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Significant progress is being made on the King's Island Flood Relief Scheme, led by Limerick City and County Council in partnership with the Office of Public Works (OPW).
As part of the early construction phase, archaeological works are currently underway across the island by the team from Archaeological Consultancy Services Unit (ACSU).
Prior to the commencement of main construction activities, a targeted archaeological excavation was undertaken near the Civic Buildings on Merchant's Quay, Limerick. Further excavation of identified archaeological sites within the scheme area is scheduled to proceed in coordination with the overall construction programme.
The early groundwork has uncovered historically significant remains, including part of the former Limerick City Gaol site. Constructed in 1813 and operational until 1904, the Gaol later became Geary's biscuit factory before both the factory and remaining Gaol structures were demolished in the late 1980s to make way for the Civic Offices.
The excavation, undertaken under Ministerial Consent, has revealed the structural remains of the City Gaol complex. Findings include:
• The walls and other structural remains of the City Gaol, including interior buildings and boundary walls;
• The site of a possible treadmill – a machine where several prisoners were forced to walk as a form of hard labour;
• The prison's hospital and yard areas;
• Historical human remains.
The archaeological team, led by Donald Murphy of ACSU, includes osteoarchaeologists, finds specialists and historians. To date, they have recorded at least 36 burials. All remains are being documented and excavated with care and precision to ensure this aspect of Limerick's heritage is preserved alongside the delivery of the flood relief infrastructure.
The King's Island Flood Relief Scheme remains on schedule, with ongoing coordination between the archaeological and construction teams.
Further updates will be provided on Limerick.ie as the King's Island Flood Relief Scheme continues.
