Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2026
55. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the reason for the repeated and extended closure of St. Enda's Park Rathfarnham during routine weather events; when flood alleviation works will be completed in the park will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10804/26]
View answerSt Enda’s National Historic Park, managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW), is a significant designed landscape that includes notable water features and a collection of small ornamental garden buildings and follies linked by a network of picturesque pathways.
The Whitechurch stream that flows through St. Enda’s lies in a steep-sided valley and is a ‘spate river’ fed by rain rather than groundwater. It has a highly variable flow, rising and falling rapidly in response to rainfall. The river floods regularly and this can result in unsafe conditions for visitors.
The Park was significantly impacted by flooding during the recent storm Chandra. The Whitechurch river, already at or above bank-full conditions due to a very wet start to the year, rose significantly causing the banks to overflow. Soils were saturated and waterlogged throughout the Park and pathways were damaged. Flooding risks remained high for a number of days as the heavy rain continued to fall on already saturated ground.
OPW site-management monitored the situation daily and responded to weather conditions by securing the Park and being mindful of public safety whilst adhering to the National Emergency Coordination Group alerts and advice.
Repair works on the pathways and clearance of debris at the river and lake banks were commenced as soon as possible in order to be able to reopen the park safely. I am pleased to say that the Park reopened on Saturday 7 February after much dedicated effort by the site team.
In relation to the Whitechurch Stream Flood Alleviation Scheme (FAS) that commenced construction in Q1 2023, I am informed that works are due to be completed by the end of this year, with removal of the construction site compound at St Enda's shortly thereafter.
Updates on the Whitechurch Stream FAS are published by South Dublin County Council at: www.whitechurchfas.ie/
Question No. 56 answered with Question No. 17.
