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South Dublin County Council (SDCC) has launched a new guide for a sustainable approach to managing surface water while enhancing the natural landscape of South Dublin County.
The 'Sustainable Drainage Explanatory, Design and Evaluation Guide 2022' was launched in Sean Walsh Park, Tallaght by the Mayor of South Dublin County, Cllr Peter Kavanagh, SDCC Chief Executive, Daniel McLoughlin, Teresa Walsh, Director of Services for Environment, Water and Climate Change and other staff members of the Council.
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) is a way of managing rainfall and surface water that mimics drainage processes found in nature and address the issues with traditional surface water drainage. The guide aims to help create multi-functional spaces that manage the water quantity, water quality, help promote biodiversity and provide better amenity to all.
Traditional surface water management involved hard engineered ‘grey’ solutions such as pipes and attenuation tanks to collect and quickly convey rainwater to the sewer network and ultimately the river network. This contributes to flooding and water pollution.
A SuDS is a flood management tool that provides cleaner water and can also be used as a means of making our towns and cities more attractive by enhancing the landscape. Examples of SuDS in the public realm include ponds and basins. Other systems, which can be incorporated into developments, include green roofs, permeable paving and rainwater harvesting.
To promote its use, South Dublin County Council developed a SuDS Explanatory, Design and Evaluation Guide for the County. This guidance document aims to improve consistency in applying SuDS for developments in South Dublin County and to promote a greater understanding and collaborative approach to design. This document will guide everyone involved in developing projects in the County to create sustainable developments.
The development and promotion of SuDS and other nature-based solutions form part of SDCC’s Climate Change Action Plan 2019-2024. The Climate Change Action Plan includes over 130 climate initiatives and is recognised as a key enabler of ongoing public sector leadership, in implementing and influencing climate action in South Dublin County.
