Wicklow County Council Appoints Ayesa to progress The Detailed Design and Construction of the Arklow Flood Relief Scheme

Ayesa leads the next important phase in this major scheme

 
PIC: L-R: Councillor Aoife Flynn Kennedy, (Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council), Senator Pat Casey, Minister Simon Harris, Cllr Tommy Annesley, Michael Looby (Ayesa), Patrick O'Donovan T.D, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works and Emer O'Gorman (Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council) at the signing of the consultants contract for the Arklow Flood Relief Flood Scheme.

• Wicklow County Council appoints Ayesa as the lead consultant to progress the detailed design and construction of the Arklow Flood Relief scheme, located in County Wicklow, Ireland
  
  
• The scheme includes a 57 million euro capital investment to enhance flood protection for Arklow town with approximately 14,000 citizens and businesses
  
  
• This scheme is part of the government's National Development Plan 2040 to deliver 1.3 billion euros for flood relief to protect approximately 23,000 properties in threatened communities from river and coastal flood risk.

Link to News Release: Monday 18 December 2023.
Ayesa, an international provider of engineering services, is delighted to announce its appointment to the Arklow Flood Relief Scheme to progress the tendering and construction phase of this scheme.  Ayesa will continue to assist  WCC (Wicklow County Council) and the Office of Public Works (OPW) to advance the scheme to the construction phase. For 18 years, Ayesa has worked as an engineering consultant on the Arklow Flood Relief Scheme, providing vital engineering services including cost-benefit analysis, planning stage design, and contributing to the preparation of the EIAR (Environmental Impact Assessment Report).  Now the project is advancing to the construction phase and Ayesa will lead this delivery.

Last week, Wicklow County Council and Ayesa signed the contract, and in attendance were local councillors, members of Wicklow County Council, the Minister of State Patrick O’Donovan, T.D., The Minister for Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science Simon Harris, and the Director of Ayesa, Michael Looby. 

The Arklow Flood Relief Scheme includes an investment of 57m euros funded by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and is being overseen by Wicklow County Council (WCC). This Flood Scheme addresses the historical impact of recurring flood events and the escalating risks posed by climate change, sediment transport, and other contributing factors. This Scheme is part of a 1.3 billion euro investment committed by the Irish Government in the National Development Plan to protect approximately 23,000 properties in threatened communities from river and coastal flood risks through 2030.

The Arklow Flood Relief Scheme encompasses a comprehensive set of measures, including constructing flood defences, embankments, and improvements to the Avoca River. Ayesa is responsible for designing a scheme to withstand both fluvial and tidal flood events, and it involves strategic modifications such as dredging, bridge adjustments, and the installation of roosting platforms to enhance the overall resilience of the town.
Read more about the Project here. This scheme will benefit 637 homes and 141 businesses in the town that have been exposed to flooding events over the past two decades and will also provide multiple benefits such as property protection, infrastructure preservation, maintenance of the Avoca River that flows through the town, and community health & safety.

Michael Looby, Director at Ayesa said: “Flood relief schemes are complex endeavours that require a multidisciplinary understanding of both engineering principles and the unique challenges posed by environmental factors. With our proven track record in successfully delivering major flood schemes, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute our extensive experience and expertise to this crucial infrastructure development. We are committed to a resilient and adaptive flood relief scheme that addresses current challenges and anticipates future impacts of climate change. We look forward to collaborating with Wicklow County council and the Office of Public Works to bring this crucial project to fruition, ensuring the safety and protection of the Arklow community.”

Minister Donovan stated: "This is an important investment for the town, and when complete, will protect some 637 residential and 141 commercial properties. Residents and business people in Arklow can be assured that my office and Wicklow County Council will continue to work closely together with Ayesa to progress this scheme through the design stage to construction.

//ENDS

The main goals and advantages of the proposed Scheme are:

1. Flood Relief: The scheme aims to implement measures along the River Avoca and estuary to mitigate flooding and provide relief.

2. Property Protection: It seeks to safeguard both residential and non-residential properties from flooding and subsequent damage.

3. Infrastructure Preservation: The scheme aims to shield utility services from the adverse effects of flooding, ensuring their continued functionality.

4. Community Health and Safety: By offering direct protection against flooding and minimizing stress and anxiety, particularly in high flood-risk areas, the scheme aims to enhance the overall health and safety of the community.

5. Disruption Reduction: The scheme aims to minimize the disruptions caused by flood events, including evacuations and traffic diversions.

6. Environmental Pollution Mitigation: It seeks to decrease the risk of environmental pollution, specifically addressing issues like hydrocarbon runoff from flooded areas.

7. Basis for Maintenance: The scheme provides a foundation for the proper maintenance of the Avoca River at Arklow, ensuring its ongoing health and functionality.