Over the past 6 months JBA Ireland have been advising on compliance with EU directives and strategies of flood scheme funding applications from Hungarian Authorities.  The two schemes have now been approved for EC funding contributions of €145 million to reduce flood risk to over 130,000 people whilst making space for the river.   The Tisza river is a major tributary of the Danube and has historically been straightened and disconnected from its wide floodplain by continuous flood levees that have been built up over time.  The projects in the Upper and Middle Tisza will reduce flood levels though improved conveyance of the river corridor and reinstatement of floodplain areas through controlled flooding.

The two projects are:

• Project 1: Tisza Floodplain: Improving Conveyance Capacity of the High-water Riverbed between the Railway Bridge at Szolnok and Kiskore
• Project 2: The Construction of IVP Upper-Tisza Flood Protection System, Tisza-Tur Reservoir

"Thanks a lot for your assistance – it was really needed and very professional!!!", is the feedback from our client at JASPERS (the Joint Assistance to Support Projects in European Regions unit of the European Investment Bank.

The EU’s largest investments for the benefit of regions and citizens

The EU cohesion funds are aimed at delivering investment in capital projects across European Regions and different sectors of the economy.  The project will deliver flood protection, resilience to climate change, opportunities for biodiversity and local jobs in the construction phase.  JBAs role has been to help advise and build capacity to develop major infrastructure projects that are consistent with EU directives and strategies.  This requires both detailed working knowledge of the Water Framework Directive, Habitats Directive, EIAR directives.  

These projects can now proceed and reduce flood risk to communities, industry and agriculture, boosting the regional economy and wellbeing.

Further details can be found here.