Galway City Council says that its new water-filled flood defences will remain in place until Friday due to high tides.
An 80m high tensile geotextile “aquadam” has been installed between Spanish Arch and Wolfe Tone bridge, where overtopping of the river Corrib can take place in Spring tides.
A second shorter stretch has been installed behind the Spanish Arch, while a third is on standby for the Long Walk area.
The “water controlling water” system involves pumping several tonnes from the river into the baffled tubes, which act as a temporary barrier.
The structures, for which tenders were sought, cost between €40,000 and €50,000, according to the city council.
They are part of a €100,000 temporary flood relief package put in place after last winter’s severe flooding due to a combination of storms and high tides.
Businesses in the Spanish Arch and Flood Street areas were affected during a series of storms which inflicted severe damage right across the Atlantic seaboard.
The system provided by a British supplier is regarded as quick and flexible, and has been used as interim flood protection for nuclear power stations, bridge repair and harbour works.
