A MASSIVE €26 million flood relief project in the heart of the city, bringing protection from significant flooding to 528 homes and businesses, will be in place by the end of 2026.
That’s according to Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Patrick O’Donovan, who this Wednesday announced approval to Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) to proceed with issuing tenders for the construction of the King’s Island Flood Relief Scheme.
It is hoped the project will get underway this summer and be completed by the end of 2026.
The King’s Island Flood Relief Scheme will complete flood protection measures which began in the King’s Island Area a number of years ago, following the completion of advance works at Verdant Place in 2017 that involved repointing the existing stone wall and construction of a reinforced concrete wall.
Welcomed this week by Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Gerald Mitchell, the project will bring protection from significant flooding to 528 homes and businesses by the end of 2026.
“It is 10 years ago this month since King’s Island was devastated by significant flooding and the images of residents being taken from their homes in boats will live long in the memory. Today we are taking a significant step towards delivering vital works to protect homes and businesses in the area,” Mayor Mitchell said.
The design of the scheme began in 2015 with the appointment of ARUP and JBA consultants to develop a permanent flood relief scheme for King’s Island. The preferred option for the scheme, which was subject to public consultation, received planning approval in May 2021.
Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) and the consultants have been finalising the detailed design for the scheme to ensure that it adds wider community benefits to the King’s Island area and is aligned to the importance of the archaeological and conservation aspects of the quays.
Making the announcement this week, Limerick OPW Minister Patrick O’Donovan revealed that, in addition to the much-needed flood relief scheme, confirmed will also be important amenities provided for the local community.
Public realm and significant conservation works, he said, will be undertaken to those areas of the scheme that interface with the historic fabric of this particularly important area.
“I look forward now to the appointment of a contractor and the commencement of works during the summer of this year,” he concluded.
