Flood Risk Assessment Ireland
Flood risk and Climate change are prominent modern topics. Often causing significant damage and in some cases loss of life, it is imperative that pragmatic and safe solutions be provided to match existing developments and patterns.
Flood risk assessment enables considered designs to be formulated to mitigate flooding risk.
What Is a Flood Risk Assessment?
Flood risks present significant constraints on existing and new developments. In extreme cases, planning blight can prevent much needed improvements to facilities in existing settlements leading to urban decay. The consequences of flooding can be severe and present significant risks to people and property. In recent years, despite advance warning, large flood events have occurred with increased severity and significantly increases in financial loss.
The prime objective of a FRA, Flood Risk Assessment (England) or FCA, Flood Consequence Assessment (Wales) is a formal report which accompanies a planning application for a development. is to develop a full appreciation of the risks and consequences of flooding and demonstrate the development can be implemented with minimal risk to life and property, without increasing flood risk elsewhere.
Once a Flood Consequence Assessment has been undertaken, it can be used as part of a suitable planning application (if a favourable outcome is achieved) or can be used to target further specialised assessment, such as flood modelling, development iteration and discussions with stake holders and regulators.
Flood Zone Classification
Flood Risk Assessments will vary based on the topography and of the site along with the flood zone the site is situated in. The site is defined as greater or less than 1 hectare while Flood zones are classified as one of the following zones:
- Flood Zone 1 – 1 in 1000 or 0.1% or less annual probability of flooding
- Flood Zone 2 – 1 in 1000 or 0.1% to 1 in 100 (1%) annual probability of flooding
- Flood Zone 3 – More than a 1 in 100 (1%) annual probability of flooding
The Environment Agency and Local Authority Strategic Flood Risk Assessment provide information about the flood zone classification for a site.
For all sites (discounting highly vulnerable development in Zone 3) there needs to be a justification test, which includes:
- an assessment of the development, its impact, the potential consequences of flooding; and
- mitigating/supporting measures such as flood resilient design (see adjacent Insert courtesy of DEFRA);
- flood management plans;
- evacuation
Why Choose ESP As Your Flood Risk Consultants
We are experienced in providing such solutions and has influenced the applications of Government policy through input to appeals and public inquiry. Our projects have addressed flooding risks from rivers, culverts and the sea, ranging in scope from protection of individual houses to facilitating regional development schemes.
We have been producing Flood Consequences Assessment in Wales for over 15 years (see our Caerphilly Case Study) and have witnessed the evolution of the information and considerations required as part of these assessments.
We regularly work with stakeholders and regulators in order to approach developments in a practicable and safe way, whilst maintaining a pragmatic approach for our clients. Some of our previous FCA case studies can be found here.
Example Flood Risk Assessments Services Completed By ESP
For example previous site investigations works we have conducted please see some example projects via the links below.
TAN15 has recently been updated and you can find out more here. Example projects can be found on our Projects and Technical page.
A selected list of example projects can be found on our Projects and Technical page. If you have any questions or enquiries please contact us.
Our Flood Risk Assessment Services in Ireland
Earth Science Partnership proudly offers our full range of flood risk assessment services across Ireland and Northern Ireland. We have considerable experience working in the area and have completed works previously, or can offer our services in the following notable locations, among many more:
- Dublin
- Belfast
- Cork
- Limerick
- Galway
- Derry
- Newtonabbey
- Bangor
- Waterford
- Lisburn
- Drogheda
- Dundalk
- Swords
Author: Matthew Eynon, Director
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I am a UK Registered Ground Engineering Specialist and Chartered Engineering & Environmental Geologist with significant experience in Site Hazard Assessment, Remediation, Design, and Implementation across the Geoenvironmental and Geotechnical sectors in the UK and abroad. I often work in multi-disciplinary teams advising other engineering and design professionals on the implications of ground hazards. My work involves undertaking design, planning, management, and reporting of ground investigations, including investigations for new developments, and many bespoke studies including the assessment of hydrogeological settings, materials for earthworks, the impact of abandoned mine workings, remediation and stability assessment of soil and rock slopes/landslides, most notably the Pantteg Landslide in the Swansea Valley for which I have guided and presented assessments to Local Authority officers and the general public. |
Page Last Updated: 17th June 2024