.
Speaking about the investment, Minister O’Donnell said; “The River Poddle Flood Alleviation Scheme, which is being funded by the Office of Public Works will make a real difference to local residents, families and businesses that live with the risk and impact from flooding along the River Poddle, delivering vital protection and adaptation measures that respond to current and future needs. The scheme includes flood protection, flood storage and flood prevention measures at locations along a 6km stretch of the Poddle River.
I want to thank the local community for its constructive and valuable engagement with the scheme’s design and its patience during the design and planning process. Furthermore, I am delighted to announce that OPW staff will construct this scheme with a substantial completion date of Q2 2027.”
Colm Ward, Chief Executive of South Dublin County Council added; “Today is a significant moment in the River Poddle Flood Alleviation scheme as we commence works to adapt to climate change impacts and which will provide resilience for future flood events with the aim of keeping local residents and businesses safe. This is just one of many actions in South Dublin County Council’s Climate Action Plan 2024-2029, outlining our commitment to tackling climate change in South Dublin and the wider Dublin region. I would like to thank Minister O’Donnell, the Office of Public Works and our colleagues in Dublin City Council for working closely with us to deliver this scheme.”
Cllr. Hayes said; “I am delighted to be here to represent South Dublin County Council and the local residents for this, the launch of construction of the River Poddle Flood Alleviation Scheme. Flooding has also been identified as a key climate change risk to the Dublin region, so this scheme also highlights SDCC’s and the OPW’s commitment to the flood resilience theme contained in the current South Dublin Climate Change Action Plan and also shows SDCC’s , DCC’s and the OPW’s endeavour in trying to alleviate this risk.”
Works have now begun on the River Poddle Flood Alleviation Scheme, which is being delivered by South Dublin County Council, Dublin City Council and the Office of Public Works.
Please visit http://www.poddlefas.ie/ for more information.
Pictured Deputy Mayor of SDCC Cllr Alan Hayes, Kieran O’Donnell T.D. Minister for State for the OPW and Colm Ward SDCC CEO, Local resident Pauline Foster, Teresa Walsh (SDCC Director of Service), Cllr. Fiona Connolly DCC, Cllr Lynn McCrave, Vincent Rhatigan OPW, Gerry O’Connell, David Grant SDCC, Cllr. Pamela Kearns, Barry Dunphy from Nicholas O’Dwyer, OPW staff and SDCC Staff at the Sod Turning for the River Poddle Flood Alleviation Scheme
