River Poddle flood assessment works to start in Tymon Park

FLOOD risk assessment works for the River Poddle, are expected to start in Tymon Park in the next month, with the full works due for completion by the end of 2026.

The €10 million project has been touted since 2011, when floods broke the banks of the river, flooding more than 1,250 properties, and led to the tragic death of hospice nurse Celia Ferrer de Jesus in the basement of her Harold’s Cross flat.

The proposed scheme includes flood protection works along and adjacent to the Poddle from Tymon North, Whitehall, Perrystown, Templeogue, Kimmage, Harold’s Cross, all the way into the river Liffey.

According to the River Poddle Flood Alleviation Scheme website, the Poddle flows from its source near the TU Dublin Tallaght campus, to the Liffey at Wellington Quay.

The river has on numerous occasions overflowed its banks at a number of locations, most recently the severe flood of October 2011.

South Dublin County Council (SDCC), Dublin City Council (DCC) and the Office of Public Works (OPW) seek to prevent reoccurrences through the provision of flood relief measures to alleviate the risk posed by the river Poddle.

Nicholas O’Dwyer were appointed to design the scheme in 2018.

In 2013 a draft Poddle flood risk management options report recommended flood walls, sealing manholes, and upstream storage at Tymon Park, and a diversion of the Poddle into the River Dodder.

Further studies and public consultation discounted the diversion option, due to concerns it would increase flooding along the Dodder.

An Bord Pleanála granted approval for the scheme in June 2023.

In an update last month, the River Poddle Flood Alleviation Scheme said it is proposed to install a site compound on the Limekiln Road side of the park to allow works in Tymon Park to commence.

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

The project team say pre-construction information events will be held to discuss possible impacts residents in these areas may experience, due to possible traffic management and pedestrian management requirements.

Once the scheme is completed it will provide flood protection to over 900 residential properties and 50 commercial properties.

A Biodiversity Plan for the scheme will be completed in 2024 to support the enhancements.