As our climate changes, the number of heavy rainfall events is increasing. With this the threat of extreme flooding in the County is also increasing. To help reduce the risk of flooding, water pollution, and biodiversity loss in South Dublin, the local authority is using Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS).

SuDS work by holding rainwater back, treating pollution contained within, and releasing it slowly without overwhelming the watercourse or sewer system into which it flows. 

A SuDS Working Group was established within the Council, a key output of which has been the development of the Sustainable Drainage Explanatory Design and Evaluation Guide. The guide supports the Council’s County Development Plan 2022-2028 to ensure SuDS are incorporated into future development in the County. The guide includes advice for multiple SuDS solutions, including using tree pits for water attenuation in the public realm.

To complement this guide, a SuDS Householder’s Guide has been developed dedicated to solutions for around the home, and a supporting video for the householder’s guide has also been prepared.

To support the incorporation of SuDS into new developments, dedicated training has been delivered to Council staff. A workshop for external developers, engineers, and landscape designers involved in SuDS design is also slated for delivery.