Limerick City and County Council, in collaboration with St Mary's National School and St Mary's Community Adult Education Group, has officially launched Fosse 1.0 at St Ann's Court, Englishtown, marking a significant milestone in climate innovation and sustainable regeneration on King's Island, while being respectful of local heritage.
Centred around the historic city wall moat, or "Fosse", the project reimagines the space as a high-quality blue-green infrastructure corridor that combines sustainable drainage, biodiversity enhancement, recreation and public realm improvements in the heart of the city. It is considered by the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), which supports the implementation of these initiatives across the country, to be a leading example of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) delivered by a local authority in the mid-west, and among the most innovative in Ireland in terms of its integration of landscape, education, and community use.
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, officially opened Fosse 1.0 and said:
"What makes the Fosse 1.0 project particularly special is the partnership behind it. Since my election, I have pushed to deliver a step-up of investment on our historic island, especially with projects benefiting the community. I was delighted to be able to use the Mayoral Fund to help make this one possible.
By working closely with St Mary's National School, the Community Adult Education Group and the wider community, we have now created a space that not only addresses environmental challenges but also strengthens community pride and ownership not just of the garden but one of the oldest walls in the city. Fosse 1.0 is an excellent example of the innovative and people-centred approach to regeneration that we are championing across Limerick."
Príomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery, commented:
"Fosse 1.0 is a wonderful example of how investment in our environment can also deliver social, educational and community benefits. This project has transformed an underutilised area into an attractive, accessible and environmentally sustainable space, respectful of the City Walls, that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.”
Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly, said:
"This project showcases Limerick City and County Council's commitment to delivering innovative climate adaptation measures that provide lasting benefits for communities. Fosse 1.0 is a living demonstration of how nature-based solutions can improve water quality, support biodiversity, reduce pressure on infrastructure and enhance the public realm.”
A Living Climate Solution in the Heart of the City
Fosse 1.0 introduces a network of interconnected swales, rain gardens, boardwalks and play features that function together as a next-generation Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SuDS).
Surface water from Island Road, which previously entered the sewer network, is now diverted into the landscape where it is:
- Temporarily stored within permeable gravel layers;
- Naturally filtered through specially designed planting beds; and
- Returned cleaner to the environment.
The scheme has been designed to facilitate ongoing monitoring of water quality, helping to demonstrate the long-term environmental benefits of nature-based solutions in urban settings.
Native and pollinator-friendly planting supports biodiversity while creating an attractive and engaging environment for local residents, schoolchildren and visitors. The project also serves as a pilot location for bat-friendly public lighting, further strengthening its environmental credentials.
Education, Community and Regeneration Working Together
The project has been developed in close partnership with local educational and community stakeholders, ensuring that environmental learning, community wellbeing and stewardship remain central to its long-term success. Key partners include St Mary’s National School and St Mary’s Community Adult Education Group.
Principal of St Mary's National School, Eoghan O’Byrne said:
“This project is a fantastic asset for our students and the wider school community. The Fosse gives children a unique opportunity to learn through nature to explore, play, and understand the environment in a real and meaningful way. It also reflects the positive changes happening on King’s Island, and we’re excited about how it connects with our future school plans and the safe routes project. The project is the first of its kind in Limerick and we look forward to using it on a daily basis.”
Sorcha Wharton of St Mary’s Community Adult Education Group added:
“The Fosse is a wonderful example of what can happen when a community comes together with a shared vision. For us in Adult Education, it creates an open, welcoming space for learning outside the classroom - where people of all ages can connect with nature, with each other, and with their environment. We’re incredibly proud to be part of a project that supports inclusion, wellbeing, and lifelong learning right here in the heart of King’s Island.”
Strong Collaboration and Innovative Delivery
The project was delivered by Limerick City and County Council in collaboration with:
- O'Brien Building Solutions (Contractor);
- Healy Partners Architects;
- Austen Associates Landscape Architects;
- Punch Consulting Engineers;
- Moloney Fox Consulting Engineers;
- Molloy Quantity Surveyors; and
- Shanarc Archaeology.
Funding support was secured through a combination of sources, including:
- The Mayoral Fund;
- The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO);
- Limerick City and County Council's Environment and Climate Action Department; and
- Limerick City and County Council's Development Contribution Fund.
This layered funding approach reflects a flexible and innovative delivery model that aligns climate action, regeneration and community benefit.
Looking Ahead
Fosse 1.0 represents the first phase of a wider connected vision for King's Island, where heritage, housing, climate resilience and public realm improvements are brought together within a cohesive regeneration strategy.
Future phases will build upon the success of Fosse 1.0 by expanding the park, supporting the delivery of new housing at Sonnys Corner and showcasing the area's rich archaeological heritage. Together, these initiatives will help establish King's Island as a leading example of climate-resilient, heritage-led urban regeneration and sustainable city living.