Bonneagar Glas
Existing stormwater infrastructure is designed to move stormwater away from source to an end destination as quickly as possible, whereas Green Infrastructure (GI) reduces the flow and manages storm water at source.
GI aims to mimic a natural, undeveloped environment which utilises vegetation, soils and other natural elements to absorb and filter stormwater, producing a cleaner and more manageable effluent. Whilst treating water and reducing flow rates, GI can also provide habitats, flood protection and health benefits.
The versatile and flexible nature of GI means that it can easily be installed at home, work, local parks, car parks, shopping centres, institutions and other locations. To see examples of GI, click on thumbnail images below. Dublin City Council encourages the installation of GI and continues to introduce aspects of GI in green spaces throughout Dublin city.
Examples of GI include
- Rain Gardens - Can be installed in almost any green space and act as shallow vegetated basins which collect, absorb and filter stormwater runoff.
- Roof Gardens - Can transform a regular roof to a colourful and vibrant space covered with vegetation that enables rainfall infiltration and evapotranspiration.
- Water Butts - Harvest rain water and store it for later use for gardening, car washing or toilet flushing. They are also effective in slowing down and reducing the flow of stormwater during heavy rainfall events.
- Permeable Pathways - Infiltrate and or store rainwater where it falls reducing the risk of flooding.
- Bioswales - Are gently sloped channels that slow, infiltrate and filter stormwater flows. They are particularly suited along streets or pathways due to their linear nature.
- Integrated Constructed Wetlands - Treat and slow intercepted waters providing a habitat for flora and fauna to flourish.
Funding options
While there are numerous benefits to using GI, including flood alleviation, improved water quality, enhanced biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and even increased property prices, there is some outlay necessary to implement GI, particularly when retrofitting to an existing property or area.
There is funding available for which GI projects may qualify, particularly when they are community driven. Please see below a document outlining some funding options available to individuals, community organisations, and non-profit organisations. Please be aware that not all of the funding sources are indefinite and this list may need to be updated from time to time. Collaboration with other groups and bodies is sometimes an advantage when applying for funding.