MORE THAN 1,000 Dublin properties were flooded during “monster rainfall” conditions that occurred in October, according to an interim report by Dublin City Council.
The report described as “a very unusual occurrence” rainfall of 60 to 90mm that occurred between 4pm and 10pm on October 24th last. The volume of rainwater meant the drainage network filled, became surcharged and did not allow further flows into the system. The volume of rainwater falling on paved areas swept all debris including leaves into the gullies, which became blocked.
There was also a two-weekly high tide recorded at Alexandra Basin at virtually the same time as the peak river flow.
The report said there was a delay in closing the tidal floodgates located at Londonbridge Road, Lansdowne village and Newbridge Avenue “as difficulties were encountered in retrieving the locking pins which were stored in a kiosk adjacent to the Aviva Stadium”.
The floodgates were closed at roughly 10pm while two demountable flood barriers located on the stadium side of the river were erected about half an hour later.
Dublin city’s drainage division has reviewed its protocol for closure of these gates.
The council received 1,008 reports of property flooding and 318 of significant road flooding.