Off-Road Jetting & Surveys: Crucial Tools in Preventive Maintenance & Post-Storm Recovery

In the aftermath of Storm éowyn's devastating impact on Ireland, the importance of efficient drainage systems in hard-to-access areas has become more apparent than ever. Off-road jetting and CCTV surveying emerges as a vital service in preventing, assessing and mitigating damage caused by severe weather events, particularly in Ireland's challenging terrains.

Understanding Off-Road Jetting & CCTV Surveys in Ireland's Context

Off-road jetting & Surveying is a specialised drainage maintenance technique designed for areas that standard drain cleaning vehicles cannot reach. In Ireland, this includes remote rural locations, steep coastal cliffs, boglands, estuaries and dense forests - all of which are and were significantly affected by Storms recently.

Key vulnerable components of Ireland's drainage and sewage infrastructure

Ireland's drainage and sewage infrastructure faces multiple vulnerabilities to extreme weather events, particularly in coastal zones and riverine environments. Key vulnerable components include:

Combined Sewer Systems

• Found in urban centres like Dublin, these circular/egg-shaped drains handle both wastewater and stormwater
• Key risks: Overflow during heavy rainfall (≥4-5mm), discharging untreated sewage into waterways
• Current capacity issues: Dublin's system operates at maximum capacity year-round

Coastal Drainage Infrastructure

Critical coastal assets at risk:

• Dublin and Cork port facilities
• Coastal rail lines (e.g., Dublin-Belfast line)
• Seaside wastewater pumping stations

Riverside Drainage Systems

• Shannon River Basin: Western Ireland's high groundwater tables exacerbate flood risks during prolonged rainfall
• Lee Road Water Treatment Plant (Cork): Nearly flooded in 2009 despite flood defences
• Urban gullies: Frequently overwhelmed in cities like Limerick and Galway during intense downpours

Critical Interconnected Infrastructure**

Vulnerability chain observed during Cork floods:

1. Transformer station flooding → Power outages
2. Water treatment failures → Contaminated supplies
3. Road closures → Emergency access hampered
4. Hospital generator failures → Healthcare crisis

Climate Projections Intensifying Risks

• Winter precipitation: 20-30% increase by mid-century
• Extreme rainfall events: 40% more frequent by 2050
• Compound events: Storms combining high precipitation + storm surges (as seen in Storm Darwin 2014)

Adaptation Challenges

• 65% of Ireland's population lives within 15km of coast
• €1.3 billion in flood damage costs 2015-2021 (OPW data)
• Maintenance gaps: 23% of storm drains require unblocking >4x annually

Recent storms like éowyn (2025) and Darragh (2024) have exposed systemic vulnerabilities, particularly the interdependence of drainage systems with energy/transport networks. Uisce éireann's emergency protocols now prioritise protecting 142 at-risk water treatment plants during extreme weather alerts.

The Critical Role of Off-Road Jetting & Surveying Pre and Post-Storms

Preventing Further Damage

After Storm éowyn's heavy rainfall and flooding, many drainage systems in hard-to-reach areas of Ireland have been overwhelmed with debris, soil, and other storm-related materials. Off-road jetting & CCTV surveys are crucial in clearing these blockages, preventing further flooding and potential structural damage to roads, buildings, and natural landscapes.

Restoring Drainage Efficiency

In areas such as the Wicklow Mountains or the rugged coastlines around Ireland, where standard vehicles struggle to access, off-road jetting and CCTV surveying equipment can navigate the terrain to restore drainage efficiency. This is particularly important in preventing landslides and coastal erosion, which are significant risks following severe storms in Ireland.

Our Approach to Pre and Post-Storm Off-Road Jetting & CCTV Surveying in Ireland

Specialised Equipment

We use compact, powerful jetting and CCTV units that can be transported by all-terrain vehicles or even carried by hand to reach the most inaccessible areas affected by Storms. This equipment is designed to operate effectively in Ireland's varied and often challenging landscape.

Tailored Services

Each location in Ireland presents unique challenges pre and post-storm. Our team assesses each site individually, whether it's a remote bog in the Midlands or a coastal paths in Dublin, to provide the most effective off-road drainage solution.

Preventive Maintenance

Beyond immediate storm recovery, we offer preventive maintenance services. Regular off-road jetting and CCTV drain inspections on vulnerable areas can significantly reduce the risk of drainage failures during future severe weather events, which are becoming increasingly common in Ireland.

The Broader Impact on Irish Communities

By ensuring efficient drainage in hard-to-reach areas, off-road jetting & CCTV surveys plays a crucial role in protecting Irish communities from the cascading effects of storms. It helps safeguard infrastructure, preserve natural habitats, and maintain the connectivity of rural areas, which is vital for local economies and the well-being of residents.

As Ireland faces the challenge of recovering from Storm éowyn and preparing for future extreme weather events, off-road jetting and CCTV surveys stands out as an essential service. It not only aids in immediate recovery efforts but also contributes to long-term resilience against the impacts of climate change on Ireland's diverse and beautiful landscape.