In June 2014, DfI Rivers commenced construction of the £1.4 million flood alleviation scheme on the Cloughfin River in Beragh. It provides flood protection to 17 residential properties and the Red Knights GAA Club facilities, both of which were affected by flooding in 2008 and 2011.

The scheme was submitted for a BREEAM Infrastructure Whole Project Award to encourage improved environmental and social performance in project specification, design, and construction.

The flood protection elements of the project, which included flood walls and placement of a culvert section, were combined with environmental enhancement measures. These included tree planting on the riverbanks and the introduction of in-channel features including rock ‘diamonds’ and boulders.

The project team, comprising the client, designer and contractor (BSG Civil Engineering) engaged with the community throughout the scheme to minimise disruption.  They also took the opportunity to inform and educate local primary school children on the history of flooding in Beragh and the work carried out to resolve the issues.

The scheme was completed in July 2015 and was awarded an Excellent Sustainability Strategy Assessment Award (Section 1 only) with a score of 94.2% and an Excellent Sustainability Performance Assessment Whole Team Award (Sections 2-9) with a score of 86.0%.