Flood mitigation study set to begin in county Waterford village

West Waterford councillor Donnchadh Mulcahy has welcomed the start of flood studies for West Street in Tallow.

The long-awaited works will require Waterford City and County Council to carry out a detailed flood investigation of West Street and the River Bride.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works Scheme last year.

“I have been engaging closely with the Council for some time on flooding issues in West Street, including previous works at the pinch point behind Cois Bríde, which required careful consultation with Parks & Wildlife and Inland Fisheries.

“These studies are an important next step in building on that work and in properly assessing what further measures may be needed to protect the area,” said Cllr Mulcahy.

Works were previously undertaken at a known pinch point behind the Cois Bríde area.

Constraints within the river channel had been identified.

The current OPW-supported studies are expected to examine a range of factors affecting flooding in the West Street area, including:

• Topographical and hydrological conditions along the River Bride. 
• Previous flood events affecting West Street River capacity, flow paths and remaining pinch points. 
• The influence of tidal conditions and surface water drainage Potential flood mitigation measures, subject to technical and environmental assessment. 
• Environmental and Appropriate Assessment screening, where required.

“While the works at this stage are investigative in nature, the findings will provide the technical evidence needed to guide future decisions on flood risk management and any further engagement with the OPW.

Once completed, the outcomes of the studies will help inform the next phase of flood mitigation planning for West Street, Tallow, ensuring that any future measures are evidence-based, proportionate and environmentally responsible,” said Cllr Mulcahy.