Dundee City Council Press Releases

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Flood Studies

A £150,000 study that will look at ways to protect Dundee from flooding in the next 50 years is to be considered by councillors next week.

Members of the planning and transport committee will be told that a recent investigation found that while there are no immediate dangers, a combination of global warming, coastal erosion and deteriorating or ineffective protection measures could leave parts of the city vulnerable.

Committee convener, Fraser Macpherson said: "This report, which was completed before the most recent heavy rains hit the city, is the first in-depth look at how various factors could impact on the Tay Estuary up to 2057.

"It would be reckless and irresponsible of us to simply leave the protection of Dundee to future generations and not spend time and money now commissioning a report that will tell us what we can do to ensure the safety and continued prosperity of parts of our city.

"That duty of care extends to two projects that we have also started now, and members will also be updated on them at the committee."

City council engineers have recommended work at the sea wall at Riverside Drive and adjacent to the new Douglas Terrace/Stannergate walkway after investigations showed serious damage and erosion.

Dundee Contract Services are already at work in Riverside Drive on £82,000 worth of repairs to the retaining wall, while contractors Torith, who have been working on the improvements to the walkway for more than a year, will carry out work to build the new sea wall at Douglas Terrace/Stannergate.

The river is attacking the natural sea defences in the area, and experts are concerned that if these are breached the new walkway and other parts of the shore could be inundated.

More than £300,000 will be spent on the emergency works to build the new sea defences.

If councillors approve the study at their meeting on Monday (September 8) it will look at what needs to be protected and the cost and environmental impact of doing so.

Bids for the cash to fund any future flood defence schemes for Dundee will have to be made to the Scottish Government.