Swan Park, a cherished public space in Buncrana, Co. Donegal, suffered extensive damage during severe flooding in August 2017. The floodwaters caused the collapse of fishing amenities, river access structures, retaining walls, and parapet walls within the park. Critical damage also occurred to the parapet and spandrel walls of a historic masonry arch bridge at the heart of the park, as well as the pitched stone floor of Castle Bridge, both of which provided essential access routes within the park.
With funding secured for the restoration and redevelopment of Swan Park, Donegal County Council appointed Design ID in 2019 to design and oversee the repair works to the park’s historic stone masonry structures and essential infrastructure. Our work ensured the restoration of a safe and accessible public space while integrating flood-resilient design measures to mitigate future damage.
As Lead Consultant, Design ID was responsible for the civil and structural design, PSDP (Principal Designer) services, and project management of the refurbishment. Our role included:
- Structural Assessment and Repair: Conducting Principal Inspections of the flood-damaged bridges, retaining walls, platforms, and riverfront access structures to determine the most appropriate and cost-effective refurbishment methods.
- Bridge and Marine Engineering: Restoration of the historic masonry arch bridge over the Crana River and the Castle Bridge, both of which suffered significant structural damage.
- Resilient Design Solutions: Developing robust repair solutions to withstand future flooding, including reinforced masonry block retaining walls and ballast weight concrete infill for enhanced durability.
- Environmental and Ecological Considerations: Working closely with ecological specialists to ensure compliance with Lough Swilly SAC protection guidelines and mitigating risks associated with construction near sensitive marine habitats.
- Access and Public Realm Improvements: Designing safe and inclusive access solutions, including new pathways, steps, and ramps for improved community use, particularly for anglers and visitors with reduced mobility.
- Project Management: Overseeing a multi-disciplinary design team, including ecological consultants, M&E specialists, and heritage advisors, ensuring all statutory approvals and construction-phase requirements were met.
- Technical Site Supervision & Employer’s Representative: Providing on-site oversight during construction, managing contractor performance, and ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Engineering Challenges and Solutions
The restoration of Swan Park required innovative engineering solutions to balance historical preservation with modern resilience. Some key challenges and solutions included:
- Structural Damage to Bridges: The floodwaters had severely undermined the foundations and masonry of the bridges. Using detailed inspections and structural analysis, we devised a repair strategy that stabilised the existing structures while reinforcing them against future hydrodynamic forces.
- Scour and Erosion Risks: The Crana River’s fluctuating water levels posed a significant challenge to long-term stability. We incorporated scour protection measures, including reinforced stone aprons and revetments, to safeguard against erosion.
- Environmental Sensitivity: Given the proximity of the works to the Lough Swilly Special Area of Conservation (SAC), our designs prioritised ecological preservation. We implemented stringent measures to prevent contamination, including controlled use of concrete and close collaboration with the Ecological Clerk of Works.
- Accessibility Enhancements: The redesign of access routes included a new riverside ramp and enhanced viewing platforms, ensuring greater usability for anglers and the wider community, including those with disabilities.
Outcome & Legacy
The successful refurbishment of Swan Park has restored a vital community asset, providing a safe and resilient space for recreation and public enjoyment. The reopening of the park was celebrated in July 2022, marking a significant milestone in Buncrana’s recovery from the 2017 flood disaster. The project not only reinstated historic structures but also delivered an improved public realm, integrating modern accessibility features and long-term resilience measures.
Through heritage-sensitive engineering, sustainable design, and collaborative project management, Design ID played a key role in ensuring that Swan Park remains a valued natural and recreational space for future generations.
Client: Donegal County Council
Project Value: €350,000
