Enhancing Urban and Rural Flood Resilience Through Sustainable Drainage Systems

Ireland has seen a massive increase in rainfall and flooding events in recent years, highlighting the need for effective surface water management and resilient design strategies. This one-day training course provides a practical, up-to-date understanding of how SuDS can be effectively planned, designed and delivered in Ireland in the context of recent flooding events, climate change pressures and evolving policy requirements. Attendees will gain clear technical insights into how SuDS reduces flood risk, improves water quality and enhances public spaces, whilst also learning how to meet current Irish planning and regulatory expectations. Through real Irish case studies, worked technical examples and cross-disciplinary discussion the course will equip professionals with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions, strengthen development resilience, and deliver drainage solutions that perform under todays and future rainfall conditions

All attendees will receive a full course pack to refer to and will have the benefit of learning from a trainer with a wealth of experience in this area.

Course Content

Introduction

• National climate and flooding trends and why SuDS matters now – recent events and adaption context
• Irish flood risk priorities and policy drivers

SuDS Philosophy, Roles and Benefits

• What is SuDS: principles and philosophy
• Comparison with conventional drainage systems
• The management train and integration across catchment scales
• Multi-benefit outcomes: flood reduction, water quality, biodiversity, amenity, climate resilience

Irish Policy and Guidance for SuDS Implementation

• Current regulatory and planning framework in Ireland - Planning acts, development plans, climate adaptation initiatives
• Regional guidelines
• Changes in EU legislation in relation to SuDS/Ecology
• Expected updates in guidance and mandatory requirements in 2026

Technical Design Principles

• Core hydrological concepts: runoff, infiltration, conveyance
• The four pillars of SuDS design and implementation
• Types of SuDS features:
  
  • Infiltration features
  • Bioretention systems
  • Detention basins, ponds & wetlands
  • Permeable pavements, swales, green roofs
  • Trees and vegetative controls
• Linking design intent to performance outcomes
• How different SuDS types perform under Irish climatic and soil conditions

Hydraulic Calculation & Climate Change Integration

• Runoff estimation and sizing storage volumes
• Surface water calculations
• Flow control devices and exceedance pathways
• Incorporating climate change allowances into design
• Practical worked examples or software-assisted illustration

Case Studies & Lessons learned from Recent Irish Flood Events

• Examples of SuDS in parks, streetscapes and developments
• Retrofitting SuDS into existing infrastructure
• How to Design SuDS to manage intense rainfall and urban runoff
• Barriers to implementation and mitigation strategies

Group Workshop / Scenario Planning

• Risk evaluation – select appropriate SuDS measures
• Outline a concept design / identify constraint

Who Should Attend?

This course will be highly beneficial to anyone involved in flood management including local authorities, engineers, roads and infrastructure departments, flood risk management officers, water services engineers, climate action officers, parks & public realm engineers, maintenance & operations staff, planners and policy professionals, urban design officers, policy advisors, climate adaption specialists, civil and drainage engineers, hydrologist / hydraulic modellers, infrastructure designers, environmental specialists, housing departments and technicians to name a few.

Certification

On completion of this one-day training course, you will receive your Certificate of Attendance. Please note certificates are issued at the close of the training course to participants on completion of the course.

This course may qualify for CPD points. Please check directly with your association or awarding body to see how many points they will award.

Cost

An ‘Early Bird’ discounted rate of €499 is currently available. This training course normal rate is €599. Places are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis. PLEASE NOTE THE EARLY BIRD RATE CLOSES 3 WEEKS PRIOR TO COURSE DATE. The course cost includes all course documentation and Certificate of Attendance.