Dublin City Council has officially opened a key part of its Rainscapes Project — an initiative aimed at reducing pollution from urban runoff and protecting the Santry River.
The Harmonstown element of the project, located at McAuley Park, Ribh Road and Lein Road, was launched today by Councillor Supriya Singh, deputising for the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam.
The Rainscapes Project is designed to capture and filter rainwater that runs off roads and footpaths before it enters rivers. It transforms hard urban surfaces into green, landscaped, or permeable areas that slow and clean the water before it reaches the Santry and Dodder rivers.
Councillor Singh described the project as “more than just an engineering feat,” calling it a “living example” of Dublin’s commitment to sustainability.
Urban runoff is one of the main sources of pollution in Dublin’s rivers, estuaries and coastal waters, posing a serious risk to wildlife and local ecosystems. The city also faces increasing flood risk due to climate change.
Rainscapes tackles these challenges by introducing nature-based solutions such as rain gardens, informal play spaces, and enhanced green areas that support biodiversity and public wellbeing.
The council piloted the approach at nine sites across the Dodder and Santry catchments, monitoring the impact on water quality and runoff. The results show promising benefits — including cleaner rivers, reduced flood risk, and improved community spaces.
Funded in partnership with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Rainscapes Project is one of the largest retrofitted nature-based infrastructure projects in Ireland and the UK.
Dublin City Council says it now plans to expand the project to other parts of the city.
