How has the scheme been funded? The scheme is being funded by the OPW. As part of the Government’s National Development Plan 2018-2027, almost €1 billion has been committed to the investment into flood relief measures across the country.
What is the purpose of the scheme? The scheme will improve the standard of flood protection for Castlefinn to protect against the 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (1 in 100 year) fluvial (river) flood event.
How long will the flood relief scheme take to implement? It is scheduled to be completed in 2025, if you would like a full breakdown of the timescale please go to the ‘Timeframe‘ section of the website.
Will the scheme design be sympathetic the Castlefinn and Finn Valley landscape? – Incorporation into the existing landscape is being considered during all phases of the project. Where possible, grass embankments will be incorporated in the design, instead of hard defence structures (e.g. flood walls). Consideration will be given to incorporation of the existing railway embankment into flood defence scheme to minimise alterations to the landscape.
Will the scheme increase the risk of flooding in other places? No, this will be a key consideration in our design. We will consider the impacts on the downstream communities along the Finn and Foyle, rather than focusing only on the places that have flooded within Castlefinn, to ensure that any works completed as part of this a scheme do not increase the flood risk elsewhere.
Is the scheme still needed given flood defence works (embankment at the south east of the town) were completed in 2018?
The works completed in 2018 did not protect all properties in Castlefinn at risk from the design flood event of 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (1 in 100 year). New hydrological and hydraulic analysis will determine the current situation in relation to properties at risk and the measures considered to mitigate it. The analysis will consider the appropriateness and effectiveness of the completed works and whether additional works / measures are needed to provide the desired standard of protection over the design life of the scheme.
Am I at risk of flooding? You can view the flood maps on the OPW’s website to see the predicted flood extents for Castlefinn and other towns that were assessed as part of the CFRAM Study Area http://www.floodinfo.ie/. This website also includes details of flood events that have occurred in the past.
How will this affect the local environment? Environmental considerations are a high priority for the development of the Castlefinn FRS and environmental consultants (RPS) are key members of the project steering group. If you would like to view our full Environmental Study please click here.
How can I find out more about the study? We will be keeping this website updated with the latest news and details of forthcoming Public Consultation events. You can also use the ‘Contact us’ page to ask a question or provide feedback, or register to be emailed with project updates.
Who can help? The OPW provides advice for people whose properties and businesses are at risk of flooding. For more information, and to help you prepare, click here (link to https://www.opw.ie/en/floodriskmanagement/)