The new flood gates complete a programme of flood protection which were started following the unprecedented tidal flooding in February 2002. The flooding followed the highest tide then, or yet, recorded (since 1923). The East Wall Area was one area which was badly affected by the February 2002 floods and the Spencer Dock measures have been designed to provide flood protection to nationally recognised standards and include provision for foreseeable climate changes in sea level.
The €7m Spencer Dock Restoration project was lead by Dublin City Council and promoted and funded by a consortium of stakeholders:
• Dublin City Council
• Dublin Docklands Development Authority
• Office of Public Works in conjunction with Waterways Ireland who will operate the Spencer Dock complex
The restoration project is unique in Ireland, containing, in the one lock complex:
• new flood protection gates (known as ‘sector’gates), and,
• new navigation gates (known as ‘mitre’ gates).
The flood protection feature of sector gates is that, being partially circular in plan, they are able to resist high tide levels coming from the sea and provide a barrier to a repeat of the February 2002 flooding. The final phase of the works will involve the commissioning of the navigational channel and lock at Spencer Dock.
Speaking at the ceremony the Lord Mayor said “I am delighted to be associated with the installation of these flood gates which form part of the Spencer Dock Restoration Project. Flooding has been a problem in the past in the heart of Dublin city, particularly in the Eastwall area and this flood gate will protect the people who live and work here. Dublin is leading the way by having the first coastal flood warning system in Ireland.”
Waterways Ireland Chief Executive John Martin commenting on the completion of this phase of the project said “I am delighted the sea lock on the Royal Canal is now operational. The re-opening of the Royal Canal is a large investment by Waterways Ireland. This partnership with Dublin City Council, the Office of Public Works and Dublin Docklands Development Authority has effectively delivered this phase of the project and we look forward to the reopening of the Royal Canal in 2010.”
Dublin City has built a nationally and internationally recognised centre of excellence in flood risk management. This work was co-funded through the European Union particularly through the SAFER project and the FloodResilienCity project. As a result of this European funding Dublin developed an innovative tidal surge early warning system and created active flood partnerships. The East Wall Area Flood Partnership, a key component of the SAFER Project, was the first commissioned flood partnership in Ireland.
The original Spencer Dock Sea Lock was completed in 1873, but fell into disuse in the mid 1900's. Current works on the site included the installation of new inner lock gates and repairs to the historic walls around the Sea Lock
Tom Leahy, Executive Manager Engineering, said, “The opening of this scheme represents an important milestone in protecting communities and delivering active flood protection for the city. We have worked with the Irish Insurance Industry and with the completion of this project we expect the removal of all exceptional loadings on insurance policies.”