Working alongside lead consultant, Cronin Millar Consulting Engineers, we were appointed to progress the development of coastal protection works to the beach and promenade areas of Lahinch, Co. Clare.
- Client Clare County Council
- Location Lahinch, County Clare
- Partners Cronin Millar Consulting Engineers
EirEco Environmental Consultants
Supporting the delivery of improved sea defences through coastal engineering expertise and community engagement
Following extensive flooding in 2014, the Lahinch Coastal Protection Scheme was developed to conserve human life and protect public facilities and private properties. Working alongside the lead consultant, we provided a range of design and planning services to enhance the existing defences.
Due to the scale of the improvements needed the project was split into two distinct phases, with Phase 1 focusing on developing the defences along the promenade area of the seafront. This required a full examination of existing defences, which allowed us to identify where new defences would be required and where existing defences could be repaired or enhanced.
As a result of the examinations, we were able to recommend a range of measures to improve the defences. This included re-building the existing boulder revetment, upgrading access steps, repairing the existing sea wall and creating ramp points at four locations along the promenade.
The second phase of the project saw the improved defences extend past the promenade and included the construction of a new rock armour revetment. Key to this phase was also the reinstatement of a cliff face where slippage had occurred, as well as an investigation of the surface water drainage system of a primary road, which discharged at the cliff.
More than 30,000 tonnes of rock armour was sourced from local suppliers to repair existing defences and create the new rock armour revetment.
Raising awareness of increased resilience
Effective stakeholder engagement formed a key part of the Lahinch Coastal Protection Scheme, with the project delivery team collaborating with local businesses and representative groups throughout. This included regular engagement events to highlight the appropriate level of defences required, the impact the proposed scheme would have on the beach and the long-term benefits the improved defences would provide.