A range of flood defence options examined as part of Galway City’s long-awaited multi-million-euro flood relief scheme will be unveiled to the public for the first time next week.

The flood defence options will differ for each area under the scheme known as Coirib go Cósta that covers a coastal stretch from Salthill to Renmore, as well as inland at the existing flood embankment at Dyke Road.

Between two and four options for flood defences – including walls and embankments – have been designed for different areas of the scheme depending on the locations’ constraints.

The public and stakeholders have been invited to consultation events next Tuesday and Wednesday, and will be asked to give feedback on the proposals that will inform the ‘Emerging Preferred Option’.

Galway City Council confirmed to the Galway City Tribune that this preferred option should be unveiled in early 2026 when more non-statutory public consultation will take place before planning permission is sought.

Ronan O’Reilly, senior executive engineer in the Project Development Directorate of Galway City Council, explained that next week’s events are about saying to the public: “This is the problem, and these are some of the solutions available to us, what do you think?”

“We’re unveiling a suite of options across the city for the various locations for the scheme which spans from Salthill Caravan Park to Lough Atalia. The options initially will be high level, to give a sense of what the needs of the scheme are and what options are available to us in Galway City. The more feedback we get the better,” he said.

The design team and steering group managing the project includes the client, Galway City Council; the funding partner and technical support, the Office of Public Works (OPW); and the engineering and environmental consultants, Arup.

They will incorporate public feedback into an options process to develop the ‘emerging preferred option’, which involved “a scientific approach, multi-criteria analysis, and cost-benefit analysis,” Mr O’Reilly said.

He confirmed the route to get planning consent for the scheme hasn’t yet been decided but it could go to An Bord Pleanála, or direct to Government for ministerial approval under the Arterial Drainage Act.

Pictured: Flooding at the corner of Claddagh Quay. The area is included in the plan.