THE Clontarf community will be heavily involved in the planning of a new flood defence scheme for their promenade.
A new, all-inclusive approach will be adopted for the plan, which has been renamed the Clontarf Promenade Development and Flood Defence Works.
Contrary to some media reports, those privy to the plans say there is no proposal to build a controversial flood barrier.
As it stands only a framework for how the plan will develop and proceed has been agreed to protect the area from flooding and to preserve the amenity of Clontarf Promenade.
It’s understood that the framework will allow for greater community engagement on Dublin City Council’s behalf and the design for the project may form part of a competition.
While the wheels are in motion for the project, completion of the yet to be agreed permanent flood relief system is not expected until at least 2016.
In the meantime, stakeholders will examine short-term flood relief solutions which are likely to include increased community involvement, a strengthening of particularly weak and vulnerable areas of the promenade and a warden scheme.
Local councillor Damian O’Farrell (Ind) welcomed the progress on the scheme, which he emphasised was still in its infancy.
“We are a long way away from project completion but the setting up of a new framework is a significant step in the right direction,
? Cllr O’Farrell told Northside People.
“The new framework involves more of a recognition of the promenade, which is a very important entity in its own right.
“The framework also sets out that residents and local business owners will meet with a multidisciplinary team from Dublin City Council, including architects, parks staff and engineers.
“The only obstacle we’ll have is budget but unfortunately we don’t have the luxury of time.
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Dublin Bay North TD Terence Flanagan (FG) said he was happy that everyone would be able to share their thoughts and ideas regarding the plans.
“It is vitally important that any plan to be decided on will not only prevent flooding, but be acceptable to the local community,
? he stated.
“I am very much aware of the strength of feeling in the area regarding the importance of preserving the promenade.
“Thousands of local residents voiced their opposition to the proposal to erect a nine-foot wall in 2011, and substantial concerns remain about the height of any wall that may be constructed.
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A workshop was held on the Clontarf flood defence issue last October, which was attended by Dublin City Council’s Environment and Engineering Department and representatives from Clontarf Residents’ Association and Clontarf Business Association.
A report on this workshop, compiled by an independent facilitator, has been produced and is due to be made public shortly.
A council spokesperson confirmed that further meetings of these stakeholders would take place to examine what options were available that would adequately address the coastal flood risk, while being also acceptable to the local interest groups.
“Dublin City Council, Clontarf Residents’ Association (CRA) and Clontarf Business Association (CBA) thank George Ryan, independent chair, for completing his report on a joint workshop,
? the spokesperson said.
A joint working group to explore options for a Clontarf Promenade Development and Flood Defence Project, based on the recommendations of the workshop, is set to be established.