PUNCH Consulting Engineers was appointed by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) to provide design services on all stages of the proposed decommissioning of Clondulane Weir. Clondulane Weir is a dog-legged 100 m wide weir within the channel of the Blackwater River (Munster). PUNCH are assessing the feasibility of removing part or all of the existing weir.

To date this has required review of ecological, archaeological, architectural heritage and geomorphological concerns in relation to the removal of the weir. Complementary to these assessments a hydrological and hydraulic assessment have been carried out to assess the potential impact the removal of the weir may have on the channel immediately up and downstream.

A 1D-2D linked hydraulic model has been constructed using ISIS-TuFLOW Software. This allows for any potential changes in water level and velocities to be assessed.

It is proposed to submit a planning application outlining the proposals to Cork County Council in 2017, following public consultation.