Waterford city’s quays are about to get an attractive glass wall, a new walkway and other landscape features as part of a major flood protection programme which has just begun in the heart of the city.
Seasonal flooding problems along Waterford city quays are set to become a thing of the past, much to the relief of motorists parking in the area, city traders and residents.
The first phase of the flood protection works have just got underway at the Tower Hotel end of the Quay. This has seen works commence on the River Suir itself. The programme includes the replacement of the existing railings along the south quays with a transparent floodwall which will be just under a kilometre in length and 1.1 metres in height.
The flood wall will feature a combination of masonry walls and glass with earth embankments on John’s River to Hardy’s Bridge. The protection works will also see the construction of new reinforced concrete plinths and changes to existing concrete plinths on the existing quay edge to support the new glass flood walls.
Access ramps
Further sections of reinforced concrete flood walls will be added on the existing quay edge and there will be reinforced concrete access ramps at various locations.
The programme of works also sees the introduction of eight flood gates at various points throughout the scheme and the development of a new pedestrian walkway alongside John’s River.
A new flood embankment will also be added on the bank of the John’s River while the existing storm water drainage works will be significantly upgraded and improved.
The programme now underway was first mooted in a preliminary report in April 2001, according to Waterford City Council Assistant Engineer, Maura Fitzgerald.
“We are delighted that the works have begun. Phase one will see the replacement of the existing railings along the south quays of the River Suir with a transparent floodwall/glass panel system and works on John’s River to Hardy’s Bridge. Works at Scotch Quay and Waterside will follow towards the end of this year and plans for phases two and three are currently being advanced.”
The Mayor, Cllr Jack Walsh, is glad to see the works commence. “As well as improving our flood defences at previously vulnerable locations, the overall scheme will improve the attractiveness of our quays and help us take more advantage of the amenity that having more than a kilometre of river frontage in our city centre offers,” he said.
