The estimated cost of new flood defences in Galway has increased to €80 million, as the timeframe for completion of the project has been further extended.
The 60% increase in costs has been attributed to the scale of the measures involved and the impact of inflation in the construction sector.
It’s now envisaged that construction work on Corrib go Cósta/Galway Flood Relief scheme would not finish until mid 2033.
RTE is reporting that Planners say the defences will be technically viable, environmentally sustainable and will integrate into the character and heritage of the city.
They would comprise a total of 6.5 kilometres of flood defence walls, along with 1.4 kilometres of earth embankments and ground raising measures.
A total of 50 flood gates and eight surface water pumping stations also form part of the latest designs to be presented to the public.
The “emerging preferred scheme” is being outlined at a series of meetings in the city over the coming days.