Flood Risk Assessment in Kildare
Expert flood risk assessments for planning applications throughout County Kildare. From the Liffey corridor through Celbridge and Newbridge to the Barrow at Athy, we've completed FRAs for residential, commercial, and agricultural developments across the county.
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 Kildare?
Yes, if your site is in or near Flood Zone A or B, or Kildare County Council has requested flood risk information at Further Information stage. The Kildare County Development Plan 2023–2029 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 Kildare that usually means the Liffey (Newbridge, Kilcullen, Celbridge, Leixlip), the Barrow (Athy, Monasterevin), and tributary streams in the commuter towns.
Flood Risk Assessment for Kildare Planning Applications
If you're submitting a planning application to Kildare 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 Kildare County Development Plan 2023-2029 and the Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines.
Kildare has significant flood risk from several river systems. The River Liffey flows through the north of the county affecting Celbridge, Leixlip, and surrounding areas. The River Barrow forms the western and southern boundary, with Athy being particularly flood-prone. Naas, Newbridge, and Maynooth have their own documented flood zones from tributary rivers and streams. With significant development pressure in the Dublin commuter belt, many Kildare sites require careful flood assessment.
- River Liffey corridor (Celbridge, Leixlip, Kilcullen)
- River Barrow catchment (Athy, Monasterevin)
- Naas town flood zones (Naas River tributaries)
- Newbridge and Curragh area flooding
- Urban infill in commuter towns
What's Included
Every FRA we complete for Kildare 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 Where data is limited or outdated, we undertake bespoke hydraulic modelling (1D/2D HEC-RAS).
Multi-Catchment Analysis
Assessment for sites affected by Liffey, Barrow, or tributary systems with appropriate hydraulic analysis.
FFL Comparison
Your proposed finished floor levels compared against design flood levels plus freeboard.
Development Plan Compliance
Explicit demonstration of compliance with Kildare County Development Plan flood risk policies.
Further Information Requests
Received an FI request from Kildare County Council asking for flood risk information? We regularly handle urgent FI responses for Kildare sites. Typical turnaround is 7–10 working days — often faster for straightforward sites.
Key Documents for Kildare Flood Risk Assessments
Every FRA we prepare for a Kildare 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:
Kildare County Council
- Kildare County Development Plan 2023–2029 (as varied)
- Strategic Flood Risk Assessment of the Kildare County Development Plan 2023–2029 (as varied, September 2025)
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)
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.
Kildare Flood Risk Assessment FAQs
Has the Liffey flooded in Kildare?
Yes. Kildare County Council's SFRA cites Liffey floods in June 1993, November 2000 and November 2009, and records River Barrow flooding at Monasterevin in August 2008. Riverside sites in Newbridge, Kilcullen, Celbridge and Leixlip should be assessed against OPW CFRAM design flood levels.
Is there a flood relief scheme for Athy?
The Athy Flood Relief Scheme on the River Barrow is still in development. Local reporting in February 2026 said construction is targeted to begin by 2028. Until defences are in place, Athy sites must be assessed against the current Barrow flood levels with climate change allowances.
What does Kildare County Council look for in an FRA?
A staged assessment in line with the 2009 Guidelines and the council's SFRA: design flood levels, finished floor levels above the 1% AEP level plus freeboard and climate change allowance, safe access and egress, and confirmation that the development does not increase flood risk elsewhere, including through surface water run-off.
Can I get planning permission in Flood Zone A in Kildare?
Possibly. Under the 2009 Guidelines, highly vulnerable development such as housing in Flood Zone A must pass the Development Management Justification Test, and Kildare 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 Kildare?
Typically 7–10 working days from instruction for a Stage 2 assessment, and often faster for straightforward sites. If Kildare 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 Kildare Site?
Send us your site address and we'll provide a fixed-price quote, typically within 24 hours.
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