Flood fears subside as dock gates completed
A NEW flood protection scheme aimed at preventing a repeat of the disastrous 2002 flooding in the East Wall is now in place.
The works are part of the €7m Spencer Dock Restoration project. New flood gates complete a programme of protection started following the "unprecedented" tidal flooding of February 2002.
Lord Mayor Eibhlin Byrne, today unveiled a plaque to mark the completion of the new flood works -- which could bring an insurance bonus for homeowners already paying a loading because of the floods.
Resist
"The East Wall area was badly affected by the 2002 floods and the Spencer Dock measures have been designed to provide flood protection to nationally recognised standards and include provision for foreseeable climate changes in sea level," the City Council said.
The restoration project is unique in Ireland and includes the one-lock complex: flood protection gates (known as 'sector' gates) and navigation gates (called 'mitre' gates).
"The flood protection feature of sector gates is that they're able to resist high tide levels coming from the sea and provide a barrier to a repeat of the February 2002 flooding," a spokesperson said.
"The final phase of the works will involve the commissioning of the navigation channel and dock at Spencer Dock."
The Lord Mayor said flooding had been a problem in the past in the heart of Dublin city, particularly in the East Wall area.
Leading
"This flood gate will protect the people who live and work here," she said.
"Dublin is leading the way by having the first coastal flood-warning system in Ireland."
The original Spencer Dock Sea Lock was completed in 1873, but fell into disuse during the mid-1900s. Current works on the site include the installation of new inner lock gates and repairs to the historic walls around the Sea Lock.
Tom Leahy, executive manager of engineering, said: "The opening of this scheme represents an important milestone in protecting communities and delivering flood protection."
mlavery@herald.ie
- Michael Lavery
