Tetra Tech contributed to the design of flood relief infrastructure in Skibbereen to enhance resilience and protect the community.
We were appointed by Cork County Council to undertake an engineering and environmental assessment to develop a flood relief scheme to manage tidal and fluvial flood risk from the River Ilen and its tributaries in the market town of Skibbereen.
The flood relief scheme commenced construction in June 2016 and was completed in early 2019.
Challenge
Skibbereen has suffered considerably from a long history of flooding; most significantly two major events in 2009. During this event over 120 residential properties and more than 70 businesses, schools, care centres, public buildings and sporting facilities were flooded.
This project required tidal and fluvial flood prevention work on the River Ilen and on three tributaries flowing through Skibbereen—the Caol, Assolas, and Glencurragh.
There were technical challenges around:
- Hydraulic modelling was required to determine design flood levels.
- Geotechnical conditions provided engineering challenges
- Construction in close proximity to existing buildings
- Stakeholder engagement with businesses, property owners, and statutory bodies
Solution
We were responsible for the planning, design, environmental assessment, and project delivery of all aspects of this project on a phased basis.
Following a comprehensive hydro-logical and hydraulic modelling, environmental, and engineering assessment a flood relief scheme which includes flood walls, embankments, culverts, minor river regrading works, storm water pumping stations was recommended.
Upon completion, the Flood Relief Scheme delivered a 200-year flood prevention scheme for Cork County Council. Providing protection for more than 300 homes and business in Skibbereen and the surrounding areas.
At a glance
Client
Cork County Council
Location
Cork, Ireland
Services
Consents, construction supervision, contract administration, design safety coordination, detailed engineering design, environmental impact assessment, flood risk assessment, hydrological and hydraulic assessment, project management, public consultation, river engineering, structural design
The project featured in this article was undertaken by RPS, A Tetra Tech Company and originally published on RPSgroup.com. In March 2026 RPS rebranded to Tetra Tech.