The RB Central, Rockbrook Development is located within the Sandyford Business District, Dublin 18. The proposed new development is to be built at this location, using parts of the existing structure. There is currently a partially constructed basement (3 levels) at the location of the proposed development.

The proposed development extent is 2.02 Ha in area and is to comprise a multi storey building of between 6 and 14 storeys, with 428 residential dwellings, as well as a crèche, other non-residential spaces, a communal amenity space, and associated external pavement and landscaping works.

PUNCH Consulting Engineers was appointed by IRES REIT to provide the Civil & Structural Engineer and Traffic Engineering services for this residential development project. The project was taken through the Strategic Housing Development planning process with extensive liaison and consultation with DLRCC and associated representatives of the Drainage and Transport divisions.

PUNCH was also appointed to carry out a Stage 3 Site Specific Flood Risk Assessment (SSFRA) study for this residential development in Sandyford, Co. Dublin, in full compliance with the requirements of “The Planning System & Flood Management Guidelines” published by the Department of Environment in November 2009. This flood risk assessment involved detailed 1D-2D flood modelling of the Carysfort Maretimo River which is predominantly culverted through the area.

CFRAMS mapping for the area demonstrated that the site stores floodwaters during 1 in 1000 year events. At the request of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, flood modelling was undertaken to assess the nature of the displacement of these waters as a result of the proposed development. This was carried out using detailed survey, as well as a detailed hydrological and hydraulic assessment of the catchment. The hydraulic modelling used the TUFLOW and Flood Modeller software packages.

The SHD application resulted in a successful grant.