Background Portavolla Housing Estate is a development of 44 houses in West End, Banagher, and is built partially on a flood plain. It was flooded in November 2009 and December 2016, and 35 houses were evacuated. Solution Working with the OPW, a clay embankment 460m long and up to 1.6m high was constructed around the estate (Figure 1). Benefits of solution Social Reduction in the risk of flooding and the need for residents to evacuate their homes. Figure 1 Portavolla flood defences, Co. Offaly.