Upper River Fergus (Ennis) Certified Flood Scheme
Client: Office of Public Works
Services Provided: Design of Flood Alleviation Scheme for the Town of Ennis. Data Collection and Analysis. Public Consultation. Public Launch and exhibition of the scheme.
Project Value: €26 million in total / Upper Scheme tender €7m
Principal Features: The options considered included: (i) Augment the capacity of the Fergus Minor (ii) Upstream Storage (iii) Floodplain Storage from Gaurus to Clarecastle or (iv) Conveyance through the town of Ennis. The latter option was recommended. The Cost Benefit Analysis has calculated the Cost Benefit Ratio on completion of both phases as 1:11.
The scheme is to be implemented in two phases, the River Fergus Upper (Ennis) Certified Drainage Scheme and the River Fergus Lower (Ennis) Certified Drainage Scheme. The Upper scheme is currently under construction (April 2008 - March 2009). The scope of the Upper scheme includes 830m of RC river walls, rehabilitation of Mill weir sluices, surface water pumping station (3,600 l/s), 2.1x1.2m RC culvert and interceptor sewers. The Lower scheme is moving to detailed design and includes RC walls, surface water pumping stations, interceptor sewers and earth embankments.
An Environmental Impact Statement for the scheme was prepared in accordance with the EC (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations, 1989 to 1999. Impacts and mitigation measures were identified. There has been significant liaison with various organizations to ensure the highest environmental standards are being implemented during the construction phase of the Upper scheme including the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board, the NPWS and DEHLG Archaeology/underwater archaeology.
The scheme is to be implemented using the powers of the 1945 Arterial Drainage Act and amendments.
Note: Scheme carried out in conjunction with WYG and NUI Galway