Annual Report and Accounts Tuaras agu - Waterways Ireland

Goal 1
1.1.3 Western Region
The Shannon Navigation, the longest river in Ireland, mainly comprises of the river
Shannon. The navigation extends from Lough Allen to the estuary at Sarsfield Lock in
Limerick.
At Acres Lake near Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim new decking was applied to the existing
concrete jetty surfacing as part of a complete timber decking upgrade. Further south at
Roosky, services were upgraded to the lock house with the provision of water, welfare
facilities, new public lighting along the access roadway and surface dressing carried out to
the lock road. Roosky Dry Dock was also upgraded.
At Clondra Lock, Co Longford new boundary fencing was erected, large areas of landscaping
carried out to provide additional picnic areas, masonry repairs were carried out to stone
walls and additional pathways were provided. Refurbishment works were carried out at
Tarmonbarry Lifting Bridge, which carries the N5 over the River Shannon. This included
improvements to the vertical alignment at the lifting span, essential waterproofing works,
resurfacing of the deck, replacement of bridge bearings and improvements to the operation
of mechanical and electrical units. Enhancement works were carried out to the quay and
harbour at Ballyleague, Co Roscommon with the addition of low level cut stone walling,
decorative bollards, road improvements, significant repairs and additions to paved areas.
Significant remedial works were carried out to both the lock chamber and gates at Victoria
Lock near Banagher in Co Offaly. Repairs were carried out to the paving around Pollboy Lock
at Ballinasloe, safety bollards installed around the harbour at Rossmore, Co Galway, and
security fencing installed at Munster Harbour, Co Tipperary.
In Co Clare, maintenance works included the provision of electricity and water to the
harbour at Reddans Quay, Tuamgraney; repairs to the canal bank at Killaloe and the
provision of welfare facilities at the Canal Store, Killaloe. In Clonlara safety fencing was
erected around Gilogue Bridge, and hogweed sprayed with weed killer on the banks of
the Errina Plassy Canal and Blackwater River. Hogweed is a rapid growing perennial plant
containing large amounts of poisonous sap which when handled, can cause painful skin
blistering and irritation.
In Limerick City, repairs were carried out to the waiting jetties at O’Dwyer’s bridge, and
cleaning of the Park Canal and the Tidal and Park locks was carried out in co-operation with
Limerick City Council.
1.1.4 Environmental Services
Significant work was undertaken by Waterways Ireland to ensure that ongoing maintenance
works were in compliance with all environmental and heritage requirements. This included
working in liaison with regulatory authorities to facilitate dredging works at Gollierstown
and Pullagh Derry on the Grand Canal, and to facilitate tree maintenance works at O’Brien’s
Bridge on the River Shannon. An otter survey was commissioned to facilitate ongoing
maintenance works on the River Barrow and an ecological survey of Groenlandia densa (a
protected aquatic plant) was commissioned on the urban sections of the Royal and Grand
Canals in preparation for proposed dredging activities in 2009. All of this work ensured
the protection and maintenance of our natural environment during ongoing works on the
waterways.
Waterways Ireland Annual Report and Accounts 2008
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