View of Glass Floodwall at Adelphi Quay in Waterford City

‘As the first flood relief scheme to use glass, the kilometre of glass wall is truly fitting for the ‘Noblest Quay in Europe’ and for a city with a strong association with glass’ said Mayor of Waterford City, Cllr. Mary Roche, reflecting on how the city remains the world centre for the manufacture of the trademark Waterford Glass.

RPS was involved in all aspects of this scheme from the early stages which included; the preparing the preliminary report for the OPW in 2001 under the title John’s River (Waterford City) Flood Relief Scheme; the Environmental Impact Statement in 2002; Public Exhibition in 2002; and the phasing study which divided the scheme into 4 separate phases (Report on Potential for Phasing of Works in 2004).

In 2007, the Waterford City entered into a formal agreement with the OPW to deliver the scheme in Phases on behalf of the OPW. It was agreed by all involved that the quay in Waterford was unique and continued connectivity with the river was important. Any flood defences proposed could not impede the views of the River Suir. From this principle the concept of a glass wall was born.

RPS was responsible for the design of a glass floodwall that would withstand loadings from flood events up to the 200yr return period but would also aesthetically enhance the existing quays. RPS researched similar glass floodwalls around the world and organised a delegation from Waterford City Council and the Office of Public Works to visit a number of sites in Germany where glass floodwalls had been constructed. RPS then designed a glass floodwall appropriate to the conditions and locations in Waterford City.

View of Glass Floodwall at Merchant’s Quay in Waterford City.

Flood Defences on Scotch Quay in Waterford City

Contact:
Gavin O’Donovan, Associate
E: gavin.odonovan@rpsgroup.com