Call for bi-annual clean up of Ramparts River in Dundalk

Councillors at the Dundalk Municipal District October have been told by Louth County Council that the Ramparts River in Dundalk serves a dual function, with its primary function being that of an urban drainage channel and that its management must balance flood risk mitigation with environmental and biodiversity considerations.

In a motion at the October meeting, Cllr Ciarán Fisher called on Louth County Council to "commit to undertaking bi-annual clean up operations of the Ramparts River, to be conducted twice per year, e.g. autumn and spring.

"This maintenance should be specifically aimed at, but not limited to, removing excess vegetation and ensuring unobstructed  water flow. These operations shall continue until such time as works to improved [sic] the flow course of the waterway is implemented. Such as is outlined in the options of the 2022 CBEC eco-engineering report.

"This motion aims to maintain the river's functionality and ecological health in the interim, while advancing long-term sustainability goals for the benefit of the local community, biodiversity, and flood risk management."

Replying to Cllr Fisher's motion, Head of Operations & Environment Delivery, Mr David Hanratty, said that "Louth County Council acknowledges the concerns raised regarding vegetation growth and overall river management.

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"It is important to note that the Ramparts River serves a dual function, with its primary function being that of an urban drainage channel. As such its management must balance flood risk mitigation with environmental  and biodiversity considerations.

"The Council recognises that the growth of vegetation along the riverbanks contributes positively to local biodiversity. However, due to the slow-moving nature of the stream, vegetation - including river grasses - naturally establishes within the channel. This is a typical characteristic of low-energy watercourses, where sediment deposition creates conditions conducive to flora and fauna development. Unlike fast-moving rivers with gravel beds, the Ramparts River's natural state is a vegetated, silted stream.

"To manage this, Council staff undertake annual maintenance works, including cutting back vegetation along the banks to prevent encroachment into the channel, which could impede flow and increase the risk of flooding.

"In-channel vegetation removal was also undertaken during April 2025 and was managed sensitively to ensure the river continues to function effectively as a drainage asset. There is an in channel project planned shortly for the river in 2026. This project will be delivering Option Two as contained in the CBEC eco-engineering report."

Mr Hanratty added that "Louth County Council remains committed to  maintaining the Ramparts River in a manner that  supports both its functional role and its ecological value. Any future works will continue to be guided by best practice in environmental management and flood prevention."