WORK is progressing at three multi-million pound flood protection schemes in North Ayrshire as the area prepares to lessen the impact of climate change.
The projects include the £48 million Millport flood protection scheme, on the Isle of Cumbrae, which was started last spring and is progressing well on the construction of an offshore breakwater.
Van Oord UK Ltd, with support from Mackley Civil Engineering, is leading the project with Turner & Townsend managing the project on behalf of North Ayrshire Council, with support from the principal designer Royal Haskoning DHV.
Work also started last summer on the creation of revetments elsewhere in the area. The slopes will absorb wave energy to help reduce coastal erosion at Kelburn Street, Millburn Street, and Clyde Street in Cumbrae. Installation of onshore flood walls is also ongoing.
Further to this, the Millburn flood alleviation scheme, in Millport, is to be tendered in 2024 and will be constructed in 2025.
These projects follow on from the successful completion of the Upper Garnock Valley Flood Protection Scheme, which has seen the creation of a flood storage dam. This will retain water during periods of high flow to reduce flood risk downstream while leaving the river’s flow unaffected at other times, the local authority said.
The dam – named Robin Dam in a public vote – combined with flood defence walls and embankments, will increase flood protection for the community in an area that has a history of flooding, it added.
The scheme included works in Kilbirnie, Glengarnock, Dalry and is now complete – with only minor remedial and landscaping works still to be done, and these are scheduled for spring. It was delivered by contractor McLaughlin & Harvey on behalf of the council and the Scottish Government.
Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for green environment and economy at North Ayrshire Council, said, “It is encouraging to see the progress that has been made at both the flood protection schemes on Cumbrae, and the one in the Garnock Valley.
“Due to climate change, we are expecting to experience more severe flooding across Scotland, and these projects are vital to help protect communities against risks associated with coastal erosion and flooding.”
