Tender due for design of long-awaited flood relief scheme in Wicklow

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

The long-awaited Arklow Flood Relief Scheme will not be subject to any further review by Wicklow County Council.

The scheme was first initiated in 2002 following major flooding in 1986, 1989 and 2002.

The planning application was lodged in May 2021 and an oral hearing was held in January 2022.

In 2023 Wicklow County Council, funded by the Office of Public Works signed contracts with consultants to progress a detailed design and construction review.

The scheme is part of the government’s €1.3bn investment in flood relief measures under the National Development Plan.

The overall aim of the scheme is to provide flood relief measures along the Avoca River and estuary to combat flooding while protecting residential and non-residential properties from flooding and subsequent damage.

Site investigation works took place towards the end of 2024, which included a geophysical survey of the Arklow Town Marsh and the excavation of slit trenches along South Quay, the Harbour area, Harbour Road, and Bridge Street.

Following a query from Cllr Peir Leonard at the July meeting of Wicklow County Council, director of services Theresa O’ Brien said the project is moving towards a tender process.

“The flood protection scheme has its permission, so it won't be coming back before the Council. Full permission has been received for that.”

Cllr Leonard asked if it could come back before councillors to have a look at the plans before they go out to tender for the design stage.

Her request comes after a planning application was submitted to build a new public boardwalk/bridge for pedestrians and cyclists across Arklow marsh and the Avoca River to the Arklow Riverwalk.

It forms part of a wider application to build a new 666 housing development on a site in Kilbride that includes a local centre, crèche, and 999 car parking spaces.

The bridge element across the river will be constructed atop the concrete columns permitted as part of the scheme.

Cllr Leonard said the bridge will play an important part in connecting the northern part of the town to the heart of the Main Street.

“It will bring much needed footfall for local traders.” she added.