Galway city chosen as emergency flood hub with 20 pumps and mobile barriers
Galway City has been chosen as one of five cities to house emergency flood equipment.
Last month, the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works TD Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran announced Galway City would receive 20 pumps and mobile water-filled flood barriers (aqua-dams) to supplement local authorities’ emergency equipment stocks.
Four other cities were chosen including Sligo, Mallow, Cavan, and Portlaoise.
Under this rollout, the chosen local authorities will manage and house these emergency response tools for more flexibility and a faster response to flood events. The equipment will be made available for deployment by local authorities nationally.
As Galway ranks one of the highest in coastal flooding, Galway City Council will be responsible for the management of the flood barriers.
Meanwhile, Coirib go Cósta, a flood relief scheme in consultation for Galway City, is its final phase before a preferred option is confirmed and heads to planning offices.
The €50 million Coirib go Cósta plan is to establish a sustainable and well-suited flooding and storm defence mechanism in key areas like Spanish Arch, Quay Street, Flood Street, the Socks, and Salthill.
Model imagery of the areas at risk of a 2.5m storm surge or sea level rise in the Galway Bay area. © Climate Central
Planned for completion by 2034, 1058 properties are expected to be protected by the scheme according to estimates, including 832 residential properties and 226 non-residential.
For now, the OPW plans to deliver the flood barriers and water pumps to Galway City Council by November 2026.