September 2023 Update
Ground Investigations
Kerry County Council appointed IGSL Ltd in May 2022 to undertake a detailed ground/geotechnical investigation of the existing flood embankments within Tralee. The ground investigation field works were completed in June 2023. The data from the ground investigation works is critical for RPS to determine the current condition of the existing defence embankments. This data will also be used in developing the flood defence designs for the scheme. RPS has commenced this work.
Invasive Species Treatment
Kerry County Council appointed Envirico Ltd in February 2023 to undertake the treatment of Invasive Alien Plant Species (IAPS) such as Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Gunnera throughout the Tralee Flood Relief Scheme (FRS) Area. Treatment measures include, hand pulling and foliar spraying of herbicides. The treatment programme is anticipated to be over a three-to-five-year period. The purpose of the treatment is to mitigate the risk of spreading IAPS while undertaking investigation works for the FRS and reduce the risk of IAPS’s impacting the development of the FRS as a whole. Envirico completed the 2023 Spring Treatment in June and the Autumn Treatment in August.
Ornithology Surveys
In November of 2022, Kerry County Council appointed MKO Planning & Environmental Consultants as the survey specialist to undertake detailed bird (ornithological) surveys within the Tralee Flood Relief scheme area including the Tralee Bay Complex Special Protection Area (SPA). The purpose of the survey is to collect essential data on bird species and breeding birds in order to gain a full understanding of the habitats that need to be considered when progressing the FRS.
Hydrology and Hydraulics
The Hydrology Report for the scheme has been completed and will be uploaded the website in due course. This report presents the findings from the hydrological analysis which focuses primarily on the flood risk originating from the River Lee and its tributaries as well as other drainage channels which may act as a sources of flooding.
The Hydraulic Modelling is currently being finalised. This model will be used to provide a representation of flood extents for various return periods within the scheme area. The model will then be used to develop and assess various flood risk management options.
It is anticipated that RPS will commence the development of the design options in the coming months when the hydraulic model is finalised.
Other Specialist surveys
Detailed ecological surveys such as otter, badger, bat, trees, aquatic and other habitat surveys will be progressed in 2024. Further updates will follow as these surveys commence.
Public Consultation Event #2
The second Public Consultation Event (PCE) is currently scheduled to take place in December of 2023. The purpose of this PCE is to present outcomes from the updated flood risk assessment modelling undertaken for Tralee and in advance of considering options that are being considered for the scheme. Further information on PCE #2 will be uploaded to the website in due course.
Survey Works Completed
Flow & Rainfall Surveys: Amelio Group completed undertaking the Flow & Rainfall Surveys in September 2022. This survey was undertaken in order to gain an understanding of the response of the existing storm system to rainfall within the scheme area. The data gathered from the Flow & Rainfall surveys was used to inform the hydraulic analysis and modelling.
Topographical, Channel, Structure, Threshold & Flood Defence Surveys: In August of 2022, Murphy Geospatial Ltd completed the topographic survey of the embankments, river channels and structures located in/near rivers. The survey information will be used to inform the ground investigation of the existing embankments and the development of the hydraulic models.
CCTV/Culvert Surveys: Amelio Group completed undertaking the CCTV surveys in May of 2023. The CCTV surveys allows for the examination of the existing drainage system. The data gathered from the CCTV survey will be used to inform the development and calibration of the Hydraulic model.
