In June 2023, following the planning application made in February 2020, An Bord Pleanala granted planning approval for the River Poddle Flood Alleviation Scheme. Details on the approval can be found at https://www.pleanala.ie/en-ie/case/306725.

With the appeal time for a Judicial Review now expired, the project team have progressed in consulting with the appropriate Statutory Agencies in acquiring the required licences to commence the scheme. 

Following these consultations and subject to the issuing of these licences, it is currently estimated that the construction on the scheme will commence in Q2 2024 with initial focus being placed on completing the proposed works in Tymon Park. These works will include the construction of engineered embankments and a flow control structure to complete the required storage area, along with the inclusion of river enhancement works like the Integrated Constructed Wetlands. The early completion of the storage area will also provide a level of flood protection during the construction of the other elements of the scheme.

To allow the works in Tymon Park to commence, it is currently proposed to install the site compound in Q1 2024. The compound will be located on the Limekiln Road side of the Park and the location is shown in the image below.

Once the works in Tymon Park have commenced, the scheduling of the other proposed works on the scheme will be assessed and commencement dates will be confirmed.

The Project Team are fully aware of the impacts that the construction of the scheme will bring to residents in the areas where works are proposed so prior to the scheme starting in these areas, Pre-Construction Information Events will be held to outline how the proposed works will be constructed and to discuss the possible impacts the residents in these areas may experience, due to possible traffic management and pedestrian management requirements. These events will also allow for feedback to be provided to the Project Team from directly impacted residents to ensure that any impacts are kept to a minimum.

It is currently proposed to host the first of these events in mid Q1 2024 and the advertising of this event will commence early in the New Year, once the required licences have been issued.

As stated above the Project Team fully understand the impacts the construction of the scheme will have and the team will be available to assist during all aspects of construction but once the scheme is completed it will provide flood protection to over 900 residential properties and 50 commercial properties in a 1 in 100 year rainfall event. The team is also focused on increasing the environmental enhancements of the river and it environs from Tymon Park to Mount Argus and will be open to any suggestions that could be incorporated in providing further enhancements. In 2024, a Biodiversity Plan for the scheme will be completed to support these enhancements.

A further update will be provided once all licences have been acquired and a more fixed commencement date can be confirmed.