13/05/2026
We launched our Sustainable Urban Drainage guidance booklet today at the Rockfield Community Garden Open Day, Blackrock.
The new booklet helps homeowners manage rainwater at home reducing flood risk, improving water quality and supporting nature-based solutions.
Simple steps like permeable paving and rainwater butts can make a real difference 🌱
This guidance document encourages residents to develop natural rainwater and flood management measures to mimic natural drainage processes. It also sets out the requirements for the use of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) in planning applications and supporting the County Development Plan’s objectives by reducing flood risk, improving water quality and promoting nature-based solutions at household level.
Speaking at the launch, Councillor Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said:
“I am delighted to launch the booklet on Sustainable Urban Drainage for Extensions and Single Houses, which provides guidance for residents on how to capture rainfall, and slow the release of this water into the drainage network or reuse it around their property. Simple measures, such as installing permeable paving or using rainwater butts, can make a meaningful difference in how we manage rainfall at home. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in its development.”
Gerry Concannon, Senior Engineer, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Water Services Department added:
“With climate change bringing heavier rainfall across the county and placing increasing pressure on the county’s drainage network, we all have a role to play in managing rainwater more sustainably. This guidance document gives homeowners clear, practical steps on how they can incorporate SuDS and nature-based solutions when building or extending their homes, helping to reduce flood risk and improve climate resilience within their communities.”
Find out more on our website: https://www.dlrcoco.ie/news/general-news/guidance-sustainable-drainage-homes-and-extensions
