Flood Risk Assessment in Kerry
Expert flood risk assessments for planning applications throughout County Kerry. From Tralee and Killarney to Killorglin, Listowel and the Atlantic coast, we assess river, lake and coastal flood risk for developments of every scale.
Get a Quote or call 087 417 3832 or WhatsAppIf we can’t answer, please leave a message or send a WhatsApp — we’ll get back to you.Do I need a Flood Risk Assessment for planning in Kerry?
Yes, if your site is in or near Flood Zone A or B, or Kerry County Council has requested flood risk information at Further Information stage. The Kerry County Development Plan 2022–2028 and its Strategic Flood Risk Assessment apply the 2009 Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines, so applications in or near flood zones need a site-specific FRA proportionate to the risk. In Kerry that usually means river and tidal flooding in Tralee, lake and river flooding in Killarney, the Laune at Killorglin, the Feale at Listowel, and Atlantic coastal flooding.
Flood Risk Assessment for Kerry Planning Applications
If you're submitting a planning application to Kerry County Council and your site is in or near a flood zone, you'll need a Flood Risk Assessment that satisfies the requirements of the Kerry County Development Plan 2022-2028 and the Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines.
Kerry combines river, lake and Atlantic coastal flood risk. In Tralee the Big River, River Lee and Ballybeggan River interact with tidal levels in Tralee Bay, and Kerry County Council's SFRA records flooding there in 1973, 1986 and 2009. Lough Leane and the River Flesk shape flood risk in Killarney, the River Laune runs through Killorglin, and the River Feale affects Listowel. Coastal settlements from Castlemaine Harbour to Fenit, Ballyheigue and Cahersiveen are exposed to tidal flooding.
- Big River, River Lee and Ballybeggan River (Tralee)
- River Flesk and Lough Leane (Killarney)
- River Laune (Killorglin)
- River Feale and Clieveragh stream (Listowel)
- Coastal sites at Castlemaine Harbour, Fenit, Ballyheigue and Cahersiveen
What's Included
Every FRA we complete for Kerry sites includes:
Stage 1, 2 & 3 Assessments
Proper methodology using OPW flood mapping and modelling data. Where data is limited or outdated, we undertake bespoke hydraulic modelling (1D/2D HEC-RAS).
Coastal & Lake Analysis
OPW coastal flood data for Atlantic and harbour sites, and lake level analysis for Lough Leane, with climate change allowances.
FFL Comparison
Your proposed finished floor levels compared against design flood levels plus freeboard.
Development Plan Compliance
Explicit demonstration of compliance with Kerry County Development Plan flood risk policies.
Further Information Requests
Received an FI request from Kerry County Council asking for flood risk information? We regularly handle urgent FI responses for Kerry sites. Typical turnaround is 7–10 working days — often faster for straightforward sites.
Key Documents for Kerry Flood Risk Assessments
Every FRA we prepare for a Kerry site is assessed against the development plan and Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) of the relevant planning authority, the national flood risk guidelines, and the latest OPW flood data:
Kerry County Council
- Kerry County Development Plan 2022–2028 (as varied)
- Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, Kerry County Development Plan 2022–2028 (Rev C)
- Tralee Municipal District Settlement Plan – Strategic Flood Risk Assessment
National guidance and flood data
- The Planning System and Flood Risk Management – Guidelines for Planning Authorities (DoEHLG & OPW, November 2009)
- The Planning System and Flood Risk Management – Technical Appendices (November 2009)
- Circular PL 2/2014 – Flooding Guidelines (revised Section 5.28 on minor development)
- OPW Flood Maps – floodinfo.ie (CFRAM, NIFM and NCFHM flood mapping)
- OPW / gov.ie – Clieveragh, Listowel flood relief works officially opened
Links open the official source documents. Development plans are periodically varied, so we always check the current version and any variation SFRA when preparing your report.
Kerry Flood Risk Assessment FAQs
How often has Tralee flooded?
Kerry County Council's SFRA records significant flooding in Tralee in December 1973, August 1986 and November 2009, including at Ballymullen. The Tralee Flood Relief Scheme is in design: a Dáil reply in April 2025 said the planning submission was expected in Q4 2026. Until defences are built, Tralee sites must be assessed against current fluvial and tidal flood levels.
Are lakeside sites in Killarney at risk?
Yes. The SFRA records that high Lough Leane levels in November 2009 flooded the Lake Hotel, and the River Flesk and River Deenagh add river flood risk in the town. Lakeside FRAs consider recorded lake levels, the OPW flood mapping and climate change allowances, as well as how long flooding lasts and whether access stays open.
What about Killorglin and the River Laune?
The SFRA notes that the Laune overtopped its banks in Killorglin in January 2014. Sites near the river need assessment against OPW design flood levels, and where the river is tidal, against the combined fluvial and tidal scenario.
Can I get planning permission in Flood Zone A in Kerry?
Possibly. Under the 2009 Guidelines, highly vulnerable development such as housing in Flood Zone A must pass the Development Management Justification Test, and Kerry County Council will expect a site-specific FRA to show the development, its occupants and its access are safe without increasing flood risk elsewhere. Minor development such as small extensions, small-scale infill and changes of use is treated differently under Circular PL 2/2014: the Justification Test does not apply, but a commensurate flood risk assessment is still required.
How long does a Flood Risk Assessment take in Kerry?
Typically 7–10 working days from instruction for a Stage 2 assessment, and often faster for straightforward sites. If Kerry County Council has issued a Further Information request with a deadline, tell us when you get in touch and we will prioritise it. Stage 3 assessments with hydraulic modelling take longer and are scoped per site.
Need an FRA for a Kerry Site?
Send us your site address and we'll provide a fixed-price quote, typically within 24 hours.
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