New proposals to reduce flood defences at Clontarf have passed a cost benefit analysis, according to Dublin City Council.
Officials are holding a series of meetings with local residents and businesses, which started this evening, on a plan to reduce the defences by 30cm on average.
DCC Executive Manager Tom Leahy said that around 500 houses in Clontarf are at risk of flooding and the proposed works have the necessary €4.3m in funding available.
Mr Leahy said that 83% of the defences, consisting mainly of grass mounds, would be under 1.5m (5ft) high.
They would reach a maximum height of 2.17m (7"2") near the Clontarf Baths.
Walls would have to be put up at four car parks and the highest of these would be at the Clontarf Baths where they would be 1.72m (5'7") high running a length of 65 metres.
Mr Leahy said the modified proposals have passed a cost benefit analysis by independent consultants and will be taken to An Bord Pleanála and the Office of Public Works for approval.
But local people are opposed to the new plan, according to spokesman Ken Curran of the Clontarf Residents' and Business Association.
Mr Curran asked why an original plan involving mounds with an average height of 1m was changed.
Architect Antoinette O'Neill, who is working with the local groups, said there are alternatives available.
Ms O'Neill and other local architects are suggesting a plan to raise the sea wall and promenade and have grass areas remain flat as an amenity.
She said this would reduce the sea view, but said "the sea view is not critical, it's the amenity of the promenade that's the main thing".
The issue is due to be debated by councillors at a full council meeting in December.
The city manager has warned that unless a contract is given the go ahead by the end of the year, funding could be suspended.
