Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS)

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) is the preferred approach to the management of stormwater from development sites. SUDS aims to control flooding, prevent pollution, and provide amenity while minimising impact on the natural environment. SUDS utilises a range of techniques to collect, clean and store runoff before releasing it slowly to the environment.

In Northern Ireland, SUDS is promoted by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and Rivers Agency; it will shortly enter planning legislation following the findings of "A Strategy for Promoting the Use of Sustainable Drainage Systems within Northern Ireland" and is a key component in PPS15 - Planning and Flood Risk.

Sustainable drainage is promoted by all county councils in the Republic of Ireland, and is a requirement of every new development through the Greater Dublin Strategic Drainage Study (GDSDS).

McCloy Consulting prides itself as being at the forefront of the design and implementation of SUDS in the UK and Ireland, and has an extensive track record of providing robust, cost effective solutions for a variety of clients and developments.

SUDS is particularly relevant to development in environmentally sensitive locations, for instance upland wind farm sites where pollution control is key.

Our approach to SUDS >