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Displaying items by tag: King's Island

A flood relief scheme for King’s Island along the Shannon in Limerick came a step closer this week with approval of tenders for a construction project.

The Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) Patrick O’Donovan confirmed on Wednesday (Feb 7) that the OPW has approved issuing of tenders by Limerick city and county council.

Mayor of the city and county of Limerick Gerald Mitchell welcomed the development, which is expected to protect some 528 homes and businesses when completed by the end of 2026.

“It is ten years ago this month since King’s Island was devastated by significant flooding and the images of residents being taken from their homes in boats will live long in the memory,” Mitchell said.

“ Today we are taking a significant step towards delivering vital works to protect homes and businesses in the area,” he said.

“I know that a great deal of work has gone into developing this scheme in an important area of Limerick city with both environmental and archaeological sensitivities,”’O’Donovan said.

“ I also understand that in addition to the much-needed flood relief scheme there will also be important amenities provided for the local community through public realm [funding], and significant conservation works undertaken to those areas of the scheme that interface with the historic fabric of this particularly important area,” he said.

The design began in 2015 with the appointment of Arup and JBA consultants to develop a permanent flood relief scheme for King’s Island.

The preferred option for the scheme, which was subject to public consultation, received planning approval in May 2021.

Published in Shannon Estuary

About Electric outboard engines

The direct-drive component in electric outboard engines means that the electric motors are incredibly efficient compared to conventional marine combustion motors, operating with considerably higher torque whilst using less power.

Without any need for gears, cooling systems and moving parts the motors are maintenance free, highly efficient and economic to run.

As a result, electric boat engines are becoming more popular on Irish waters as the world transitions from fossil fuels to green energy.

To date, popular electric engine sizes have been trolling engines typically used by fishermen on lakes.

These marine engines are available in models that can be used in fresh water and sea water, for your boat or kayak.

Electric motors are Ideal for fishermen because they are quiet and create little in the way of disturbance 

Popular electric trolling models range from 30lb thrust to 55lb thrust in a range of shaft lengths.

But use is becoming broader now in 2021 and electric outboard engines are being used on small runabouts and RIBS where electric outboard engine sizes are getting bigger.

Outboard electric engines are economical and environmentally friendly. Battery technology is also improving at a rapid rate meaning they are becoming smaller and lighter and run for longer.

Built in hydro-generation provides alternative recharging options whilst under sail are also options meaning the electric outboard now has a home on the stern on small yachts and dayboats too.

As far back as 2014, Torqeedo owner Jack O'Keefe from Cork Harbour told Afloat readers of his sailing adventures in a Drascombe Coaster dinghy and how after swapping from a petrol version the rewards from his new electric outboard engine are less noise, no smells, more stowage, better sailing performance and a motor that can be started by a small child. But it's still not silent, there's a whine he says here 

Popular brands in Ireland are Torqeedo, ePropulsion, Pulsar and Minn Kota but there are more arriving all the time as the technology advances