Frequently Asked Questions

Sandymount is one of Dublin City’s areas most vulnerable to coastal flooding. That risk is continuing to increase as Climate Change progresses and potentially accelerates in the coming decades.  

In order to assess the flood risk (coastal, pluvial, fluvial) in Sandymount, Dublin City Council in association with the OPW have initiated the Sandymount Flood Alleviation Scheme. 

To publicly launch the Sandymount Flood Alleviation Scheme Project and engage with the community, a Public Participation Day is scheduled for 30th April 2025, where the project team will share more details. 

The primary objectives of this scheme are to design and implement flood protection measures that address various types of flooding, including fluvial (river) flooding, pluvial (rainwater) flooding, coastal inundation and wave overtopping, surface water flooding, and drainage network flooding. The scheme aims to address the coastal flood risks at Sandymount and to assess the potential flood risk from three streams bordering the Dublin City and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Council areas: the Elm Park, Nutley & Trimleston Streams.  A key goal of this scheme is to ensure that the flood protection measures are designed to be fully adaptable to the evolving impacts of climate change. 

The project aims to be technically sound by using the latest engineering practices and technologies, socially acceptable by gaining community support, environmentally sustainable by minimising natural impacts, and economically viable by being cost-effective and delivering great value.  

Specific measures being considered could include: 

• Enhancing coastal defences from Sean Moor Park to Merrion Gate  

• Preserving pedestrian and vehicular access.  

• Upgrading sections of the promenade as needed for coastal defence improvements. 

The next step involves further data collection, surveys, and flood modelling, leading to the development of all feasible options for the flood protection works needed at Sandymount.   All Potential Options will then be presented to the public at a further Public Participation Day where feedback will be sought.   

Further Steps then involve the Identification of a Preferred Option and further public consultation.  This will be followed by the detailed design of the scheme and the preparation of environmental reports (EIAR, NIS, WFD) required to accompany its application for planning consent.  

The Sandymount Flood Alleviation Scheme is in its initial development phase, requiring a comprehensive approach aligned with Ireland's stringent planning system requirements. To ensure a successful outcome, we need to carry out a rigorous and defensible engineering and environmental data collection process. This involves using both primary and secondary sources, including, but not limited to, ground investigation surveys and marine surveys.  

In accordance with best practices and regulatory expectations, we will conduct an exhaustive optioneering process and design development. These steps are crucial for creating a robust proposal that can withstand scrutiny during the planning process.  

Our projected timeline reflects the complexity and thoroughness required as the project roadmap shows . 

This schedule allows for the comprehensive development of:  

• Design appraisal, assessment, development and specifications;  

• Rigorous economic analysis;  

• Environmental Impact Assessment data collection and reporting;  

• Planning application preparation, determination and potential oral hearing activities.  

Each of these elements is essential for a successful determination by An Bord Pleanála, Ireland's national planning authority. By adhering to this timeline and approach, we demonstrate our commitment to meeting the high standards expected within the Irish planning system, ensuring our proposal is both comprehensive and defensible.  

Public consultations will be held during stage 1: Option identification and scheme design, with at least three events planned. These events, including three Public Participation Days, will be open to all members of the public and key stakeholders, with key team members present.  

The events will be widely advertised through various channels to ensure broad awareness and accessibility. Stakeholder engagement will include in-person events, online resources, and traditional contact methods, phone and email, to accommodate user preferences.  

The first consultation will take place over four weeks, from April 30 to May 23, 2025, between 2 PM and 8 PM to accommodate various schedules. Further details on the location, time and information to be presented can be found on the project website https://www.floodinfo.ie/frs/en/sandymount  

We are currently in the early stages of the project timeline, focusing on data gathering, flood risk modelling and the assessment of options. The type of construction work required will determine the nature of any potential impacts on the area or individual properties. As the project progresses, any potential impacts will be clearly communicated to the public to ensure transparency and provide timely updates. These impacts, both positive and negative, will be documented in the Environmental Impact Assessment Report which will support the planning application to An Bord Pleanála.  

The Sandymount Flood Alleviation Scheme may necessitate temporary alterations to beach and sea access in specific areas during the construction phase. It's important to note that construction is not expected to commence before 2028, providing ample time for thorough planning and community engagement.  

Our approach to managing access impacts includes:  

1. Temporary rerouting: Some access points may be redirected to ensure public safety and facilitate construction activities.  

2. Minimisation of disruption: The project team is committed to implementing strategies that reduce inconvenience to local residents and visitors.  

3. Mitigation measures: We will develop and implement plans to mitigate unavoidable disturbances, particularly for those residing or operating in close proximity to the study area.  

4. Ongoing communication: Regular updates will be provided to keep the community informed about any changes to access routes or temporary restrictions.  

5. Phased implementation: Where possible, work will be staged to maintain partial access throughout the construction period.  

While some level of disruption is inevitable with a project of this scale and importance, our team is dedicated to employing all feasible measures to minimise impacts throughout the project lifecycle. We appreciate the community's patience and understanding as we work to enhance flood protection for the Sandymount area.  

The Project Team for the Sandymount Flood Alleviation Scheme recognises the significance of heritage structures in the area and is committed to their preservation. Our approach to addressing potential impacts on these valuable assets is as follows:  

Optioneering Phase:  

• Comprehensive assessment of all heritage structures within the project's scope; 

• Evaluation of potential impacts on these structures for each proposed option; 

• Consideration of heritage impacts as a key criterion in option selection; and 

• Development of mitigation strategies to minimise or avoid adverse effects.  

Preferred Option Selection:  

• Heritage impact assessments will play a crucial role in determining the preferred option; and  

• Options that best balance flood protection with heritage preservation will be prioritised. 

Environmental Impact Assessment Report:  

A dedicated section will thoroughly examine potential impacts on heritage structures.  

This will include:  

• Detailed inventory of all affected heritage structures; 

• Assessment of direct and indirect impacts; 

• Evaluation of cumulative effects; 

• Proposed mitigation measures and enhancement opportunities; and 

• Consultation findings with relevant heritage bodies and local stakeholders. 

Ongoing Consultation:  

We will engage with heritage experts, local historical societies, and relevant authorities to incorporate specialist advice to refine the design and construction methodologies for the project.  

Mitigation and Management:  

By integrating heritage considerations throughout the project lifecycle, from optioneering to implementation, we aim to deliver effective flood protection while safeguarding Sandymount's rich cultural heritage for future generations.  

The key benefits to the community are:  

• Enhanced Resilience: Measures designed to safeguard the community from the adverse effects of flooding and ensuring the safety of residents and businesses.
• Climate Change Adaptation: Adjusting practices to minimise climate change impacts and enhance resilience for sustainable development. 
• Coastal Protection: Provide improved and sustainable coastal protection works against predicted climate change effects such as sea level rise, coastal inundation and wave overtopping, surface water and drainage network flooding in the Sandymount area;   
• Flood Defence Development: Consider and model the flood risk in the areas of Elm Stream, Nutley Stream, and Trimleston Stream.  
• Community Benefits: Improved flood protection in the Sandymount coastal area offers several specific benefits:    
  • Residents: Reduced risk of property damage and increased safety during flood events.   
  • Businesses: Lower potential for financial losses and disruptions, leading to more stable operations.   
  • Educational Institutions: Enhanced safety for students and staff, and protection of educational resources.  
  • Hospitality Sector: Improved protection for hospitality businesses, ensuring they can operate safely.

Dublin City Council (DCC) is currently undertaking a process to identify landownership rights within the Sandymount Flood Alleviation Scheme area. This approach ensures that all relevant stakeholders are properly identified and engaged throughout the project's lifecycle.  

Our commitment to transparent and timely communication includes:  

1. Landowner Identification: 
   • Detailed research and verification of property ownership records 
   • Mapping of all potentially affected private lands within the scheme's footprint 
2. Notification Process: 
   • Proactive outreach to identified landowners 
   • Clear and concise communication regarding potential land use requirements 
3. Land Use Categories: 
   • Temporary access: For construction purposes, with a defined timeline 
   • Permanent access: For the construction and ongoing maintenance of flood defences 
4. Engagement Timeline: 
   • Early notification to allow landowners ample time for consideration and discussion 
   • Ongoing dialogue throughout the project's development stages 
5. Information Provision: 
   • Explanations of how the land may be utilised 
   • Potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures 
   •  Rights and options available to landowners 
6. Consultation and Negotiation: 
   1. One-on-one meetings with affected landowners as required 
   2. Exploration of mutually beneficial solutions where possible 
7. Legal and Compensation Frameworks: 
   • Clear outline of the legal basis for land access requirements 
   • Information on compensation processes, where applicable. 

DCC is committed to working collaboratively with landowners to ensure that the implementation of this crucial flood alleviation scheme is carried out with minimal disruption and maximum consideration for private property rights.  

The project team would like to hear your views on Sandymount Flood Alleviation Scheme. The consultation period is now open, full details including closing dates for receipt of submissions are available on the SFAS website.    

Website: www.floodinfo.ie/frs/en/sandymount/home/ 

Email: sandymount-fas@dublincity.ie  

Phone Line: (0)1 222 4329 

Postal Address:  Sandymount Scheme, Block 1, Floor 4, Civic Offices, Dublin 8, D08 RF3F 

The decision on whether to offer insurance, the level of premiums charged and the policy terms applied are matters for individual insurers. Insurance companies make commercial decisions on the provision of insurance cover based on their assessment of the risks they would be accepting on a case-by-case basis.  The Government cannot interfere in the provision or pricing of insurance products, as reinforced by the EU framework for insurance (Solvency II Directive).
 
The Department of Finance has overall responsibility for policy matters in relation to insurance, including flood insurance.  The Office of Public Works (OPW) has a role to assist insurance companies to take into account the protection provided by completed flood defence schemes. In this regard, the OPW has a Memorandum of Understanding with Insurance Ireland, the representative body of the insurance industry. This Memorandum sets out principles of how the two organisations work together to ensure that appropriate and relevant information on these completed schemes is provided to insurers to facilitate, to the greatest extent possible, the availability to the public of insurance against the risk of flooding. While the Memorandum does not guarantee the availability of insurance, Insurance Ireland members have committed to take into account all information provided by the OPW when assessing exposure to flood risk within these protected areas.
 
Insurance Ireland operates an Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance, which can be contacted at 01 676 1914 or feedback@insuranceireland.eu. Similarly, Brokers Ireland, the representative body for insurance brokers in Ireland, has access to a wide range of providers and products, and can offer advice for customers when sourcing cover. Brokers Ireland can be reached at 01 661 3067. Furthermore, where an individual considers that they have been treated unfairly, they have the option of making a complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO). The FSPO can be contacted either by email at info@fspo.ie or by telephone at 01 567 7000.
 

Dublin City Council issues letters to householders upon request with estimates of their current level of flood risk from different sources (e.g. fluvial, coastal) where known.  These letters are typically used in correspondence between households and individual insurance companies when seeking insurance cover for those flood risks.  The extent to which such letters influence the level of flood insurance provision (and any associated premiums) is a matter for the individual private insurance companies.  Requests for such letters should be forwarded to:
Flood Projects Section, Dublin City Council.
1st Floor, Eblana House, 68/70 Marrowbone Lane, Dublin 8, D08 E120.