Extensive maintenance works for River Poddle
By Mary Dennehy
SOUTH Dublin County Council will be carrying out intensive maintenance works on clearing the full length of the Poddle, which, invisible under a heavy overgrowth, is causing flooding concerns locally.
Running underground for the majority of its course, the Poddle, which rises in Tallaght, has caused extensive flooding in both South Dublin County and Dublin City areas in the past.
The Poddle is invisible under heavy growth at Wellington Road
Residents living close to the Poddle on Wellington Road have recently contacted The Echo about their fears that the river may flood again, due to heavy overgrowth currently covering the river surface and banks.
According to one resident: “It’s completely overgrown. We are concerned that this is a disaster waiting to happen if nothing is done to clear the river before a storm or the rainy weather arrives.
“This stretch of the Poddle has flooded before and impacted on residents.”
When contacted by The Echo, Teresa Walsh, Director of Environment, Water and Climate Change with South Dublin County Council, said: “South Dublin County Council will be carrying out intensive maintenance works on clearing weeds, trees and debris along the full length of the Poddle river commencing in September.
“The channel upstream of Wellington Road Bridge will get particular attention.
“The Poddle has caused extensive flooding in both South Dublin and Dublin City areas in the past, costing life and causing damage to resources and businesses.”
Ms Walsh added: “Nicholas O’Dwyer Ltd were appointed in March by South Dublin County Council to lead the design of the landmark Poddle Flood Alleviation Scheme.
“The Poddle River Flood Alleviation Scheme aims to address this and provide added protection to property along the river.”
The Alleviation Scheme is an adaptation action by South Dublin County Council and Dublin City Council in response to future threats posed by climate change.
The scheme is estimated to cost in the region of €7 million, and is funded by the Office of Public Works.
In 2011, one fatality occured in the Dublin City area when, due to extremely heavy rainfall, the Poddle burst its banks.
For further details on the project, visit www.poddlefas.ie
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