The estimated cost of new flood defences in Galway has risen to €80 million, marking a significant increase as the timeline for the long-awaited project continues to stretch further into the next decade.
The updated figure represents a 60% jump in projected costs, with officials pointing to the scale of the works involved and ongoing inflation in the construction sector as the primary drivers behind the increase. The revised timeline now suggests that the Corrib go Cósta/Galway Flood Relief Scheme will not be completed until mid-2033, extending the project well beyond earlier expectations.
Planners have defended the revised proposals, stating the scheme will be “technically viable, environmentally sustainable and will integrate into the character and heritage of the city”. The project is designed to provide comprehensive protection against flooding, a long-standing issue in Galway due to its coastal and river exposure.
Under the latest plans, the scheme will include approximately 6.5 kilometres of flood defence walls, alongside 1.4 kilometres of earth embankments and a range of ground-raising measures. In addition, 50 flood gates and eight surface water pumping stations are set to be installed as part of the overall system.
The proposed defences are being developed to protect against one-in-200-year coastal flooding events and one-in-100-year river flooding events, offering a significant upgrade in resilience for the city. When complete, the measures are expected to safeguard more than 800 homes and 200 businesses from potential flooding.
An artist impression of Galway's flood defence project
The design itself incorporates a mix of solutions along key parts of the city. Flood defence walls, generally reaching around 1.1 metres in height, will be installed in several locations, including along the Salthill Promenade, Claddagh Quay and the Fish Market and Spanish Arch areas. In some sections, these will be supplemented by “demountable” barriers that can be deployed during severe weather events.
Efforts have also been made to balance protection with preservation. In many cases, the walls are set back from the coastline to maintain existing views while still preventing water from reaching properties. However, some elements of the plan will have a direct impact on local infrastructure. For example, the proposed wall along Claddagh Quay would require the introduction of a one-way traffic system, as it would be constructed through the centre of the existing road.
Elsewhere, parts of the city will see ground levels raised to improve flood resistance. The Fish Market area is expected to be elevated by just over half a metre, while similar measures are planned for the Long Walk, where a combination of raised ground, walls and demountable defences will be used.
Additional protections are also planned for areas including Salthill, Terryland, and sections of the Eglinton Canal, reflecting the broad geographic scope of the project. The overall aim is to create a cohesive system that addresses both coastal and river flooding risks across the city.
The current proposals form part of what is being described as the “emerging preferred scheme”, which is now being presented to the public through a series of consultation events. Feedback gathered during this stage will inform the final design.
Galway City Council, alongside the Office of Public Works and consultants from Arup, will review submissions before settling on a finalised plan.
A formal planning application is not expected to be lodged until late 2028, with construction currently pencilled in to begin around 2033.
