Annual Report and Accounts Tuaras agu - Waterways Ireland

Goal 1
An extensive aquatic plant survey was conducted on both the Royal and Grand Canals
(Main and Barrow Line) in July 2008. The survey was aimed primarily at identifying areas
where amenity usage was negatively impacted by aggressive plant growth, as well as those
areas where such problems may occur in the future. The implementation of an Aquatic
Weed Management programme was integral to Waterways Ireland’s maintenance plan
in 2008. This programme aims to manage aquatic plant communities in an ecologically
sensitive manner, ensuring that canal channels remain open for amenity use while retaining
ecological diversity and value.
1.3 Continue with ongoing survey of bridges, lock
gates, weirs and water pumps to include 60 bridge
inspections and 15 structures with regard to
leakage.
Bridge survey work continued throughout 2008. Repairs were effected to a number of
bridge structures including Tarmonbarry Bridge, which carries the N5 over the River
Shannon.
A telemetry system designed to support the management of leakage in structures was
installed in the summer of 2008. This will allow more effective and efficient management
of our built infrastructure.
1.4 Continue to develop asset management tools and
systems to assist with the planning of
maintenance and the replacement of
infrastructure including a bridge management
system
The organisation procured and implemented a GIS package to facilitate the identification,
mapping and recording of Waterways Ireland’s property and structural assets. Working with
this technology will allow the organisation to plan maintenance work and the replacement
of infrastructure in an effective and efficient manner.
A further state of the art bridge management system continues to be developed. Fully
operational this system will monitor and review our bridge stock and facilitate effective
management and maintenance of these important structures, enhancing the physical
appearance as well as the user experience of our bridges.
Waterways Ireland Annual Report and Accounts 2008
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