Arklow flood scheme stalls as archaeology and bridge works delay crucial dredging
The Wicklow PeopleThe government has confirmed that the long promised Arklow Flood Relief Scheme has one major hurdle to overcome before construction can start, despite the town’s long history of damaging floods and renewed urgency following recent storms.
A parliamentary reply issued to Wicklow Wexford TD Malcolm Byrne sets out a timeline that places the appointment of a contractor at the end of 2026, with major works unlikely to begin before 2027.
This update comes as local engineers have clarified that one of the most publicly anticipated elements of the project, dredging of the Avoca River, cannot take place until complex underpinning works on Arklow Bridge are completed, and that archaeology remains a significant factor in the pace of progress.
The flood relief scheme was submitted for planning consent by Wicklow County Council in 2021 and received approval in July 2022. Engineering and environmental consultants were appointed in December 2023 to develop the detailed design required to bring the project to construction stage.
Councillor Aoife Flynn Kennedy, (Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council), Senator Pat Casey, Minister Simon Harris, Cllr Tommy Annesley, Michael Looby (Ayesa Consulting Engineers), Patrick O'Donovan T.D, junior minister Emer O'Gorman (chief executive of Wicklow County Council) at the signing of the consultants contract for the Arklow Flood Relief Flood Scheme in 2022.
However, the parliamentary reply makes clear that the project is still in its pre-construction phase.
Procurement has begun through a two stage process, but the minister does not expect a contractor to be appointed until the end of 2026.
The reply also highlights that “significant archaeology issues are being considered”, a reminder that the Avoca River and its banks are historically sensitive areas where discoveries could influence timelines and methods.
Those details were echoed and expanded upon at a recent district meeting in the town, where senior executive engineer Tom Fox delivered an update that shed light on the sequencing of works. Mr Fox told councillors that dredging, long viewed by residents as a visible sign of progress, cannot begin until the bridge is underpinned.
The existing starling poles supporting the bridge will be removed and replaced with micro piles drilled into the rock beneath the riverbed, a process that must be completed before any deepening of the channel can occur.
Mr Fox described dredging as “the final stage of the scheme”, a clarification that surprised some councillors and will likely disappoint residents who had hoped to see early action on the river.
Mr Fox also confirmed that archaeological findings uncovered during riverbed surveys would be removed as part of the works, with National Monument Services available to advise on any discoveries.
This aligns directly with the minister’s reference to archaeology as a significant consideration and underscores the complexity of carrying out major engineering works in a historically rich environment.
Councillors referenced the devastation caused by Storm Chandra and the pressure on local staff and infrastructure.
Cllr Miriam Murphy described the storm’s impact as “heartbreaking”, while Cllr Peir Leonard called for improved communication with residents, including surveys for affected households and regular updates on the scheme’s progress. Concerns were also raised about safety, with the RNLI seeking assurances about visibility and emergency access along the river.
Despite these concerns, Mr Fox told councillors that recent flooding had not revealed any new major issues requiring design changes.
He also outlined other elements of the scheme still under active review, including overtopping risks, coastal erosion and the design of three pump stations intended to improve drainage between Riverwalk and the dock.