Limerick City and County Council and OPW Sign Contract for King’s Island Flood Relief Scheme

Limerick City and County Council, in conjunction with the Office of Public Works (OPW), is pleased to announce the signing of the main contract for the King’s Island Flood Relief Scheme with Ward & Burke Construction Ltd. This significant milestone marks the commencement of a major project aimed at protecting King’s Island and surrounding areas from future flooding events.

Project Background

King’s Island, located in the heart of Limerick City, is surrounded by the River Shannon and the Abbey River. Both rivers are tidal at this location, making the island susceptible to coastal and fluvial flood risks. On February 1, 2014, significant flooding occurred, causing extensive damage. The King’s Island Flood Relief Scheme aims to prevent such events by enhancing flood defences, thereby safeguarding the community, social amenities, environment, and landscape character.

Project Description

The King’s Island Flood Relief Scheme includes:

• 2,200 metres of 2.5-metre-high earthen flood embankment with a 3-metre-wide footpath/cycleway and public lighting.

• Flood defence upgrades to existing quay walls, including deconstruction of existing quay walls and parapets, lime mortar repointing, lime grouting, and stonework repair.

• Construction of flood defence walls: 290 metres with glass panels and 810 metres of stone-clad reinforced concrete walls.

• Associated works: including 600m of access routes with a new fisherman’s access.

Road resurfacing, railings, public lighting, topsoiling and landscaping.

Planning and Construction

An advance works contract was completed in October 2017. Planning for the main contract was submitted to An Bord Pleanála in December 2019, with consent granted in May 2021. Detailed design, site investigation, and archaeological excavations were conducted in 2022 and 2023. The tender process in February 2024 resulted in Ward & Burke Construction Ltd being awarded the contract for €32 million (excluding VAT). Construction is set to begin in October 2024 and is programmed for completion in twenty-four months.

Benefits

The Flood Relief Scheme will protect 506 residential and 22 non-residential properties from tidal flooding, offering a Standard of Protection of 0.5% annual exceedance probability. This will enhance residential amenity, promote business and tourism, and protect culturally and economically significant tourist destinations. Additionally, new footpaths and cycle paths will improve recreation and tourism opportunities around King’s Island.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating:

“After years of planning it is great to see this project get underway for real. By investing in these robust defences, we are not only protecting homes and business but also saving the future of King’s Island. Coupled with the recent THRIVE funding announcement for historic buildings on Nicholas Street and surrounding areas, the flood relief scheme allows us to move forward with other projects like the new community centre and the King John’s Castle Masterplan.”

Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Kieran O’Donnell TD welcomed the progress on the scheme, saying,

“As Minister for the Office of Public Works and TD for Limerick City, I am delighted to be here today to announce the contract signing for King’s Island Flood Relief Scheme. This marks a significant milestone for the project that will see major improvements to the flood defences in Limerick City, protecting 506 homes and 22 businesses. A significant Government investment in Limerick City, the scheme aims to minimise the risk of flooding to the existing community and prevent re-occurrences of similar flood events that the area experienced in 2014. In addition to protecting homes, properties and the community of King’s Island, the scheme will include public realm upgrades and enhancement of the built heritage of this historic part of our great city.

“As with all OPW flood relief projects, this scheme, when constructed, will be adaptable to continue to provide protection against today’s flood risk and the growing risk from climate change into the future., I very much welcome the progress on the scheme to date with construction ready to get underway and wish to acknowledge the ongoing collaboration between the Office of Public Works and Limerick City and County Council."

Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly says the collaborative approach to the scheme is reaping rewards:

“Today’s contract signing is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the Limerick City and County Council staff, the Office of Public Works, and our partners. Their unwavering commitment and collaborative efforts have been instrumental in progressing the King’s Island Flood Relief Scheme to this pivotal stage. This project not only represents a significant investment in our community’s safety and resilience but also showcases the power of teamwork in achieving long-term, sustainable solutions for flood risk management. Our ultimate goal is to provide peace of mind for the local community, ensuring that residents and businesses can feel secure knowing that robust flood defences are in place to protect their homes and livelihoods.”

For more information, please visit www.floodinfo.ie/kingsislandfrs