September 2023 Update
Ground Investigations
Limerick City & County Council appointed Priority Geotechnical Ltd (PGL) in March 2022 to undertake a detailed ground/geotechnical investigation of the existing flood embankments within Limerick City and environs. The ground investigation field works were completed in August 2023. The data from the ground investigation works is critical in determining the current condition of the existing defence embankments. This data will also be used in developing the flood defence designs for the scheme. RPS have commenced this work.
RPS in conjunction with Limerick City & County Council have commenced scoping of detailed ground investigation works to determine the ground conditions in areas where flood defences may be considered. These investigation works are anticipated to take place in late 2023 and are expected into 2024. The scope for this investigation covers areas throughout Limerick City and its Environs. Further details of these investigation works will be uploaded to the website in due course.
Invasive Species Treatment
Limerick City & County Council appointed Japanese Knotweed Ireland Ltd (JKI) in June 2022 to undertake the treatment of Invasive Alien Plant Species (IAPS) such as Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed throughout the Limerick City & Environs Flood Relief Scheme (FRS) Area. Treatment measures include, hand pulling, stem injection and foliar spraying of herbicides. The treatment programme is anticipated to be over a three-to-five-year period. The purpose of the treatment is to mitigate the risk of spreading IAPS while undertaking investigation works for the FRS and reduce the risk of IAPS’s impacting the development of the FRS as a whole. JKI completed the 2023 Spring Treatment in July and the Autumn Treatment is scheduled for completion in mid-September.
Ornithology Surveys
In December of 2022, Limerick City & County Council appointed MKO Planning & Environmental Consultants as the survey specialist to undertake detailed bird (ornithological) surveys within the River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries Special Protection Areas (SPA). The purpose of the survey is to collect essential data on bird species and breeding birds in order to gain a full understanding of the habitats that need to be considered when progressing the FRS.
Hydrological and Hydraulic analysis
The Hydrology report which summarises the finding from the hydrological analysis is undergoing review and finalisation. Further details to be uploaded to the website in due course.
The Hydraulic Model calibration is ongoing and is well advanced. This model will be used to provide a representation of flood extents for various return periods within the scheme area. The model will then be used to develop and assess various flood risk management options.
