Multi million-pound flood alleviation project for Meirionnydd

Significant work to protect the Abermaw area from flooding is due to start in the autumn, thanks to funding from Cyngor Gwynedd and the Welsh Government.

 

The construction phase of the Gerddi Cae Glas (Viaduct Gardens) Flood Alleviation Scheme at Abermaw is due to start in October 2024, and estimated to be completed in the Spring of 2026. Cyngor Gwynedd has recently written to local residents updating them on the plans.

 

The £3.2 million scheme is essential to manage the current and future flood risk from the sea and surface water within the harbour area.

 

The work is being funded through Welsh Government’s Coastal Risk Management Programme and Cyngor Gwynedd’s Asset Management Plan.

 

The work will include:

-           Repairing, strengthening and raising the height of an approximately 60m section of sea wall.

-           Erecting a new setback wall and floodgate/barrier in the area behind the primary sea wall.

-           Installing a new drainage network to manage surface water and overtopping in the area behind the setback wall and flood gates.

-           Installation of a new surface water outfall pipe from the sea wall into the harbour.

-           Landscaping of the gardens.  

 

The major project will be managed by Cyngor Gwynedd’s Consultancy Department (YGC) and contractors Griffiths have been appointed to carry out the work on the site.

Councillor Berwyn Parry Jones, Cyngor Gwynedd Cabinet Member for the Highways, Engineering and Consultancy Department, said: “This investment in flood defences is good news for the local community and the wider Meirionnydd area as both homes and businesses will be better protected for the future. I am pleased that Cyngor Gwynedd has been able to invest in the project via our Asset Management Plan.

“Rising sea levels and increased storm damage is a real problem for coastal areas like Gwynedd due to climate change and I’m pleased to see the preparations for this work going well.

“The work will cause some temporary nuisance to local residents and businesses with extra traffic and elements of the work will be noisy at times. I’m very sorry about this inconvenience and I thank people in advance for their patience. I wish to assure people that every effort will be made to minimise disruptions.”

Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies said: “Welsh Government are proud to have funded 85% of the construction costs of the Gerddi Cae Glas flood alleviation scheme.

 

“Once completed it will benefit 31 properties and the wider community of Barmouth by providing them with the security of being protected from potential flooding and reducing the risk of closure to the A496.

 

“We know that climate change isn’t going away and is already impacting the lives of millions across the world, our £291m Coastal Risk Management Protection helps to protect communities and properties across Wales that are being affected by the increase of flooding due to climate change.”

 

Updates will be posted on the project website https://deabermaw.ygc.cymru/