Buncrana-Luddan Flood Relief Scheme

Introduction

Buncrana and Luddan (Bun Cranncha) are situated on Lough Swilly on the Inishowen peninsula, Co. Donegal. Buncrana is the second-largest town in County Donegal and the area is a popular holiday destination. The areas seaside location, its natural and heritage resources and its proximity to, and connections with, Derry are among its strategic assets.

The Crana River, Mill (Owenkillew) River and other watercourses flow through Buncrana town to Lough Swilly. Lough Swilly is a Special Area of Conservation that is estuarine in character, with shallow water and intertidal sand and mudflats being the dominant habitats. The site supports a population of Otter.

To address flooding issues nationally, the Office of Public Works (OPW) commissioned and completed Catchment and Flood Risk Management (CFRAM) studies covering the entire country. The North Western – Neagh – Bann CFRAM Study was completed with support from Donegal County Council. An output of the study identified flood risk areas, including Buncrana, and the associated impacts of flooding. The plan also set out the measures and policies to be pursued in order to achieve the most cost effective and sustainable management of flood risk.

There is a history of coastal and fluvial (river) flooding at Buncrana and Luddan with a recent significant event recorded in August 2017.

As part of the Government’s National Development Plan 2018-2027, €1 billion has been committed to the development of flood relief measures across Ireland. As part of this commitment, a steering group was established between the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Donegal County Council to progress a flood relief scheme to alleviate the risk of flooding for Buncrana and Luddan. In Spring 2021, Ayesa (Formerly ByrneLooby) were appointed Engineering and Environmental Consultants to develop a scheme that is technically, socially, environmentally, and economically acceptable, to alleviate the risk of flooding to the community of Buncrana and Luddan.

Ayesa will identify appropriate flood risk relief measures for Buncrana and Luddan and prepare detailed design, drawings and documents to facilitate submission of a planning application as per the Planning and Development Act (2000), the Planning and Development Regulations (2001) and subsequent construction of the scheme. ByrneLooby will prepare a Natura Impact Statement and Environmental Impact Assessment Report, where required under the relevant legislation.

Link to:

County Donegal FRS Homepage