A MAJOR flood relief scheme to protect hundreds of homes in Limerick City, in an area that was devastated by flooding 10 years ago, is to start this autumn and take two years to complete.
Limerick Office of Public Works (OPW) Minister Kieran O’Donnell announced approval to Limerick City and County Council to commence the appointment of a contractor for the construction of the King’s Island Flood Relief Scheme.
The €26million scheme will aim to protect 528 homes and businesses, built along the banks of the River Shannon, from significant flooding and will be complete by the end of 2026.
The scheme will see the construction of new earthen flood embankments, new walls, repairs and upgrades to existing quay walls, pavement improvements, and public realm works, drainage and utility works, conservation mitigation, archaeological mitigation, and ecological mitigation.
It is 10 years since flooding destroyed large parts of the King’s Island and St Mary’s Park areas when scores of people were evacuated from their swamped homes.
The Defence Forces were drafted in to help people during the unprecedented flood in February 2014.
Announcing the scheme, Minister O’Donnell said that “this is a significant investment by government in Limerick City and in addition to protecting homes, properties, and the community of King’s Island, the scheme will include significant public realm upgrades and enhancement of the built heritage of this historic part of our great city”.
Many residents lost cars, furniture, treasured family photographs, pets, and had renovate their homes due to the 2014 flood.
King’s Island resident Raymond O’Carroll said the upgrade is “a tremendous idea going forward, because of the problems associated with climate change and the weather nowadays”.
“There was a lot of elderly people living here that were badly hit by that flooding in 2014, it was unbelievable really. So anything that helps protect the citizens of the parish is to be welcomed.”
Minister O’Donnell said he was “delighted to make this announcement today for the King’s Island Flood Relief Scheme here in Limerick City. I look forward to the appointment of a contractor shortly by Limerick City and County Council to commence the construction of what will be one of the largest flood relief schemes in the country protecting 506 homes and 22 businesses.”
