Annual Accounts for the year ending 31st December 2007

Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 

agus Cuntais 

2007 

Waterways Ireland Annual Report and Accounts 2007 

Uiscebhealaí Éireann Tuarascáil Bhliantúil agus Cuntais 2007 

Annual Report 

and Accounts 

2007




This publication can be obtained from Waterways Ireland in 

alternative formats on request, including large print, Braille, 

audio cassette, computer disc and Ulster Scots. 

Contact Waterways Ireland on Tel +44 28 6634 6205 or 

email info@waterwaysireland.org

Contents 


Foreword by the Chief Executive 5 

Chapter 1 Introduction 7 

Chapter 2 Delivery of the Key Performance Targets in year 9 

Chapter 3 Managing and Maintaining the Waterways 11 

Chapter 4 Developing and Restoring the Waterways Network 22 

Chapter 5 Marketing and Promoting our Waterways 27 

Chapter 6 

Managing and Maintaining 

the Assets of Waterways Ireland 31 

Chapter 7 Developing an Organisation of Excellence 32 

Appendix 1 Waterways Ireland – Organisational Chart 41 

Appendix 2 Contact Details 42 

Accounts 45-72 


3

Foreword by the Chief Executive 

I am pleased to present this Annual Report and Accounts 

for Waterways Ireland. The report outlines the progress 

and achievements of the organisation during 2007. 

The use of the waterways under our care continues 

to grow and diversify, as the various navigations play 

host to a range of traditional and innovative events 

and activities, from fishing to wakeboarding and from 

boating to water skiing. Indeed some 1500 contestants 

took part in the Waterways Ireland triAthlone on the 

Shannon in July, in what was the largest triathlon event 

in Europe in 2007. 

To support and enhance the experience of all waterways 

users in 2007, we undertook refurbishment programmes 

across the navigations network, including the upgrading 

of recreational amenities, tow paths, footbridges and the provision of 770m of additional 

jetties. We also dedicated significant resources to improving the navigation experience, 

reviewing and revising navigation marking systems, clearing and realigning navigation 

channels and maintaining appropriate water levels. 

This year proved to be an extraordinary and exciting year for Waterways Ireland. In 

July the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) agreed to proceed with the restoration 

of the section of the Ulster Canal between Clones and Upper Lough Erne and charged 

Waterways Ireland with responsibility for this restoration. Coupled with the ongoing 

work to reopen the Royal Canal, this project furthers the vision of a fully integrated, 

navigable, inland waterways network throughout the island of Ireland. We also saw work 

commence on our new Headquarters building in Enniskillen, a much anticipated and 

needed facility for our staff. 

We continue, however, to be mindful that the success of Waterways Ireland’s activities is 

dependent upon quality waterway environments. We have a significant responsibility to 

facilitate the conservation and management of the waterways as resources of regional 

and international heritage significance. We commenced the development of inventories 

of heritage structures in 2007 to inform the design and management of all of our future 

projects. 

The staff and management of Waterways Ireland have worked closely with our sponsor 

Departments to meet delivery of our agreed programme for 2007 and I would like to 

thank our sponsor Departments, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and the 

Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and their Ministers for their 

support. I would also like to note my thanks to the Joint Secretariat of the North/South 

Ministerial Council, the Department of Finance and Personnel and the Department of 

Finance and their officers, for their commitment and support. As ever, I would like to 

express my gratitude to the staff of Waterways Ireland for their continued commitment, 

dedication and hard work which has been key to the success of the organisation to date. 

I have no doubt that 2008 will bring many challenges and opportunities for Waterways 

Ireland. We remain committed to achieving the highest standards of management and 

maintenance for the waterways under our remit. 

John Martin 

Chief Executive 


5

Twarthy words bae tha heid yin 

Am gled tae pit forrit this Annual Report an Accoonts o’ 

Wattherweys Irelan. Tha report ootlines tha progress an 

achievements o’ tha organisation this twal months bak. 

Tha use o’ tha wattherweys unnther is continues tae 

gro’w an spread oot, as tha various navigations play 

host tae a range o’ traditional an new heppenins an 

ectivities, frae fishin tae wakeboording an frae boatin tae 

watther skiin. Aroon aboot 1500 yins tane pert in tha 

Wattherweys Irelan tri Athlone on tha Shannon in July, 

in whut wus tha biggest triathlon heppenin in Europe in 

2007. 

Tae help oot an mak betther tha experience o’ 

aa wattherweys users in 2007, wae unnthertuk 

refurbishment programmes aa ower tha hale navigations network, includin tha upgradin 

o’ recreational amenities, tow pads, futbrigs an tha provision o’ 770m o’ mair jetties. Wae 

forby lead-by gret resources tae improvin tha navigation experience, lukin at an revisin 

navigation markin systems, clearin an realignin navigation channels an maintainin tha richt 

watther levels. 

Tha year jest by proved tae bae an extraordinary an excitin year for Wattherweys Irelan. 

In July tha North Sooth Ministerial Cooncil (NSMC) agreed tae gae forrit wi’ tha fixin o’ tha 

section o’ tha Ulster Canal atween Clones an Upper Lough Erne an cherged Wattherweys 

Irelan wi’ responsibility for this restoration. Coupled wi’ tha ongoing work tae reopen 

tha Royal Canal, this project moves forrit tha vision o’ a fully integrated, navigable, inlan 

wattherweys network throughoot tha islan o’ Irelan. Wae forby saa work stert on oor new 

Heidquerters biggin in Enniskillen, a mich luked forrit tae an needed facility for oor staff. 

Wae continue, hooiver, tae bae minefa’ that tha success o’ Wattherweys Irelan’s hepenins 

ir depended on quelity wattherway environments. Wae hae a sayerus unnthertakin tae 

facilitate tha conservation an management o’ tha wattherweys as resoorces o’ regional 

an international heritage significance. Wae commenced tha development o’ inventories 

o’ heritage structures in 2007 tae inform tha design an management o’ aa o’ oor future 

projects. 

Tha staff an management o’ Wattherweys Irelan hae worked closely wi’ oor sponsor 

Depertments tae meet delivery o’ oor agreed programme for 2007 an I wud lake tae thenk 

oor sponsor Depertments, tha Depertment o’ Culture, Airts an Laisure an tha Depertment o’ 

Community, Rural an Gaeltacht Affairs an their Ministers for their support. I wud forby lake 

tae pit doon mae thenks tae tha Joint Secretariat o’ tha North/Sooth Ministerial Cooncil, 

tha Depertment o’ Finance an Personnel an tha Depertment o’ Finance an their officers, for 

their commitment an support. As iver, I wud lake tae express mae gretitude tae tha staff o’ 

Wattherweys Irelan for their continued commitment, dedication an hard work which haes 

bane key tae tha success o’ tha organisation tae date. 

I hae nae doot that 2008 wull bring mony challenges an opportunities for Wattherweys 

Irelan. Wae remain committed tae achievin tha heicht standerds o management an 

maintenance for tha wattherways unnther oor keepin’. 

John Martin 

Heid Fector 

6 

Waterways Ireland Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Chapter 1 

Introduction 

1.1 Background 

Waterways Ireland, the largest of the North / South Implementation Bodies, is 

responsible for the management, maintenance, development and restoration of the 

inland navigable waterway system throughout the island, principally for recreational 

purposes. It is currently responsible for the following waterways: 

■ Barrow Navigation; 

■ Erne System; 

■ Grand Canal; 

■ Lower Bann Navigation; 

■ Royal Canal; 

■ Shannon-Erne Waterway; and 

■ Shannon Navigation. 

Waterways Ireland was also charged with taking forward appropriate studies and 

appraisals in relation to the possible restoration of the Ulster Canal. 

At the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) Plenary meeting in July 2007, the 

Council agreed to proceed with the restoration of the section of the Ulster Canal 

between Clones and Upper Lough Erne in light of the Irish Government’s offer to cover 

the full capital costs of the project. Waterways Ireland’s remit was extended by the 

Council, to include responsibility for the restoration of this section of the Canal and, 

following restoration, for its management, maintenance, and development principally 

for recreational purposes. 

1.2 Funding 

Waterways Ireland is funded jointly by both jurisdictions, with 15% of current funding 

provided by the North and 85% by the South, reflecting the present distribution of 

the navigable waterways. 

Capital development programmes are funded separately by each jurisdiction. 

Following on from the National Development Plan 2000-2006 Waterways Ireland 

commenced a further seven year waterways programme under the National 

Development Plan 2007 to 2013. It also carried out a separate capital development 

programme in Northern Ireland funded by the Department of Culture, Arts and 

Leisure (DCAL). 

The Body’s current expenditure (on an accruals basis) during 2007 was €35.6 million 

(£24.3 million) and €17.6 million (£12 million) was expended on capital projects. 

The cash funding received from our sponsor Departments was €47.5 million 

(£32.4 million). DCAL made Accruing Superannuation Liability Charges (ASLCs) 

to the Department of Finance and Personnel of €0.4 million (£0.3 million). 


7

Chapter 1 

Introduction 

1.3 Accountability 

Waterways Ireland is accountable to the North / South Ministerial Council 

(NSMC) which approves its funding and in turn is accountable to the Northern 

Ireland Assembly/UK Parliament and Oireachtas na hÉireann for the organisation’s 

performance and effectiveness. 

Departmental responsibility for Waterways Ireland rests with the Department of 

Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) and with the Department of Community, Rural and 

Gaeltacht Affairs (DCRGA). 

1.4 Locations 

Waterways Ireland’s Headquarters are in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh. 

The navigable waterway system on the island is divided into three Regions, Eastern, 

Western and Northern. Regional offices are located in Dublin for the Eastern Region; 

Scarriff, Co Clare, for the Western Region and Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim, for the 

Northern Region, with a number of works depots and offices around the system. 

8 


Chapter 2 

Delivery of the 2007 Key Performance Targets 

Maintenance 

and provision of 

services on the 

waterways 

Development of 

the waterways 

– facilities and 

services 

Integration of 


network 

• Continue the maintenance 

programme to keep 98% of the 

navigable waterways available for 

navigation from April to October. 

• Complete provision of 432m of 

moorings on the waterways. 

Complete construction of two 

• 

and substantially progress 

construction of two further 

bridges to progress the reopening 

of the Royal Canal. 

• Restore Lock 45 to progress the 

reopening of the Royal Canal. 

Synopsis of Progress 

• All of the waterways remained 

open and available for navigation 

as planned. 

• The waterways maintenance 

programme progressed 

satisfactorily throughout 

the year. 

• A total of 770 metres of jetties 

was completed on the waterways 

during the year. 

• Longford Bridge was completed, 

with landscaping and payment of 

retention monies being concluded 

in 2007. 

• Reconstruction of Begnagh Bridge 

was completed. Construction on 

Mosstown Bridge was started in 

2007 and the design for Lyneen 

Bridge is under review. 

• Lock 45 was fully restored 

during 2007. 

Promote use of 


• Conduct a review of the 

Marketing & Promotion Strategy 

by November 2007. 

• Provide 20 information signs at 

key waterway locations, 10 by 

August 2007 and the remaining 

10 by December 2007. 

• Deliver sponsorship, advertising, 

public relations and direct 

marketing programmes to build 

awareness of the waterways. 

Complete sponsorship plan by 

April 2007. 

• The Marketing Advisory 

Group reviewed the Strategy 

in September and decided 

to continue with the current 

strategy for at least one 

more year. 

• Locations signs were acquired for 

61 sites on the Erne system, the 

Shannon-Erne Waterway and the 

Shannon in 2007. 

The sponsorship, advertising, PR 

• 

and direct marketing programmes 

continue to build awareness of 

the waterways. Some 40 events 

or activities received sponsorship 

from Waterways Ireland and a 

number of other joint activities 

were undertaken with various 

partners. 


9

Chapter 2 

Delivery of the 2007 Key Performance Targets 

Promote use of 


(continued) 

Organisational 

development and 

performance 

• Provide five publications and 

guides to promote and support 

use of the navigations. 

• Deliver a programme of 

market research in line with 

the Marketing and Promotion 

Strategy. 

• Undertake recruitment to achieve 

95% of the approved complement 

of staff for the organisation by 

September 2007. 

• Continue a staff training 

programme to enable the 

organisation to meet its 

objectives. 

• Meet all statutory reporting 

obligations and requirements. 

• Draft Accounts to be provided to 

the Auditor General by April 2007. 

Synopsis of Progress 

• Five publications were printed, 

including four angling guides. 

A series of free publications was 

developed and distributed to 

all registered boat owners, and 

Tourist Information offices in 

Ireland, North and South, and 

throughout Europe. 

• The 2007 research programme 

went to tender. No companies 

tendered for the project. 

• Recruitment exercises for 

operational, technical and 

administration grades continued 

throughout the year. Work on the 

Organisational Review continued, 

with presentations to staff on 

proposals in October. 

• The staff training and 

development programme 

continued. The ongoing rollout 

of the Performance Management 

System further supports the 

achievement of this objective. The 

organisation continued to provide 

support and assistance to staff 

engaged in further study. 

• The organisation met all statutory 

reporting requirements. 

• Draft Accounts were submitted as 

required. 

Financial 

Performance 

• Continue to implement Good 

Governance and all Internal Audit 

requirements. 

• Audit Committee to meet 3 times. 

• Complete 6 internal audits. 

Risk Register to be updated by 

• 

October 2007. 

• Work to implement all good 

governance practices continued. 

• The Audit Committee met 3 times 

in 2007 and approved the Annual 

Internal Audit Plans for 2007 and 

2008 and also agreed the Strategic 

Internal Audit Plan 2008-2010. 

• Areas audited included; Purchasing, 

Fixed Assets, Compliance with the 

Financial Memorandum, IT Project 

Management, Risk Management 

and a Follow-Up Review of 

previous internal audit reports. 

• The Risk Register was updated 

quarterly and a full update was 

completed in October 2007. 

10 


Chapter 3 

Managing and Maintaining the Waterways 

3.1 Waterways Maintenance Programmes 

In 2007, routine inspections and maintenance of all public facilities and navigational 

infrastructure were planned and carried out in a structured way along each of the 

navigations, to ensure a high level of service to waterway users, and to other visitors to 

Waterways Ireland’s property. 

Significant resources are deployed in preparing the navigational network for 

recreational activity each year and maintaining the navigations during the boating 

season. Planned maintenance works 

included power washing of jetties, 

maintaining and improving the navigation 

marking system, the removal of hazards 

and obstructions to vessels from the 

waterways and maintenance of life saving 

equipment, sluices, locks and lock houses. 

Other maintenance works carried out 

included grass cutting at amenity areas, 

weed spraying and tree trimming along 

the navigations, towpath improvements, 

painting of lock gate elements, removal 

of vegetation around the locks and, ever 

increasingly, litter collection. 

Waterways Ireland’s operational and 

inspectorate staff also played an 

important role in facilitating water based 

events in 2007. This included the cutting 

of swims along the navigations for various 

fishing competitions and the setting out 

of a swimming course with booms and 

marker buoys for the Tri Athlone on the 

Shannon Navigation. Staff also facilitated 

events such as the Water Ski World Cup 

on Lough Erne, Riverfest on the Lower 

Bann Navigation, and boat rallies on the 

Shannon and Barrow Navigations, and the 

Grand and Royal Canals. 

Key maintenance projects were also 

carried out on each of the seven 

navigations. 


11

Chapter 3 


3.1.1 Northern Region 

The Northern Region includes the Lower Bann Navigation, Erne System and Shannon- 

Erne Waterway. 

Lower Bann Navigation 

Waterways Ireland’s remit on the Lower Bann Navigation extends from the town 

bridge in Coleraine to its juncture with Lough Neagh at Toome, a distance of 

approximately 52km with 5 locks. 

Additional marker posts were installed between Toome and Portna to enhance safety 

for craft, by improving definition of the navigation channel. Dredging of the navigation 

channels was completed at Toome Canal, Lough Beg and Portna Canal, in consultation 

with stakeholders and statutory bodies. New location/information signage was 

installed at each of the five locks with navigation signage installed at a number of 

locations between Toome and Portna. 

The ongoing programme of refurbishment of lock gates throughout the navigation 

continued with the fabrication of new gates for The Cutts, at Coleraine, and Toome, 

and installation of non-slip surface treatment on all lock gate walkways. 

Erne System 

The Erne System, with over 140 sq kilometres of water area stretches from Belturbet in 

Co Cavan to Belleek in Co Fermanagh. 

A review and upgrading of the water safety equipment provided at public recreation 

facilities on the Erne System was continued in 2007 with the installation of additional 

safety ladders at many sites. The navigation marking system was continually 

monitored and reviewed to ensure it was appropriate to the changing needs of boaters. 

During 2007 a number of markers were installed in Lower Lough Erne to improve user 

recognition of potential hazards. 

Aquatic weed growth, primarily by invasive species, continued to present a challenge 

on the Erne System and required continual monitoring to ensure navigation along main 

channel routes was not impeded. 

12 


Chapter 3 


Shannon-Erne Waterway 

The Shannon-Erne Waterway links the two great inland navigations of its name creating 

the connection from Leitrim Village to a point close to Belturbet, Co Cavan. 

It has 63km of navigational channel with 16 locks. 

Maintenance projects in 2007 included the completion of enhancement works to 

existing recreational amenity areas at Lock 2, Ballyconnell, Co Cavan and Lock 4, Aghoo, 

Co Leitrim. This work has upgraded the existing facilities to a high standard. Repairs to 

the fish pass at Lock 7, Ballyduff, Co Leitrim were required to stop leakage. Grouting and 

concreting of the fish pass was completed successfully. 

Hedge cutting and tree pruning was completed along various sections of the navigation 

channel to improve and maintain sight lines. Maintenance works were completed on 

navigation markers on the River Erne at Belturbet, Co Cavan, improving the definition 

of the navigation channel. The programme of boundary fencing replacement continued 

during the year and a surface dressing programme for access lanes was also completed. 

3.1.2 Western Region 

The Western Region comprises the Shannon Navigation from Lough Allen through 

Lough Ree and Lough Derg, to the estuary at Sarsfield Lock in Limerick, extending a 

linear distance of 215km with 11 locks. The Western Region has a function in managing 

water levels on the Shannon Navigation and this has become more critical given climatic 

changes and the increase in the size of vessels using the navigation. 


13

Chapter 3 


North Shannon 

On the North Shannon, substantial improvement works were carried out to 

Clarendon Lock Access Road, Lough Key, Co Roscommon, including the replacement 

of a culvert, to provide improved access. Refurbishment works were also commenced 

to Tarmonbarry Lock House with completion scheduled for 2008. At both Roosky 

Lock House and Clondra Lock, Co Longford, ducting was laid under the access road 

to provide water, telephone and electricity connections. Safety Barrier Skirts were 

attached to the lifting bridges at Tarmonbarry and Roosky, and air draft gauges erected 

both at Tarmonbarry lifting Bridge and the N55 Road Bridge over the River Camlin at 

Clondra, Co Longford. 

On the Lough Allen Canal, Co Leitrim, the footpath to the upper jetty at Drumleague 

Lock was extended and a retaining wall constructed. Other maintenance projects 

completed on the North Shannon included leakage prevention from lock gates and 

repairs to gate sluices at Battlebridge Lock, works at Jamestown sluices and major tree 

trimming. 

South Shannon 

On the South Shannon, maintenance projects included navigational improvements 

at Benjamin Rocks, near Williamstown Harbour on Lough Derg. This involved the 

re-alignment of the navigation channel and installation of additional markers. At 

Limerick, two footbridges were removed and replaced at Gully’s Lock and Hackett’s 

Lock, on the Errina Plassey Canal. At Ryan’s Lock, an access ramp was installed at the 

footbridge to provide improved safety. 

A significant number of surveys, including topographic and hydrographic surveys, 

property boundary surveys, land surveys and bridge surveys were carried out during 

the year. 

3.1.3 Eastern Region 

The navigations in the Eastern Region are the Royal Canal, the Grand Canal and the 

Barrow Navigation. 

Royal Canal 

The Royal Canal is currently navigable from Spencer Dock in Dublin to Ballybrannigan 

Harbour in Co Longford, a distance of 122km. On completion of the current 

restoration programme in 2009, boaters will be able to navigate to the Shannon 

Navigation at Richmond Harbour, near Clondra, Co Longford, a distance of 146km with 

46 locks. 

Maintenance projects carried out in 2007 included the manufacture of new lock 

gates for the 13th, 14th and 15th locks near Maynooth, Co Kildare and provision of 

replacement fencing at Confey Boat house and Pike Bridge Harbour in front of Carton 

House, Maynooth, Co Kildare. In Kilcock, the existing timber jetty in the harbour area 

was removed and a 110m long hardwood jetty installed. New winches were installed 

14 


Chapter 3 


to the lock gates at the 17th lock near Kilcock and 10th lock close to Ashtown Station 

in Dublin, while leakage repairs were carried out near the 7th and 8th locks. At the 

11th lock near the M50, works commenced on the widening of a 300m stretch of 

canal bank. At Binns Bridge in Dublin, a wall which had collapsed was rebuilt to allow 

the towpath to be re-opened, following towpath improvement works completed in 

association with Dublin City Council. 

In Co Longford, repair works were carried out on the Royal Canal between Foigha 

Bridge and Cloonbreany Bog. 

Grand Canal 

The Grand Canal traverses the central plain of Ireland, from the Grand Canal Dock, 

Ringsend in Dublin, through Co Kildare and Co Offaly, to the River Shannon at Shannon 

Harbour near Banagher, Co Offaly. It includes the Main Line which extends a distance 

of 131km from Dublin to the Shannon with 43 locks; the Barrow Line, a distance of 

45km from Lowtown to Athy with 9 locks; and the Naas Branch, a distance of 4km 

from the Main Line to Naas with 5 locks. 

Maintenance projects carried out on the Grand Canal in 2007 included the provision of 

twenty-five angling markers and a car-parking area adjacent to Toberdaly Bridge, near 

Rhode in Co Offaly. Significant work was carried out in the Tullamore area in advance 

of the Fleadh Cheoil which was held in Tullamore, including dredging a 1000m section 

of canal from the 27th lock to the harbour in the town, repairs to a section of the 

quay wall and the provision of twelve additional public moorings. Repairs to the canal 

structure also continued with the repair of eleven canal bank leaks. 


15

Chapter 3 


Some 250m of low freeboard was repaired on the south canal bank, between 

Toberdaly Bridge and Bord Na Mona Bridge at Killeen, east of Daingean. A further 

70m of low freeboard was repaired on the south canal bank to the west of Blundell 

Aqueduct on the Edenderry to Rathangan Road. A 300m embanked section of the 

Derrycooley canal supply channel, west of 31st lock, was repaired and the White Eye 

supply channel, near Robertstown, Co Kildare and Pluckerstown supply channel, near 

Glenaree, Co Kildare were dredged. The ongoing winter dredging on the Barrow Line 

began in November at Vicarstown, Co Laois and will continue until the start of the 

2008 boating season. 

In the Dublin area, repairs and new stone facing to walls at the 1st and 3rd Locks 

were undertaken in conjunction with Dublin City Council as part of a joint project 

for towpath enhancement. New winches were installed at Mount Street Lock and 

Charlemont Street Lock both on the Circular Line. Bank improvement works were 

carried out between Digby Bridge to Landenstown in Co Kildare, increasing the 

accessibility of the bank for both pedestrians and Waterways Ireland’s maintenance 

machinery. 

Barrow Navigation 

The Barrow Navigation extends from the junction of the River Barrow and the Grand 

Canal Barrow Line at Athy, Co Kildare, to the tidal reaches at St. Mullin’s, Co Carlow, a 

distance of 65km with 23 locks. 

2007 was designated as the ‘Year of the Barrow’. This was launched by President 

McAleese in New Ross, Co Wexford. Events were organised in the various towns 

along the Barrow Navigation to mark the year including a very successful rally 

organised by the Heritage Boat Association (HBA). 

The Barrow Navigation is a candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC), therefore, 

all work on the Navigation has had to be agreed in advance with the National Parks 

and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in accordance with the EC Habitats Directive. Approval 

was granted by NPWS for some localised dredging and bank protection works at 

Graiguenamanagh, Co Kilkenny. In order to streamline the consultation and approval 

process an ‘appropriate assessment’ of the impacts of its planned work programme 

on the various species and habitats protected under the Habitats Directive was 

carried out. 

16 


Chapter 3 


Other maintenance projects completed in 2007 included extensive repairs to the 

quay wall at Goresbridge in Co Kilkenny and bank protection works downstream of 

Clogrennan in Co Laois. 

3.2 Inspectorate and Bye-Laws 

The Inspectorate operates an important role in the enforcement of the navigational 

Bye-Laws across the navigations, with the exception of the Lower Bann Navigation. 

On the Lower Bann Navigation the Inspectorate acts only in an advisory capacity. 

A single set of new Bye-Laws are being drafted for all seven navigations. 

Reports from the public in 2007 requiring the attention of the Inspectorate staff were 

largely concerned with:- 

■ Speed 

■ Wash 

■ Unauthorised Mooring 

■ Aids to Navigation 

■ Personal Water Crafts 

■ Parking 

■ Anti-social behaviour 

■ Noise 

■ Horse Washing 

The Inspectorate also carried out inspections of the aids to navigation; including floating 

cage and barrel buoys, beacons / perches and stone cairns. Operations staff were then 

notified of maintenance and repair work required. 

Vessel registration is managed by the Inspectorate, and in 2007 the number of new 

vessels registered exceeded all previous years. 1,360 new vessels were registered in 

2007, 638 on the Shannon Navigation and 722 on the Erne System. On the canals, 

boaters pay for lock passages on an individual basis, or alternatively pay for a monthly 

or annual mooring permit. In 2007, 343 annual permits were purchased for navigation 

along the canals. 

3.3 Natural and Built Heritage 

3.3.1 Fish Stocking 

The Central Fisheries Board (CFB) is commissioned by Waterways Ireland to carry 

out fish stocking, aquatic plant management and water quality monitoring on the 

Royal Canal, Grand Canal (Main Line & Barrow Line), the Barrow Navigation and the 

Shannon-Erne Waterway. 


17

Chapter 3 


In 2007, approximately 1200kg of adult fish were stocked during enhancement 

operations conducted at nine locations along the waterways. This included the 11th 

lock of the Grand Canal at Lucan in advance of the very successful Irish Wheelchair 

Association’s Annual Fishing competition, held on 13th September 2007. 

Fish rescue operations were necessitated by routine dredging and maintenance 

operations particularly on the Grand Canal Barrow Line. These operations have 

enabled trials to be initiated investigating the practical implementation of various 

habitat mitigation measures. 

The spatial ecology of certain fish species, determined using both acoustic and radio 

telemetry, continued to provide an important source of management information. 

The programme was extended in 2007 to include the 25th lock of the Grand Canal 

Barrow Line, where dredging works are ongoing, in an effort to determine fish use 

patterns of the newly altered habitats. Results to date indicate that fish range freely 

along the 22km long section of canal. 

Water quality monitoring was conducted on at least three occasions in 2007 at 219 

main channel and feeder stream sites on the Royal and Grand Canals, the Shannon- 

Erne Waterway and the Barrow Navigation. Forty canal sites were sampled four 

times in compliance with the Water Framework Directive (WFD). Aquatic and 

riparian plant communities were also assessed at these sites in 2007. Invertebrate 

communities were surveyed at each site on one occasion during 2006 and 2007, 

with some of this data submitted to the Scottish and Northern Ireland Forum for 

Environmental Research (SNIFFER), as part of an ecological assessment tool designed 

to monitor WFD compliance. 

The implementation of an Aquatic Weed Management programme was integral to 

Waterways Ireland’s maintenance plan in 2007. 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. 

3.3.2 Environmental Work 

Waterways Ireland has a significant role to play in advocating and implementing high 

quality environmental management of the waterways, given the long-term viability 

of these unique assets is dependent on their environmental status. 

The assessment of the environmental sustainability of Waterways Ireland’s National 

Development Plan (NDP) projects has been ongoing throughout 2007. Field ecological 

assessments were completed for the proposed canal in Glassan, Co Westmeath 

to ensure the works are in keeping with the aims of the Habitats Directive. These 

include aquatic and terrestrial plant surveys, habitat mapping, ornithological 

mapping, mammal assessment and fish studies. A detailed hydrological study was 

also conducted for Glassan to ensure the construction of a canal would not affect 

adjacent wetland habitat. 

18 


Chapter 3 


In addition to previous ecological work undertaken for the proposed NDP development 

at Dowra in Leitrim, Waterways Ireland co-commissioned a specific study on Pollan, a 

protected species, in cooperation with the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board to assess 

the potential for the works to inhibit the spawning activities of this fish. Ecological 

assessments have also been carried out for Mosstown Bridge and Begnagh Bridge 

on the Royal Canal and for the new jetties and moorings constructed in Ballina, Co 

Tipperary and in Portumna, Co Galway. An additional dive survey was commissioned 

in Portumna to determine if the project would also impact spawning gravels for Pollan. 

While providing necessary information to assess the sustainability of proposed 

projects, the environmental assessments commissioned by Waterways Ireland 

contribute to the body of ecological knowledge available to ensure the protection of 

designated sites. For example, the studies commissioned at Glassan have produced 

bird mapping which will facilitate conservation activities in this bird sanctuary, and the 

Pollan study commissioned at Dowra will help to further the protection of this rare 

species of fish in the North Shannon. Information gathered in these studies will also be 

presented to the public in various forms that will accentuate the ecological importance 

of these areas and increase their attractiveness for eco-tourism. 

Dredging on the Lower Bann was completed in spring 2007 at the Cutts, Movanagher, 

Portna and Toome including emergency works in Lough Beg. Environmental work 

at these sites involved obtaining necessary regulatory consents, liaising closely with 

the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS), Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure 

(DCAL) and other relevant stakeholders. Onsite sampling and suspended solids 

monitoring was conducted at some sites during dredging activities to satisfy fishery 

and EHS requirements. Site visits were also undertaken at Movanagher and Toome 

with a view to initiating an aquatic plant management strategy for the Lower Bann. 


19

Chapter 3 


In 2007 Waterways Ireland completed an Article 6 Assessment for a three-year strategy 

for maintenance activities on the River Barrow in consultation with the National Parks 

and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the Southern Regional Fisheries Board and the Central 

Fisheries Board. This included field trials to assess the potential impact of the works 

on the protected fish species Lamprey and an aquatic plant survey to assess impacts on 

protected habitat consisting of floating river vegetation. 

Spot dredging continued on the Grand Canal following testing to ensure the spoil could 

be reused on site, in line with Waterways Ireland’s commitment to the sustainable reuse 

of natural resources which prevents the unnecessary use of landfills. In ongoing efforts 

to ensure the conservation of biodiversity in the canals, Waterways Ireland transplanted 

specimens of Groenlandia densa (a rare and protected aquatic plant) to the Botanic 

Gardens in agreement with NPWS. Waterways Ireland is also co-funding an assessment 

of Myxas glutinosa a rare species of snail found on the Grand Canal to assess potential 

mitigation measures to ensure its conservation. 

On the Erne System environmental scoping exercises were completed for replacement 

moorings at Geaglum in Upper Lough Erne, which also required an Article 6 Assessment, 

and at the Round O in Enniskillen. 

To facilitate the conservation and management of the waterways as resources of 

regional and international heritage significance, Waterways Ireland commenced the 

development of inventories of heritage structures in 2007 along the Shannon-Erne 

Waterway, the Royal Canal, the Grand Canal and the River Barrow. These inventories 

include architectural, engineering and industrial heritage and were conducted to 

ensure that all heritage requirements are incorporated into the design, construction 

and maintenance phases of Waterways Ireland’s projects. They will also facilitate an 

assessment of conservation requirements to ensure the waterways’ distinctive heritage 

values are conserved and to safeguard their potential for future use and development. 

Waterways Ireland also commissioned an underwater archaeological survey of the weir 

in Killaloe on the Shannon Navigation and a terrestrial geophysical survey at a site in 

Monasterevin on the Grand Canal Barrow Line in the interests of conserving heritage. In 

addition a significant number of heritage documents were transferred in 2007 from the 

old workhouse stores in Portumna to new modern storage facilities nearby to facilitate 

their conservation. 

In recognition of the need to address potential future climate change, the Mechanical 

Section of Waterways Ireland has been proactively attempting to mitigate Greenhouse 

Gas emissions. All weed cutting boats and harvesters purchased in recent years have 

been designed and constructed with closed engine and hydraulic oil cooling systems. 

Similarly, the vessels utilise biodegradable hydraulic oil in their transmission/propulsion 

systems. Both of these innovations help to significantly reduce the likelihood, severity 

and environmental impact of engine and hydraulic fluid leakage. Also, as part of the 

ongoing monitoring of the carbon footprint of the Waterways Ireland vehicle fleet, 

several initiatives have been taken to reduce emissions. These include the replacement 

of six lock keepers vans with vehicles which have diesel engines which produce lower 

CO 2 emissions and have improved fuel consumption. 

20 


Chapter 3 


3.3.3 Water Framework Directive (WFD) 

In 2007, under the WFD, the organisation continued its ongoing collaboration with the 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Central Fisheries Board (CFB) in the 

monitoring of water quality monitoring requirements for canals under our control. 

Waterways Ireland has responsibility for implementing this monitoring programme, 

the results of which will be reported to the EU by the EPA. 

As part of this process Waterways Ireland continued to participate with British 

Waterways, various Irish, Scottish and UK regulatory authorities and the Scottish and 

Northern Ireland Fora For Environmental Research, to develop a WFD compliant canal 

classification tool. Work included analyses of field samples including macrophyte and 

macroinvertebrate compositions, and water chemistry from the canals. A detailed 

specification was prepared to initiate Phase III of this project. This will result in the 

development of a specific ecological tool for Irish canals to ensure their ongoing 

operational and maintenance requirements are recognised and do not come into 

conflict with the promotion of good ecological potential as required under WFD. 

Waterways Ireland participates in the Heavily Modified and Artificial Water Bodies 

Steering Group which is a national WFD body driven by the EPA. Waterways 

Ireland also participates in River Basin District Management Groups to ensure the 

requirements of the WFD, in terms of catchment-based planning and protecting the 

ecological status of the inland waterways are known, and to ensure navigational 

interests are incorporated into the River Basin District Management Plans. 


21

Chapter 4 

Developing and Restoring the Waterways Network 

4.1 Capital Works Programme 

4.1.1 Introduction 

In total Waterways Ireland spent €15.5 million on capital works in 2007, providing 

additional and enhanced facilities to promote access to the waterways. Works carried 

out on each of the seven navigations are detailed below. 

Northern Region 

4.1.2 Lower Bann Navigation 

Leisure boat usage has continued to grow on the Lower Bann Navigation following 

Waterways Ireland’s investment in additional public moorings and improvements to the 

navigational infrastructure. 

Replacement jetties 36m in length were installed during 2007 at Mountsandel, Co 

Londonderry. Preliminary works were also carried out to provide a new jetty at Camus, 

Co Londonderry, with completion scheduled for 2008. 

4.1.3 Erne System 

Public mooring facilities were replaced and upgraded at a number of Waterways 

Ireland’s recreational sites on the Erne System in 2007; a total of 346m of moorings 

were installed. The timber jetty at Castle Caldwell Forest Park on Lower Lough Erne was 

replaced, as was a section of the timber jetty at Muckross. At Crevinishaughy Island in 

the Castle Archdale area of the Lower Lough, the existing timber jetty was replaced with 

a larger structure which included a reduced freeboard section to facilitate water sport 

activities, which are popular in that area. At Geaglum near Derrylin, the existing jetty 

was replaced with floating moorings as part of a larger scheme to create an amenity site 

for the waterway users and other visitors to the shores of Upper Lough Erne. 

Phase one construction works commenced at the Round ‘O’, Enniskillen in 2007, with 

improvements carried out to the slipway as part of an overall project to upgrade and 

improve this popular water recreation facility. 

Identification of potential sites for future infrastructure development continued and 

a number of possible sites were considered in outline. Meetings were held with other 

government bodies and stakeholders to discuss potential sites. 

22 


Chapter 4 


4.1.4 Shannon Erne Waterway 

The development of a new Waterway Patroller facility at Lock 16, Co Leitrim, 

commenced in 2007 to provide enhanced levels of customer service provision at this 

location. 

Western Region 

4.1.5 Shannon Navigation 

The installation of additional public moorings continued, with 250m of floating 

moorings installed throughout the Shannon Navigation in 2007. In Co Galway, a new 

50m floating mooring was installed downstream of Portumna bridge, with an access 

gangway constructed to connect the jetty to the bank of the river. A further 100m 

floating mooring was installed at Ballina, downstream of the Killaloe/Ballina road bridge 

in Co Tipperary, with safety booms installed on the navigation arch of the bridge. In Co 

Roscommon, a 100m floating mooring was installed at Kilglass together with a car park 

and an amenity area. 

In 2007, planning permission was awarded by Leitrim County Council to extend the 

Shannon Navigation to Annagh Upper, Dowra. Following the award of planning 

permission, the decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanala. The outcome of this appeal 

is awaited. 


23

Chapter 4 


Work started to automate Clarendon Lock, the only lock on the Boyle River between 

the confluence with the Shannon and Lough Key. This involved the development and 

fabrication of cofferdams for use on standard Lock Chambers in preparation for the 

replacement of the lower gates in 2008. Tarmonbarry Lock House also underwent 

refurbishment with final works scheduled for completion in 2008. This refurbishment 

will provide improved visibility of the lock chamber for the lockkeeper when vessels are 

passing through as well as upgrading the existing welfare facilities. 

Works to facilitate the ease of passage to and from the Royal Canal upon its re-opening, 

included dredging of the lower section of Camlin River, in Co Longford. In Scarriff, 

Co Clare, a boat pump out station was installed at Scarriff Harbour increasing the total 

number of pump out stations to 21 at 14 locations on the Shannon Navigation. 

Eastern Region 

4.1.6 Royal Canal 

In Co Longford, works were completed on the construction of the new lifting bridge 

at Begnagh. Works also commenced on the replacement of the existing bridge at 

Mosstown. 

A 600m section of bank reconstruction and lining was carried out between Ballydrum 

Bridge and the 44th Lock near Killashee. Investigative works were completed at 

Richmond Harbour Dry Dock, a major restoration of the 45th Lock was completed and 

Cloonsheerin Culvert was fully restored. Negotiations continued with Westmeath 

County Council to provide an adequate water supply to the Royal Canal. 

24 


Chapter 4 


Works at Spencer Dock continued. The Dock was widened from 12m to its original 

30m width. Works included exposing and strengthening the original Dock Walls. 

Access was granted for a new LUAS bridge across the Dock. All of these works 

are part of large scale re-development of the area, in which the Royal Canal is an 

important central feature. Work began on the new Sea Lock which has the dual 

purpose of facilitating navigation at all stages of the tide, and providing flood 

protection to the area in the event of high water levels in the adjacent River Liffey. 

The project comprises construction of new mitre gates and new sector gates, 

together with a control building for the operation of the Sea Lock. 

Improvements to the towpath and reconstruction of a section of the wall in the area, 

from Binns Bridge to Croke Park in Dublin were carried out. This re-opened a 400m 

stretch of towpath, providing a continual link of upgraded towpath surfacing from the 

1st Lock at North Strand to the 5th Lock at Cross Guns Bridge. 

Waterways Ireland has entered into agreement with Inland Fibre Telecom Ltd to lay a 

fibre optic cable along the towpath from Pakenham Bridge to Kilcock in Co Kildare, a 

distance of approximately 20km. 

In Maynooth Harbour, Waterways Ireland worked with Kildare County Council and 

ESB to provide new lighting for the harbour area, and improvements to the railings 

around the Harbour. 

4.1.7 Grand Canal 

The replacement of a 40m long culvert under the canal was completed at Rahan in 

Co Offaly. Works included associated canal embankment works and realignment of 

culverts to both the upstream and downstream channels. 


25

Chapter 4 


Dredging was completed along 3000m of the Barrow Line between Ballymanus 

Bridge and Vicarstown in Co Laois. 

Major infrastructural improvements to the Grand Canal Docks and their environs 

were introduced in 2007. The General MacMahon Bridge, a lifting bridge over the 

canal basin between the Inner and Outer Docks, was replaced by a fixed structure, 

in a joint project between Waterways Ireland and Dublin City Council. Major repair 

works were also carried out to stabilise the walls in Grand Canal Dock. In a separate 

project, the Grand Canal Square was extended into the dock as a platform extending 

over the water body. 

Joint works were also undertaken with Dublin City Council to provide approximately 

700m of improved towpath surfacing and overhead lighting near Davitt Road at the 

start of the Main Line on the Grand Canal. At Sallins, Co Kildare, works commenced 

in association with Kildare County Council to improve the harbour area involving 

the re-construction of the footpath, introduction of new overhead lighting and the 

placing of services underground. 

4.1.8 Barrow Navigation 

Capital works on the Barrow Navigation included the installation of a 54m amenity 

jetty at Ardreigh, near Athy Co Kildare, and an 84m floating jetty at Carlow Town 

Park. Major dredging work was undertaken in Carlow and Leighlinbridge. Repair 

works were completed to the quay wall and landing jetty at Rathvindon Lock and the 

retaining wall at Graiguenamanagh Dry Dock. Work commenced on the provision of 

a new slipway at Bagenalstown. 

All Regions 

4.1.9 Purchase of plant / vehicles 

During 2007 a total of €1.5 million was spent on the renewal and acquisition of 

boats, construction plant, vehicles, weed harvesting and grass cutting equipment. 

Two weed harvesters were delivered for service in the Eastern Region and a tender 

was advertised for the construction and supply of a further two harvesters to be 

built and delivered in time for the 2008 weed cutting season. The acquisition of 

these harvesters will greatly increase the productivity and capacity of the Waterways 

Ireland weed cutting fleet. 

During 2007 a new Marine Coastguard Agency (MCA) certified multipurpose 

demountable workboat was constructed and delivered to the Northern Region. 

The delivery of this vessel will enhance the ‘on the water’ work capabilities of 

Operations Division in this Region. 

26 


Chapter 5 

Marketing and Promoting our Waterways 

5.1 Implementation of the Waterways Ireland 

Marketing Strategy 

5.1.1 Marketing Advisory Group 

The Marketing Advisory Group consists of representatives from Waterways 

Ireland management, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Fáilte Ireland, Tourism 

Ireland, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Erne Charter Boat 

Association, the Irish Boat Rental Association, the Inland Waterways Association of 

Ireland and the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland. 

Since its first meeting in 2004 the Marketing Advisory Group has worked to endorse 

the principles of the Marketing & Promotion Strategy and has continued to provide 

support and guidance to Waterways Ireland in its implementation. 

During 2007 the Group considered such matters as; the Waterways Ireland website, 

joint communications, publications, the advertising campaign, market research, 

events and the sponsorship programme. 

5.1.2 Merchandising 

Waterways Ireland developed a range of merchandise to support the sponsorship 

activity of the organisation and to provide promotional retail opportunities. 

5.2 Increasing the use of the inland waterways by raising 

the public profile 

5.2.1 Public Relations Programme 

There continued to be widespread print and radio coverage of Waterways Ireland’s 

activities in 2007 including the launches of publications at the London Boat Show and 

the Birmingham “Go Fishing” Show. Events sponsored by Waterways Ireland, such 

as the ‘triAthlone’, a triathlon in Athlone, the Classic Boat Regatta on the Shannon 

Navigation and the Waterways Ireland Riverfest on the Lower Bann, also received 

significant media coverage. Major restoration projects on the Royal Canal and the 

announcement of funding for the first phase of the Ulster Canal attracted much 

media interest. 

In January, Waterways Ireland was awarded the Best Marina Development 2007 for 

the new Moorings in Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim, at the Local Government, City 

and Council Awards ceremony. These awards were created to honour exemplary 

projects within the community. 


27

Chapter 5 


5.2.2 Advertising Campaign 

Following the success of the outdoor campaign in 2006, a further campaign was 

undertaken in 2007 to promote the recreational aspects of the waterways such as 

boating, water sports, angling, heritage and nature. The campaign consisted of a series 

of billboard and ‘adshel’ advertisements displayed in more than 120 locations along 

the waterways during the months of July, August and September. The advertisements 

were sited to coincide with waterways festivals or other events sponsored by 

Waterways Ireland in these locations during these months. 

5.2.3 Sponsorship Programme 

A wide range of events took place on the waterways with support from the Waterways 

Ireland Sponsorship Programme, varying from community to sporting events at 

locations on all seven waterways. In all 40 events took place with the majority of 

events staged during the summer weekends. In 2007, the “Year of the Barrow”, a wide 

range of events took place on this waterway, with support from Waterways Ireland. 

These included; the Bagenalstown River Festival, the Athy Water Festival, the Carlow 

Regatta, and the Graiguenamanagh River Festival. The work and lives of the Canal men 

was also celebrated at a reunion ceremony in Carlow. The Waterways Ireland Classic 

Fishing festival was again a huge success in 2007 with some 250 anglers participating 

in the event. 

28 


Chapter 5 


5.2.4 Publications and Publication Launches 

In 2007 Waterways Ireland produced a range of publications. Some popular brochures 

were updated and re-printed, for example, the Glimpse series and the “What’s On 

2007” Events Guide. The “Taste of the Waterways” Hospitality Guide was extremely 

well received with over 25,000 copies distributed. 

In January a new publication by Ruth Delany and Euromapping called “Ireland’s 

Waterways Map and Directory” was launched at the London Boat Show by Éamon Ó 

Cuív, T.D., Minister for Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs. 

Other publications launched in 2007 included Angling Guides for three locations on 

the Grand Canal, Prosperous, Monasterevin and Tullamore, and for Lough Scur on the 

Shannon-Erne Waterway. 

The successful mail-order campaign was continued with an updated publications 

catalogue. 

5.2.5 Visitor Services 

The Waterways Ireland Visitor Centre at Ringsend on the Grand Canal was closed for 

refurbishment to create a new dynamic multi-functional space for use by Waterways 

Ireland and third parties for promotional work. 

5.2.6 Trade and Consumer Exhibitions 

In 2007 Waterways Ireland attended a series of exhibitions to promote Ireland’s inland 

waterways. The Boat Shows included: the London Boat Show at Excel; the Malahide 

Boat Show; and the Earls Court Boat Show, London. At the Dublin and London shows, 

Waterways Ireland hosted representatives from a number of trade partners, who were 

very satisfied with the response from the public. In excess of four thousand enquiries 

were received at these shows. Waterways Ireland also attended “Go Fishing” in 

the NEC, Birmingham in March to promote angling on the inland waterways and to 

publicise the Waterways Ireland Classic Fishing Festival which took place in May on 

the Erne System. Waterways Ireland also participated in a tourism and trade show as 

part of the National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore, Co Offaly. 

5.3 Customer Service 

5.3.1 Customer Service 

In 2007 the review of the existing Strategy for Enhanced Customer Service and Codes 

of Practice continued. The review was undertaken by a sub-group of the Waterways 

Ireland Partnership Forum established in November 2006. The review included 

consultation with all staff and recommendations were presented to the Partnership 

Committee in December 2007. The aim of the Strategy is to ensure that customers 

of Waterways Ireland receive a consistent and high quality level of service in all 

dealings with Waterways Ireland whether by telephone, written word or in person at a 

Waterways Ireland facility. 


29

Chapter 5 


5.3.2 Complaints 

During 2007, there were two complaints logged as per the Procedures for Handling 

Customer Complaints, which is contained in the Customer Service Codes of Practice. 

The complaints were dealt with satisfactorily. No appeals were lodged. 

5.4 Developing Partnerships 

5.4.1 Partnerships and Joint Activities 

Waterways Ireland developed a range of partnerships with organisations to manage joint 

activities which would increase awareness of the waterways. 

In October a joint marketing initiative 

between Waterways Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, 

Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB), 

Tourism Ireland, Fermanagh Lakeland 

Tourism and Shannon Development to 

promote the waterways corridor between 

Belleek in Co Fermanagh and Limerick, 

was launched at a ceremony on the banks 

of the Shannon in Clonmacnoise. The 

first phase of this project included the 

development of a guide, website (www. 

discoverireland/lakelands.ie) and a multilingual 

DVD. 

Waterways Ireland in conjunction with 

Fáilte Ireland also formulated a Marketing 

Strategy for the Cruising Sector. A steering 

group has been established to implement the recommendations of the strategy and 

includes representatives from the Irish Boat Rental Association, the Erne Charter Boat 

Association, the Inland Waterway Association of Ireland and the Northern Ireland 

Tourist Board, as well as Waterways Ireland and Fáilte Ireland. 

In 2007, for the third year, Waterways Ireland supported the staging of the Water Ski 

World Cup in Enniskillen in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Events Company, 

Fermanagh District Council and the International Water Ski Federation. 

5.5 Historical Records 

5.5.1 Photographic Library 

Work continued on the development and maintenance of a comprehensive photographic 

library to catalogue and store images of the waterways. 

30 


Chapter 6 

Managing and Maintaining the Assets of Waterways Ireland 

6.1 Waterways Ireland Property Portfolio 

Waterways Ireland continued to manage its extensive property portfolio. We continued 

to develop standard procedures and legal agreements necessary to underpin the 

management and development of the assets of Waterways Ireland and to efficiently 

complete agreements with third parties. High levels of interest in waterside property 

by the private sector and continued infrastructure development by the public sector 

has meant a continued rise in applications seeking permission for development on 

Waterways Ireland’s land. During the year a common approach to marina developments 

and applications for bridges over Waterways Ireland’s land was developed and 

implemented. 

The compulsory purchase of land to facilitate the reopening of the Royal Canal, primarily 

in the provision of lands for bridge construction, was undertaken. Work continued to 

manage the land and property rental agreements for all Waterways Ireland’s property, 

with a review of these agreements scheduled to commence in 2008. 

A review of the management of liability claims was undertaken and an external firm 

of claims investigators and professional liability assessors were appointed at the end of 

2007. A full review of historic liability claims is proposed together with a movement to a 

proactive interdivisional management of future liability claims. 

To assist in the movement to an active property management regime it was agreed to 

undertake a first registration of 2 areas of canal property as an initial pilot. A tender for 

this work was awarded in December 2007. 

6.2 Income Generation 

Approval was granted, during 2007, by the North / South Ministerial Council (NSMC) 

for the joint development of the site known as Plot 8 on the Grand Canal Dock, Dublin. 

Working in partnership with the Dublin Docklands Development Authority, Waterways 

Ireland will create a larger development site, maximising the potential income 

generation from Plot 8 to the benefit of all stakeholders. 

Further approval was granted, by Departments, for a pilot project allowing the use of 

our towpaths to convey fibre optic cables. Work commenced on this project in the last 

quarter of 2007. 

Both of these projects are expected to generate income in the future. 


31

Chapter 7 

Developing an Organisation of Excellence 

7.1 Developing a clear Strategic and Operational Direction 

7.1.1 Business Planning 

The 2008 Business Plan which sets out the operational, technical, corporate, 

marketing and promotional programmes for the year was approved by North / South 

Ministerial Council (NSMC), subject to budgetary provision in both jurisdictions, at the 

sectoral format meeting in October 2007. The plan outlines in detail the work to be 

undertaken in 2008, year one of the organisation’s 2008 – 2010 Corporate Plan which 

was also granted approval, subject to budgetary provision in both jurisdictions by the 

NSMC in October. 

The Corporate Plan 2008 – 2010 outlines the strategies and key objectives which 

Waterways Ireland will use to deliver the management programme for the continuing 

development of our waterways over the next 3 years. 

7.2 Policy Development and Review 

7.2.1 Policy Development 

Work continued on policy review and 

development throughout the year, 

ensuring compliance with existing and 

new legislation and providing a consistent 

approach to policies and procedures across 

the organisation. Work was completed on 

the Employee Handbook, which provides 

all staff with personal copies of key 

policies. A pilot programme of workshops 

to provide all staff with the opportunity 

to review and become familiar with 

these key policies took place in the last 

quarter of 2007. A comprehensive roll 

out programme will take place in early 

2008. The Access for Disabled Persons 

policy was adopted by the organisation 

in August 2007 and work commenced 

on related policy guides such as access 

to communications and access in the 

built environment. The policy on the 

Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults progressed significantly. The draft policy 

will be presented to the Partnership Forum for consideration in early 2008. 

Policy developers worked closely with the organisation’s Equality Unit to ensure that 

policies were screened internally to determine and, where necessary, mitigate against 

any negative impact on any of the identified equality groups. This work was supported 

by further consultation, internally, through an internal consultation group, made up of 

representatives from across the organisation. 

32 


Chapter 7 


7.3 Delivering high quality internal 

and external communications 

7.3.1 Communications Resource Programme 

The Communications Resource Programme, which incorporates the website for the 

organisation and an internal intranet, aims to improve the way Waterways Ireland 

stores and presents information to the benefit of customers and staff. The website 

which was launched in 2006 continued to build up a large user base with almost seven 

million hits in 2007 which represented an increase of 35% on the previous year. The 

Intranet was launched at the Staff Conference in October 2007 and this provides ready 

access for all staff to relevant internal documents. 

7.3.2 Staff Newsletter 

Four issues of the Staff Newsletter, “Water Matters”, were produced by the voluntary 

editorial team, which comprises members of staff from across the organisation. The 

newsletter is used as a valuable communication tool to inform staff of the progress 

of work programmes, and to update them on equality issues, policy development and 

staff changes. 

7.4 Equality of Opportunity 

7.4.1 Annual Programmes for Equality and 

Targeting Social Exclusion 

The Annual Equality Work Programme 2007 was prepared by the interdivisional 

Equality Steering Group and approved for implementation by the Senior Management 

Team. Key elements of the programme included the screening of corporate policies 

and publications to maximise accessibility, development of good relations initiatives 

through the Waterways Ireland Sponsorship Programme and the rollout of Equality 

and Disability Awareness training for all staff. The ongoing implementation of 

the programme, supporting the promotion of equality in all of the organisation’s 

activities, was reviewed throughout the year by the Equality Steering Group. The 

organisation’s Equality Scheme Progress Report 2006 – 2007 was submitted to the 

Equality Commission, Northern Ireland, in August. In September, Waterways Ireland 

submitted their five year review of the organisation’s Equality Scheme to the Equality 

Commission, Northern Ireland. 

In response to the extension of The Disability Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 

2006, Waterways Ireland developed a Disability Action Plan for the period 2007 – 

2010 which was subject to public consultation. This plan includes pro-active measures 

to improve aspects of the business and operations in terms of equality for disabled 

stakeholders both internally and externally. 


33

Chapter 7 


The Disability Act 2005, in Ireland, also required a pro active approach to addressing 

equality issues in employment. In February 2007 Waterways Ireland was required to 

undertake a survey of all staff employed in Ireland in order to establish baseline data on 

the number of disabled people employed by the body. A target of 3% has been set by 

Government. A monitoring report consisting of narrative statement and a data table 

was submitted to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (DCRGA) 

in March. 

Waterways Ireland’s Sponsorship Programme is an annual programme used to engage 

with and support a wide range of community groups throughout the island, building 

good relations and promoting equality and inclusiveness. In order to enhance the 

level of engagement with representative groups, a targeted advertising campaign was 

conducted further to advice from the Equality authorities in both jurisdictions. This 

included advertisements in Age Action’s “Ageing Matters” newsletter, Gay Community 

News’ magazine and the Irish Wheelchair’s “Spokeout” magazine. Additionally, 

information was provided to the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI), the 

National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI) and the 

Community NI website. 

During 2007 Waterways Ireland developed an Affirmative Action Plan in consultation 

with the Equality Commission Northern Ireland (ECNI) to redress a perceived underrepresentation 

of members of the Protestant Community in applicants applying for 

posts in Waterways Ireland. The Plan agreed with ECNI included a number of pro active 

measures designed to encourage interest from the Protestant Community in vacancies 

and job opportunities within Waterways Ireland. 

7.4.2 Access for All implementation 

Waterways Ireland is committed to promoting access for all to our services, facilities and 

communications. 

Corporate publications are screened internally by the Equality Unit to identify and 

address, where possible, potential equality issues. Waterways Ireland continues to offer 

corporate publications in alternative formats on request, including large print, Braille, 

audio cassette, computer disc and Ulster Scots. 

The organisation’s Access for Disabled Persons Policy was approved for implementation. 

An important part of the implementation of this policy is the development of best 

practice guideline documents for staff. Work commenced on a suite of these documents 

to include “Making Written Documents Accessible for All” and “Providing Public Services 

to Deaf People”, during 2007. 

34 


Chapter 7 


7.5 Accommodation and Facilities 

7.5.1 Enniskillen Headquarters 

Following a procurement process project-managed by the Central Procurement 

Directorate of the Department of Finance and Personnel, the contract for a 

new Waterways Ireland Headquarters building in Enniskillen was signed in 

March 2007. The state of the art building will be located on a waterfront 

location on the Sligo Road and will be completed by Autumn 2008. The project 

complies with the Government’s “Achieving Excellence in Construction for 

Northern Ireland” initiative which promotes design quality and sustainability in 

construction whilst achieving best value for money. 

In the interim, temporary accommodation continues to be provided at two sites 

in Enniskillen. 


35

Chapter 7 


7.5.2 Provision of Regional offices for the Western, 

Northern and Eastern regions 

The Western Regional Office is situated at Scarriff Harbour in Scarriff, Co Clare. The 

office is the base for the Operations and Administrative staff for the Western Region 

of Waterways Ireland. It is also the base for the Internal Audit section, Environment 

section, Mechanical Services and staff from the Technical Services Division. 

The Northern Regional office is based in leased accommodation on the Old Dublin Road 

in Carrick on Shannon. 

The Eastern Regional office continues to be based in leased accommodation at 

Ashtowngate, Navan Road, Dublin. 

7.6 Developing and implementing Health and Safety 

7.6.1 Health and Safety Audits 

A total of 11 Health and Safety audits were completed across the organisation during 


7.6.2 Health and Safety policies, procedures and systems 

The review of the organisation’s Health and Safety statement was completed and an 

updated version prepared and sent for printing in 2007. 

7.7 Providing and developing our staff resources 

During 2007, Waterways Ireland continued to pro-actively identify resource 

requirements and to provide and develop the necessary skills, knowledge and 

competencies in staff to meet organisational needs and deliver business objectives. 

7.7.1 Recruitment 

We continued to recruit operational, administration and technical staff throughout 

2007 in order to meet the staffing needs of the organisation. The current labour 

market presents challenges for filling vacancies, particularly in the field of engineering. 

During 2007 recruitment exercises resulted in achieving 90% of our approved staffing 

complement, and work continued to positively address staffing difficulties. In our 

recruitment and selection processes we continued to promote fairness and equality of 

opportunity in all of our activities. 

7.7.2 Industrial Relations 

The maintenance and development of employee relations remained a key objective 

for Waterways Ireland. Throughout 2007 the various Industrial Relations mechanisms 

continued to operate effectively, providing regular and appropriate interaction between 

Waterways Ireland and Trade Unions. Management and Unions continued to meet in 

the Industrial Relations Forum to address matters of common interest to all employees. 

36 


Chapter 7 


A review of the Partnership Forum and its Terms of Reference is ongoing in order to 

facilitate the changing needs of the organisation. The Partnership Forum continued 

to meet regularly throughout the year and working groups were formed to consider; 

Time Banking, Customer Care Review and other work environment issues. Regular 

meetings took place with the recognised Trade Unions within Waterways Ireland. 

Trade Unions continued to be raise concerns relating to the pay of staff in the North 

in their meetings with Management throughout 2007. 

7.7.3 Training and Development 

The Performance Management System provides a structured and systematic approach 

to linking individual performance to business objectives while supporting employees 

to maximise their skills, knowledge and, ultimately, their potential. The system will 

also allow us to identify skills and knowledge gaps within the organisation and to 

plan strategically to meet these shortfalls through training, to enable us to effectively 

manage the inland waterways within our remit. 

We continue in our commitment to the development of excellence in our organisation 

and our people through our interpersonal training programme. This skills based 

programme addresses a number of key areas including; Developing Effective Teams, 

Decision Making and Problem Solving, Effective Communication, Delegation and 

Empowerment, Leadership skills. Targeting line managers this programme aims 

to develop skills and competencies which will contribute to the effectiveness of 

management and the improvement of organisational performance. 

Health and Safety training continued across the organisation, ensuring staff know 

and understand, both, statutory requirements and best practice in developing 

and maintaining a safe work environment. Ongoing support was also provided to 

employees across the organisation to enable them to complete further education 

courses as part of their professional development. 

7.7.4 Implementation of the North / South Pension Scheme 

Human Resources continues to liaise directly with the Pension Administrator and to 

provide the necessary data to fully implement the Scheme. 

7.7.5 Waterways Ireland Employee Assistance Programme 

An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) was launched for all Waterways Ireland 

staff in August 2005. It continues to provide a confidential, professional, counselling 

service to employees who may be experiencing difficulties such as bereavement, 

relationship difficulties or mental ill health. 


37

Chapter 7 


7.8 Corporate Governance 

7.8.1 Internal Audit 

Internal Audit forms part of the governance and control environment by exercising 

an independent appraisal function charged with reviewing activities across all areas 

within the Body. The role of Internal Audit is to objectively examine, evaluate and 

report on whether the systems, procedures and controls which management operate 

in the pursuance of the Body’s objectives are being complied with in the most 

economic, efficient and effective manner and in accordance with applicable laws 

and regulations. It assists all levels of management in exercising its responsibility 

of ensuring that sound systems of internal controls are introduced and maintained. 

Internal Audit carries out its remit by completing an annual programme of audits 

and reports to the Audit Committee on the results of these audits. It also monitors 

and reports to management and the Audit Committee on progress towards the 

implementation of agreed audit recommendations. During 2007, Internal Audit 

continued to audit the effectiveness of the internal control environment in 

Waterways Ireland. Areas audited included; Purchasing, Fixed Assets, Compliance 

with the Financial Memorandum, IT Project Management, Risk Management and a 

Follow-Up Review of previous internal audit reports. 

7.8.2 Audit Committee 

Waterways Ireland has an Audit Committee which has two external members. The 

Audit Committee has unrestricted access to the internal and external auditors. The 

Audit Committee assesses the work of Internal Audit and receives reports on various 

aspects of internal control. During 2007 the Audit Committee met 3 times to 

review Internal Audit reports and to ensure that appropriate action is being taken by 

management to implement agreed internal audit recommendations. 

7.9 Developing our IT systems to support 

delivery of our goals 

7.9.1 Financial and Management Systems 

The Finance section provides the core of the organisation’s financial functions and 

provides the financial policies and procedures under which the organisation operates. 

During 2007, the first phase of the design of a fleet management system was 

completed. This database will amalgamate all information of a financial nature 

and technical information for managing the fleet of Waterways Ireland including 

small items of plant and lifting equipment. The travel and subsistence software 

implementation is ongoing and will be operational in 2008. 

38 


Chapter 7 


7.9.2 Records Management 

The organisation’s electronic file register was modified to improve functionality. 

Development of an organisational Retention Policy and Disposal Schedule 

commenced towards year end. 

During 2007 six Freedom of Information requests were received by the organisation 

and dealt with under the Freedom of Information Code of Practice for North South 

Bodies. All requests were responded to within the established timeframes. One 

appeal was lodged and dealt with via the internal appeals mechanism within the 

timeframe specified. 

7.9.3 Risk Management 

The area of risk management continued with the ongoing review of the 

organisation’s Risk Register. Risk Management summaries were presented to the 

sponsor Departments for consideration on a quarterly basis, and the organisation’s 

Risk Register was updated to December 2007. 

7.9.4 Information Technology 

In 2007, further to a security review, work commenced on preparing a Business 

Continuity Plan for Waterways Ireland. This work will address all aspects of 

the business and seek to put in place plans to protect and preserve service 

delivery by Waterways Ireland, in the event of ‘disaster’. It will be completed in 

2008. A number of parallel security projects commenced in 2007 including; an 

external/internal Security Audit of the Local Area Network (LAN) / Wide Area 

Network (WAN), and, Stage 1 of a Computerised Risk Assessment Management 

Methodology (CRAMM) Review which will analyse the risks, threats and 

vulnerabilities to the Waterways Ireland IT systems from a confidentiality, integrity 

and availability perspective. Both projects will progress in 2008. 

A comprehensive data capture exercise for Bridge Management was completed in 

2007. Subsequently, following a tender process for the procurement of a Bridge 

Management System, two companies have been short listed as potential suppliers, 

and the contract will be awarded in 2008. 

The development of the Intranet was completed during 2007 and the system 

was demonstrated to all staff who attended the annual conference. The Intranet 

will introduce a major business change in organisational communication and the 

provision of information. Provision has been made to provide access to the Intranet 

to non office based staff via standalone kiosks at practical locations, making this 

organisational communications and information tool fully accessible to all staff. 

The Intranet will be rolled out in Waterways Ireland during 2008. 


39

Chapter 7 

As part of our Continuous Improvement Programme in 2007, we reviewed and 

updated our organisational IT infrastructure. This involved replacement of identified 

desktop PCs, Laptops and printers. We also introduced the Commvault system 

which greatly improves data protection, archive and replication functions, to support 

our Data Management process. Helpdesk calls are ongoing with support internally 

and externally from Northgate Information Systems. 

A Vessel Registration and Management System was procured during 2007. Testing 

has been completed and it is due to go live in March 2008. 

Work continued to progress the procurement of a Geographical Information 

System (GIS). A number of meetings, discussions, presentations and site visits were 

undertaken with Suppliers. 

40 


Appendix 1 

Waterways Ireland - Organisational Chart 


Operations 

Finance and 

Personnel 

Technical Services Marketing / 

Communications 


Finance/Procurement/ 

Governance 

Civil Design 

Marketing & 

Promotions 

Eastern Region IT Mechanical 

Engineering 

North / South 

Ministerial Council 

Western Region Personnel Environmental 

Services 

Visitor Services 

Operations 

& Planning 

Administration 

Corporate Planning Health and Safety Departmental Liaison/ 

Communications/ 

Customer Relations 

Navigation 

Inspectorate 

Strategy/ 

Development 

Building Services 

Publications 

Legal Services Training Structural Design Library/Archive/ 

Photographic 

Management 

Property / Valuation 

Equality and Human 

Rights 

Asset Management 

Special projects 

in relation to the 

Grand Canal Docks 

Accommodation and 

House Management 


41

Appendix 2 

Contact Details 

Headquarters 

Email: info@waterwaysireland.org 

Website: www.waterwaysireland.org 

Waterways Ireland Tel: +44 (0) 28 6632 3004 

Elliott House Fax: +44 (0) 28 6634 6257 

5/7 Belmore Street 

Enniskillen 

Co Fermanagh 

BT74 6AA 


20 Darling Street Fax: +44 (0) 28 6634 6236 

Enniskillen 

Co Fermanagh 

BT74 7EW 

Eastern Region 

Regional Office Waterways Ireland Tel: +353 (0) 1 868 0148 

Floor 2, Block C Fax: +353 (0) 1 838 3647 

Ashtowngate 

Navan Road 

Dublin 15 

Tullamore Waterways Ireland Tel: +353 (0) 57 935 2300 

Harbour Street Fax: +353 (0) 57 935 1812 

Tullamore 

Co Offaly 

Thomastown Waterways Ireland Tel: +353 (0) 44 937 4940 

18th Lock Fax: +353 (0) 44 937 4960 

Thomastown 

Killucan 

Co Westmeath 

42 


Appendix 2 




Somerview House Fax: +353 (0) 71 962 2866 

Old Dublin Road 

Carrick-on-Shannon 

Co Leitrim 

Coleraine Waterways Ireland Tel: +44 (0) 28 7034 4342 

37 Castleroe Road Fax: +44 (0) 28 7035 9530 

Coleraine 

BT51 3RL 

Enniskillen Waterways Ireland Tel: +44 (0) 28 6634 6292 

Elliott House Fax: +44 (0) 28 6634 6257 

5/7 Belmore Street 

Enniskillen 

Co Fermanagh 

BT74 6AA 

Kilclare Waterways Ireland Tel: +353 (0) 71 964 1581 

Kilclare Fax: +353 (0) 71 964 1581 

Co Leitrim 

Ballyconnell Waterways Ireland Tel: +353 (0) 49 952 6603 

Derryginney Fax: +353 (0) 49 952 6824 

Ballyconnell 

Co Cavan 

Western Region 


Scarriff Harbour Fax: +353 (0) 61 922 147 

Dock Road 

Drewsborough 

Scarriff 

Co Clare 

Portumna Waterways Ireland Tel: +353 (0) 90 974 1165 

Connaught Harbour Fax: +353 (0) 90 974 1243 

Bridge Road 

Portumna 

Co Galway 


43

Appendix 2 


Athlone Waterways Ireland Tel: +353 (0) 90 649 3516 

The Docks Fax: +353 (0) 90 649 4147 

Athlone 

Co Westmeath 

Press Office 


Somerview House Fax: +353 (0) 71 962 2866 



Co Leitrim 

Visitors Centre 


Grand Canal Quay Fax: +353 (0) 1 677 7514 

Dublin 2 

Inspectorate 

Inspector of Navigation Waterways Ireland Tel: +353 (0) 90 649 4232 

The Docks Fax: +353 (0) 90 649 4147 

Athlone 

Co Westmeath 

Assistant Inspector Waterways Ireland Tel: +353 (0) 57 935 2300 

of Navigation Harbour Street Fax: +353 (0) 57 935 1812 

Tullamore 

Co Offaly 

Assistant Inspector Waterways Ireland Tel: +353 (0) 71 965 0787 

of Navigation Somerview House Fax: +353 (0) 71 962 2866 



Co Leitrim 

Lough Erne Warden The Lough Erne Tel: +44 (0) 28 6632 2836 

Warden’s Office Fax: +44 (0) 28 6634 0209 

Castle Lane 

Portora 

Enniskillen 

Co Fermanagh 

44 


Annual Accounts for the year ending 31st December 2007 

Annual Accounts 

for the year ending 

31st December 2007 

Foreword to the Accounts 46 

Statement of Responsibilities 49 

Statement on Internal Control 50 

Audit Certificate 51-52 

Income and Expenditure Account 53 

Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses 54 

Balance Sheet 55 

Cash Flow Statement 56 

Notes to the Accounts 57-70 

Appendix 1 Accounts Direction 71 

Waterways Ireland Annual Report and Accounts 2007 45


Foreword to the Accounts 

Background Information 

Waterways Ireland was established on the 2nd December 1999 under the British Irish 

Agreement Act 1999 and the North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) 

(Northern Ireland) Order 1999. Its functions are the management, maintenance, 

development and restoration of the island’s inland navigable waterway system, 

principally for recreational purposes. 

The accounts contained in this document refer to the year ended 31st December 2007. 

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with: 

• The financial arrangements of Part 7 Annex 2 of the British-Irish Agreement 

establishing Implementation Bodies; 

• A direction by the Department of Community Rural, and Gaeltacht Affairs 

(DCRGA) and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL), as provided 

for in the Body’s Financial Memorandum; 

• The Annual Report and Accounts Guidance provided by the Department of 

Finance (DOF) and the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) (2006). 

Business Review 

A full review of Waterways Ireland’s activities is given in the Annual Report. 

Results for the Period 

The results of Waterways Ireland are set out in detail on page 53. The deficit for the 

period was €471,680 or STG£322,647. 

Reporting Currency 

The normal operating currency of the Body is Euro. Sterling values are the Euro values 

translated at the average exchange rate for the year of €1.4619 to £1 for the Income 

and Expenditure Account while the Balance Sheet is translated at the closing rate at year 

end of €1.3619 to £1. 

Fixed Assets 

Details of the movements in fixed assets are set out in note 7 to the accounts. 

Waterways Ireland took over from DCRGA and DARD (Department of Agriculture and 

Rural Development) an asset portfolio comprising mainly infrastructure assets such as 

waterways, canals, tow-paths, lock-houses and associated navigational features (locks, 

weirs, etc). Under guidance provided by the Department of Finance and the Department 

of Finance and Personnel definable major assets or components within an infrastructure 

system or network with determinable finite lives are treated separately and depreciated 

over their useful economic lives. 

Operational heritage assets including land, navigational structures and work in progress 

have been valued in the accounts. Where title and value have been verified, land and 

buildings of a non operational nature have been valued in the accounts. See Note 1.4. 

46 Waterways Ireland Annual Report and Accounts 2007


Research and Development 

Waterways Ireland has carried out marketing research to identify what facilities are 

provided within the vicinity of its waterways. 

Future Developments 

There will be substantial capital developments in the provision of harbours, on shore 

facilities and extension of navigable channels under the National Development Plan. 

The investment on the provision of new offices to serve as headquarters in Enniskillen 

will continue in 2008. 

Waterways Ireland has entered into a development agreement with the Dublin Dockland 

Development Authority combining the two organisations property interests in a site in 

the Dublin Docklands known as Plot 8. This site is approximately 1.21 hectares in the 

City of Dublin and will bring to the market a major property development opportunity. 

The decision in relation to the allocation of any income from this development to 

Waterways Ireland is ultimately a matter for the Department of Finance (DOF) and we 

understand that discussions are taking place between DCRGA and DOF on this matter. 

It is not expected that any proceeds will be realised in 2008. 

Important Events occurring after the Year End 

There have been no significant events outside the year-end, which affect these accounts. 

Charitable Donations 

Waterways Ireland made no charitable donations during the period. 

Equality Policy 

Waterways Ireland has prepared an Equality Scheme in compliance with the 

requirements of Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and is fully committed to 

meeting the equality requirements of both jurisdictions. 

Policy in relation to people with disabilities 

Waterways Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes people with 

disabilities as employees. 

Employee Involvement 

The Staff Partnership Forum with representatives of management, unions and other 

staff to discuss items of common interest continued to meet throughout 2007. 



Practice on Late Payments 

Waterways Ireland is committed to the prompt payment of bills for goods and services 

received in accordance with the UK Late Payment Of Commercial Debts (Interest) 

Act 1998, as amended by the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Regulations 2002 

– Statutory Instrument 2002 No. 1674 and the Irish Prompt Payment of Accounts 

Act, 1997, as amended by the European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial 

Transactions) Regulations 2002. Unless otherwise stated in the contract, payment is 

due within 30 days of the receipt of the goods or services, or presentation of a valid 

invoice or similar demand, whichever is later. 

Interest charges of €3,901 were incurred in the year and are included with currency 

gains. 

Health and Safety 

Waterways Ireland is committed to ensuring a safe working environment for its 

staff. A revised Health and Safety Statement was prepared and a Health and Safety 

committee has been established. 



Statement of Responsibilities 

Waterways Ireland Responsibilities 

The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, and the Department of 

Culture, Arts and Leisure have directed Waterways Ireland to prepare a statement of 

accounts for each financial year in the form and on the basis set out in the accounts 

direction at Appendix 1 to these accounts. The accounts are prepared on an accruals 

basis and must give a true and fair view of the Body’s state of affairs at the year end and 

of its income and expenditure, total recognised gains and losses, and cash flows for the 

financial year. 

In preparing the accounts Waterways Ireland is required to: 

• Observe the accounts direction issued by the Department of Community, 

Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, 

including the relevant accounting and disclosure requirements, and apply 

suitable accounting policies on a consistent basis; 

• Make judgements and estimates on a reasonable basis; 

• State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed and disclose 

and explain any material departures in the accounts; 

• Prepare the accounts on the going concern basis, unless it is inappropriate to 

presume that Waterways Ireland will continue in operation. 

Chief Executive’s Responsibilities 

The Chief Executive’s responsibilities, as the Accountable Person for Waterways Ireland, 

include responsibility for the propriety and regularity of the public finances and for the 

keeping of proper records as set out in the Financial Memorandum of the Body. 



Statement on Internal Control 

As Accounting Officer, I have responsibility for maintaining a sound system of 

internal control that supports the achievement of Waterways Ireland’s policies, aims 

and objectives, whilst safeguarding the public funds and departmental assets for 

which I am personally responsible. 

The system of internal control is designed to manage rather than eliminate the 

risk of failure to achieve policies, aims and objectives. It can therefore only provide 

reasonable and not absolute assurance of effectiveness. 

The system of internal control is based on an ongoing process designed to identify 

the principal risks to the achievement of Waterways Ireland’s policies, aims and 

objectives, to evaluate the nature and extent of those risks and to manage them 

efficiently, effectively and economically. In 2007 the risk register was updated and 

the risk management process continued. 

As Accounting Officer, I also have responsibility for reviewing the effectiveness of 

the system of internal control. The Body has established the following processes: 

• The directors group meet monthly to review and monitor progress on 

business plans and any other issues; 

• A monitoring committee meets monthly where the organisation reports 

progress on business plan and addresses any other issues (this committee 

comprises senior members of Waterways Ireland and representatives of the 

sponsor departments); 

• A finance sub committee meets bi-monthly to review financial matters 

(this committee comprises senior members of Waterways Ireland and 

representatives of the sponsor departments); 

• Regular reports by internal audit, which include the Internal Auditor’s 

independent opinion on the adequacy and effectiveness of Waterways 

Ireland’s system of internal control together with recommendations for 

improvement; 

• Implementation of a robust audit prioritisation methodology based on risk 

ranking; 

• An audit committee comprising senior members of Waterways Ireland 

and external members met regularly in 2007. This committee reviews the 

control mechanisms, audit plans and audit reports for Waterways Ireland; 

• Establishment of key performance and risk indicators; 

• A top level risk register was prepared and submitted to sponsor 

Departments every quarter. 

My review of the effectiveness of the system of internal control is informed by the 

work of the internal auditors and the senior managers within Waterways Ireland who 

have responsibility for the development and maintenance of the internal control 

framework, and comments made by the Comptrollers and Auditors General in their 

management letter and other reports. 

John Martin, Chief Executive. 11th August 2008 



WATERWAYS IRELAND 

The Certificate of the Comptrollers and Auditors General to the Houses of the 

Oireachtas and the Northern Ireland Assembly 

We have audited the accounts of Waterways Ireland for the year ended 31 December 

2007 pursuant to the provisions of the British-Irish Agreement Act 1999 and the 

North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 

which require us to audit and certify, in co-operation, the accounts presented to us by 

the Body. 

The accounts, which have been prepared under the accounting policies set out therein, 

comprise the Income and Expenditure Account, the Statement of Total Recognised Gains 

and Losses, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and the related notes. 

Respective Responsibilities of the Body, Chief Executive and the 

Auditors 

The responsibilities of the Body and the Chief Executive, including those pertaining to 

the preparation of the accounts in accordance with applicable law and the regularity of 

financial transactions are set out in the Statement of Responsibilities. 

It is our responsibility to audit the accounts in accordance with relevant legal and 

regulatory requirements and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). 

We report our opinion as to whether the accounts give a true and fair view, and have 

been properly prepared, in accordance with the accounts direction issued under the 

governing legislation. We also report our opinion as to whether in all material respects 

the expenditure and income have been applied for the purposes intended by Dáil Eireann 

and the Northern Ireland Assembly and whether the financial transactions conform to 

the authorities which govern them; and whether proper accounting records have been 

kept by the Body. In addition, we state whether we have obtained all the information 

and explanations necessary for the purposes of our audit, and whether the accounts are 

in agreement with the accounting records. 

We review whether the Statement on Internal Control reflects the Body’s compliance 

with applicable guidance on corporate governance and report any material instance 

where it does not do so, or if the statement is misleading or inconsistent with other 

information we are aware of from our audit of the accounts. We are not required 

to consider whether the Statement on Internal Control covers all financial risks and 

controls, or to form an opinion on the effectiveness of the risk and control procedures. 

We read other information contained in the Annual Report, and consider whether it 

is consistent with the audited accounts. We consider the implications for our report if 

we become aware of any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the 

accounts. 

Without qualifying our opinion we draw attention to the fact that the basis of 

accounting for pension costs that will be ultimately borne by the Irish Exchequer, and 

which is disclosed in accounting policy 1.5, does not comply with Financial Reporting 

Standard 17. 



Basis of Audit Opinion 

We conducted our audit of the accounts in accordance with International Standards 

on Auditing (UK and Ireland) issued by the Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes 

examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts, disclosures and 

regularity of financial transactions included in the accounts. It also includes an 

assessment of the significant estimates and judgments made by the Body and the Chief 

Executive in the preparation of the accounts, and of whether the accounting policies are 

appropriate to the Body’s circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed. 

We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and 

explanations that we considered necessary to provide us with sufficient evidence to 

give reasonable assurance that the accounts are free from material misstatement, 

whether caused by error, or fraud or other irregularity and that, in all material respects, 

the expenditure and income have been applied for the purposes intended by Dáil 

Eireann and the Northern Ireland Assembly and the financial transactions conform to 

the authorities which govern them. In forming our opinion we have also evaluated the 

overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the accounts. 

Opinion 

In our opinion 

• the accounts, which have been properly prepared in accordance with the 

accounts direction issued under the governing legislation, give a true and fair 

view, in accordance with that direction, of the state of the Body’s affairs at 

31 December 2007 and of its surplus for the year then ended; 

• in all material respects the expenditure and income have been applied for the 

purposes intended by Dáil Eireann and the Northern Ireland Assembly and the 

financial transactions conform to the authorities which govern them. 

We have obtained all the information and explanations that we consider necessary for 

the purpose of our audit. In our opinion proper accounting records have been kept by the 

Body. The accounts are in agreement with the accounting records. 

John Buckley 

Irish Comptroller and Auditor General 

Dublin Castle 

Dublin 2 

Ireland 

22 August 2008 

JM Dowdall 

Comptroller and Auditor General for 

Northern Ireland 

106 University Street 

Belfast 

BT7 1EU 

22 August 2008 



Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31st December 2007 

Notes € STG£ € STG£ 

2007 2007 2006 2006 

INCOME 

Revenue Funding from Departments 2 30,265,785 20,703,047 27,729,552 18,902,217 

Release from Capital Grant Reserve 13 4,490,297 3,071,549 4,436,160 3,023,967 

Other Operating Income 3 358,277 245,077 416,072 283,620 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

TOTAL INCOME 35,114,359 24,019,673 32,581,784 22,209,804 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

EXPENDITURE 

Staff Costs 4 17,905,587 12,248,161 15,756,812 10,740,840 

Programme Costs 5 6,086,142 4,163,173 6,194,641 4,222,659 

Other Operating Costs 6 7,109,752 4,863,363 5,804,825 3,956,933 

Currency gains 2,859 1,956 66,058 45,029 

Depreciation 7 4,470,482 3,057,994 4,436,160 3,023,967 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

TOTAL EXPENDITURE 35,574,822 24,334,647 32,258,496 21,989,428 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

Operating Surplus/(Deficit) for the Year (460,463) (314,974) 323,288 220,376 

Profit/(Loss) on Disposal of Fixed Assets (11,217) (7,673) 1,574 1,073 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

Surplus/(Deficit) for the Year 12 __________ (471,680) __________ (322,647) __________ 324,862 __________ 221,449 

transferred to Revenue Reserve 

The net cost of operations arises wholly from continuing operations. 

The notes on pages 57 to 70 form part of these accounts 



Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses for the year ended 31st December 2007 



Surplus/(Deficit) for the financial year (471,680) (322,647) 324,862 221,449 

Unrealised surplus on revaluation __________ – __________ – __________ 8,954,069 __________ 6,033,333 

of Land and Buildings 

__________ (471,680) __________ (322,647) __________ 9,278,931 __________ 6,254,782 



Balance Sheet as at 31st December 2007 

Fixed Assets 



Tangible Assets 7.1 22,730,121 16,690,007 17,718,472 11,938,866 

Operational and Non Operational 

Heritage Assets 7.2 677,296,132 497,317,080 669,186,974 450,904,235 

Current Assets 

Cash at bank and in hand 8 782,844 574,817 1,302,183 877,423 

Stocks 9 804,325 590,590 809,128 545,198 

Debtors/Prepayments 10 ___________ 419,329 ___________ 307,899 ___________ 532,120 ___________ 358,548 

- amounts due within one year 

2,006,498 1,473,306 2,643,431 1,781,169 

Current Liabilities 

Creditors - amounts due within one year 11 ___________ 2,227,491 ___________ 1,635,576 ___________ 2,110,162 ___________ 1,421,846 

Net Current Assets/(Current Liabilities) (220,993) (162,270) 533,269 359,323 

Debtors/Prepayments 

- amounts due after one year 10 886 651 15,846 10,677 

Creditors - amounts due after one year 11 ___________ 886 ___________ 651 ___________ 301,537 ___________ 203,178 

Total Assets Less Liabilities 699,805,260 513,844,817 687,153,024 463,009,923 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 

Financed by: 

Capital and Reserves 

Revenue Reserve 12 (220,993) (162,267) 238,980 161,028 

Capital Grant Reserve 13 700,026,253 ___________ 514,007,084 ___________ 686,914,044 ___________ 462,848,895 

___________ 

699,805,260 513,844,817 687,153,024 463,009,923 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 

John Martin 


11th August 2008 

The notes on pages 57 to 70 form part of these accounts. 



Cash Flow Statement for the year ended 31st December 2007 



Net Cash inflow from operating activities 14.1 (531,046) (363,257) 125,615 85,627 

Capital expenditure and financial investment 

Profit/(Loss) on disposal of – – 1,815 1,237 

fixed assets 

Receipt from sale of fixed assets 12 11,707 8,596 39,564 26,659 

Payments to acquire tangible 7.1, 7.2 (17,602,506) (12,924,962) (12,004,522) (8,183,041) 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 

fixed assets 

Net Cash outflow before financing (18,121,845) (13,279,623) (11,837,528) (8,069,518) 

Financing 

Capital funding received 13 17,602,506 12,924,962 12,004,522 8,183,041 

Difference on currency translation - 52,055 - (16,191) 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 

Increase in Cash 14.2 (519,339) (302,606) 166,994 97,332 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 

The notes on pages 57 to 70 form part of these accounts. 



Notes to the Accounts 

1. Accounting Policies 

1.1 Accounting Convention 

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention. 

Without limiting the information given, the accounts are prepared on an accruals 

basis and comply with the accounting and disclosure requirements of the Companies 

(Northern Ireland) Order 1986, the Republic of Ireland Companies Acts 1960 to 

2006, the accounting standards issued or adopted by the Accounting Standards Board 

(except in relation to accounting for pension costs) and accounting and disclosure 

requirements issued by the Department of Finance and the Department of Finance 

and Personnel. 

1.2 Income 

Income includes those grants receivable from DCRGA and DCAL which funded 

activities in the current period. 

Other Operating Income comprises mainly permit and other navigation income 

generated by Waterways Ireland. Other Income is from issue of licences and property 

rental. 

1.3 Expenditure 

Expenditure relates to the operational activities of Waterways Ireland and is 

accounted for on an accruals basis. 

1.4 Fixed Assets 

Valuation 

Waterways Ireland capitalise items with a useful economic life of over one year 

and with a value in excess of €1,000. Expenditure on IT and Furniture and Fittings 

are treated as a grouped asset and capitalised. There is no policy in relation to the 

impairment of fixed assets. 

A fixed assets register is maintained to record all assets. 



Operational heritage assets are the canals and waterways which are navigable and 

are under the ownership of Waterways Ireland. Assets included in the valuation are 

navigational structures incorporating canals, locks, aqueducts, bridges, moorings, 

harbours etc. along with the associated land base on which they are constructed. 

Valuations are based on replacement costs of structural assets less accumulated 

depreciation, land values are based on amenity land values. The net book value 

of these assets in 2007 is €652,096,132, (STG£478,813,519) and depreciation of 

€2,617,526, (STG£1,790,496) was charged in the year. The 2006 comparable net 

book value was €643,986,974, (STG£433,924,247) and the depreciation charge was 

€2,537,447, (STG£1,729,684). 

The Capital Grant Reserve represents the value of grants used to purchase fixed 

assets and the value of infrastructure assets transferred to Waterways Ireland. The 

Capital Grant Reserve is amortised in line with depreciation. 

Where projects on completion will create new assets or a revaluation of an existing 

operational heritage asset, the related project costs have been included in work in 

progress in the 2007 accounts. 

Pending determination of title and value, some non operational land and buildings 

have not been valued in 2007. However, assets with a net book value of 

€25,200,000, (STG£18,503,561) have been included. The 2006 comparable net book 

value was €25,200,000, (STG£16,979,988). A process is in progress to complete all 

outstanding valuations. 



Depreciation 

Depreciation rates: 

Asset Category 

Excavators, Boats and Dinghies 

Barges 

Plant and Machinery 

Vehicles 

IT Equipment and Software 

Furniture and Fittings 

Canal Structures, Locks, Bridges, Fixed mooring 

Floating moorings 

Lock Gates 

Method 

5% to 10% of cost. 

5% of cost. 

10% to 16.7% of cost. 

10% to 16.7% of cost. 

20% of cost. 

10% of cost. 

0.2% of cost. 

4% of cost. 

2% of cost. 

1.5 Pension Costs 

The North/South Pension Scheme was established by the North/South Implementation 

Bodies and Tourism Ireland Limited with effect from 29th April 2005. It is a defined 

benefit pension scheme which is funded annually on a pay as you go basis from monies 

provided by the UK and Irish Exchequers. The Scheme is administered by an external 

administrator. Pending the assumption of payment responsibilities by the administrator, 

Waterways Ireland has made the pension payments on the administrator’s behalf. 

The Northern Ireland element of the costs is accounted for as if the Scheme were a 

defined contribution scheme, i.e. the Body recognises only the employer’s contributions 

in respect of the Northern element of the costs as an expense of the period. It also 

recognises a corresponding amount as income, representing the value of the resources 

that the UK Exchequer will make available to fund the Northern Ireland element of the 

pension costs. In respect of the element of pension costs ultimately borne by the Irish 

Exchequer, the Finance Departments (North and South) have directed that the only cost 

recognised in the accounts up to 31st December 2007 will be the cost of pensions paid 

to the extent that this cost is ultimately borne by the Irish Exchequer. 



1.6 Value Added Tax 

VAT is included as expenditure or, where appropriate, capitalised in the value of fixed 

assets. Returns to Revenue Commissioners are in respect of certain services from 

abroad and intra-community acquisitions. Revenue authorities in Northern Ireland have 

determined that there is no business activity in Northern Ireland and there is no liability 

to VAT. 

1.7 Stock 

Stock figures in the accounts are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. 


Accounts for the period ended 31st December 2007 

2. Funding From Departments 

2.1 Financial Year 1st January - 31st December 2007 

Note DCRGA DCRGA DCAL DCAL TOTAL TOTAL 

€ STG£ € STG£ € STG£ 

Funding taken 25,584,788 17,501,052 4,680,997 3,201,995 30,265,785 20,703,047 

to Income 

Funding Capitalised 13 __________ 11,127,892 ___________ 7,611,938 ___________ 6,474,614 ___________ 4,428,903 ___________ 17,602,506 ___________ 

12,040,841 

36,712,680 __________ ___________ 25,112,990 ___________ 11,155,611 ___________ 7,630,898 ___________ 47,868,291 ___________ 

32,743,888 

2.2 Financial Year 1st January - 31st December 2006 

Note DCRGA DCRGA DCAL DCAL TOTAL TOTAL 


Funding taken 

to Income 23,452,373 15,986,621 4,277,179 2,915,596 27,729,552 18,902,217 

Funding Capitalised 13 10,538,846 __________ ___________ 7,183,944 ___________ 1,465,676 ___________ 999,097 ___________ 12,004,522 ___________ 8,183,041 

33,991,219 __________ ___________ 23,170,565 ___________ 5,742,855 ___________ 3,914,693 ___________ 39,734,074 ___________ 

27,085,258 

This table indicates how the funds have been applied in the accounts. This is based on generally accepted 

accounting principles. The Body was paid grants from money voted by Parliament and Dáil Éireann. NSMC, 

with the approval of the Finance Ministers, recommended that the grants should be split on an 85:15 basis 

for current work – DCRGA (85) and DCAL (15). Capital works are 100% funded in the jurisdiction in which 

they take place. The funding definition of current and capital differs from generally accepted accounting 

principles. DCAL funding taken to income includes a notional charge for ASLC (Accruing Superannuation 

Liability Charges) of €425,290 (€267,564 for 2006). ASLC’s are paid by DCAL direct to DFP to fund pension 

liability at a rate of 24.2% of the Northern share (15%) of pensionable pay. In 2006 ASLC’s paid by DCAL 

direct to DFP to fund pension liability at a rate of 15% of the Northern share (15%) of pensionable pay. 

3. Other Operating Income 

€ STG£ € STG£ 


Licences 770 527 35,627 24,286 

Property Related Income 90,860 62,152 90,001 61,350 

Operating Income 238,723 163,296 275,317 187,673 

Interest Receivable 3,030 2,073 2,974 2,027 

Other Income ___________ 24,894 ___________ 17,029 ___________ 12,153 ___________ 8,284 

Total ___________ 358,277 ___________ 245,077 ___________ 416,072 ___________ 

283,620 


61


4. Staff Costs 

2007 2006 

4.1 The average weekly number of employees (full time equivalent) was as follows: 335 348 

Category of Employment: Administration 104 111 

Operations 231 237 

In addition 4 students were given placements in the organisation in 2007 and 8 temporary and 12 agency 

staff were engaged to cover maternity leave and other staff absence. 

4.2 The costs incurred in respect of these employees were: 



Staff Costs (a) 15,664,578 10,715,219 14,300,672 9,748,243 

Employers NIC/PRSI 1,333,495 912,166 1,242,783 847,159 

Pension Costs (b) Current year ASLC 425,290 290,916 267,564 182,389 

(c) Pensioner payments ___________ 748,551 ___________ 512,039 ___________ 455,132 ___________ 310,247 

18,171,914 12,430,340 16,266,151 11,088,038 

Less Staff Costs included in WIP (266,327) (182,179) (509,339) (347,198) 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 

Total 17,905,587 12,248,161 15,756,812 10,740,840 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 

(a) Includes redundancy costs of €11,575. 

(b) ASLC (Accruing Superannuation Liability Charges) are paid by DCAL for their pension contribution direct 

to DFP. 

(c) Pensioner payments relate to the Southern portion of lump sums and pension payments to retired staff. 

4.3 Details of emoluments and pension entitlements of the Chief Executive and Senior Managers: 

Name Age at Emoluments Real increase Value of Benefit 

December within band: in pension Accrued Pension in Kind 

earned in Year at the end of year 

in band: 

in band: 

Ray Dunne 54 €95,000 to €100,000 €2,500 to €5,000 €40,000 to €45,000 €0 

John McKeown 48 €90,000 to €95,000 €2,500 to €5,000 €30,000 to €35,000 €0 

Joseph Gillespie 49 €90,000 to €95,000 €2,500 to €5,000 €30,000 to €35,000 €0 

John Martin, Nigel Russell, Colin Brownsmith, Brian D’Arcy and Martin Dennany withheld consent to 

disclose the information above. 



5. Programme Costs 



Contracted in Services 1,577,387 1,078,998 2,757,060 1,879,387 

Civil Construction/Supply contract costs 2,996,995 2,050,068 2,257,755 1,539,029 

Plant Hire 924,468 632,374 599,953 408,966 

Mechanical Spares and Equipment 506,793 346,667 531,549 362,337 

Rivers Agency Charges 39,855 27,262 13,411 9,142 

Fuel and Light 39,142 26,775 28,869 19,679 

Miscellaneous 1,502 1,029 6,044 4,119 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

Total 6,086,142 4,163,173 6,194,641 4,222,659 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

Analysis of Programme Costs by Waterway 

Shannon Navigation 1,324,114 905,749 897,678 611,914 

Royal Canal 1,613,513 1,103,710 1,706,981 1,163,586 

Grand Canal 1,440,659 985,470 1,886,851 1,286,197 

General Expenditure 390,402 267,051 336,560 229,421 

Barrow Navigation 343,544 234,998 444,120 302,740 

Erne System and Lower Bann 305,822 209,195 251,985 171,769 

Shannon-Erne Waterway 668,088 457,000 670,466 457,032 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

Total 6,086,142 4,163,173 6,194,641 4,222,659 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 



6. Other Operating Costs 



Travel 1,151,832 787,901 1,163,379 793,033 

Recruitment costs 78,159 53,464 39,530 26,946 

Training and Conferences 241,135 164,946 177,988 121,328 

Contracted in Services 1,360,505 930,642 706,274 481,441 

Compensation 104,533 71,505 117,025 79,772 

Premises Running Costs including Utilities 518,445 354,638 408,167 278,232 

Health and Safety 124,626 85,249 130,643 89,055 

Communications 295,312 202,005 300,191 204,628 

Printing and Stationery 266,647 182,398 144,758 98,676 

Computer Running Costs 667,836 456,827 817,462 557,234 

Rent 535,646 366,404 443,031 301,998 

Audit Fee 34,300 23,464 34,300 23,382 

Marketing and Promotions 820,938 561,556 548,183 373,676 

Insurance and Legal Fees 529,221 362,009 330,769 225,473 

Pension Administrator costs 125,912 86,129 221,006 150,652 

General Expenditure 254,705 174,226 222,119 151,407 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

Total 7,109,752 4,863,363 5,804,825 3,956,933 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 



7.1 Fixed Assets 

Work In Plant and Vehicles Computer Furniture Total 

Progress Machinery Equipment and Fittings 

€ € € € € € 

Cost or Valuation 

At 1st January 2007 9,284,271 10,102,136 4,579,271 3,816,934 875,615 28,658,227 

Additions 11,933,878 1,296,028 251,337 419,138 95,610 13,995,991 

Capitalised to 

Operational Heritage (7,120,169) - - - - (7,120,169) 

Reclassification - 110,249 (110,249) - - - 

Disposals __________- __________ (166,871) __________ (738) __________ (5,054) __________- __________ (172,663) 

At 31st December 2007 __________ 14,097,980 __________ 11,341,542 __________ 4,719,621 __________ 4,231,018 __________ 971,225 35,361,386 __________ 

Depreciation 

At 1st January 2007 - 5,409,268 2,528,254 2,640,860 361,373 10,939,755 

Reclassification - 99,424 (99,424) - - - 

Provision for year - 750,802 442,010 568,140 92,004 1,852,956 

Disposals __________- __________ (155,654) __________ (738) __________ (5,054) __________- __________ (161,446) 

At 31st December 2007 __________ - __________ 6,103,840 __________ 2,870,102 __________ 3,203,946 __________ 453,377 __________ 

12,631,265 

Net Book Value € 

At 31st December 2007 __________ 14,097,980 __________ 5,237,702 __________ 1,849,519 __________ 1,027,072 __________ 517,848 __________ 

22,730,121 

At 31st December 2006 __________ 9,284,271 __________ 4,692,868 __________ 2,051,017 __________ 1,176,074 __________ 514,242 __________ 

17,718,472 

Net Book Value STG£ 

At 31st December 2007 __________ 10,351,700 __________ 3,845,879 __________ 1,358,043 __________ 754,146 __________ 380,239 16,690,007 __________ 

Currency Translation (803,099) (318,498) (106,477) (63,621) (31,271) (1,322,966) 

Adjustment 

At 31st December 2006 __________ 6,255,825 __________ 3,162,097 __________ 1,381,994 __________ 792,449 __________ 346,501 11,938,866 __________ 

Note: Currency translation adjustment is the difference between the net book value of fixed assets 

calculated using year-end exchange rates and their net book value stated at historic rates of exchange. 



7.2 Fixed Assets - Operational and Non Operational Heritage Assets 

Operational Non-Operational Total 

Heritage Assets Heritage Assets 

€ € € 

Cost or Valuation 

At 1st January 2007 1,061,859,113 25,200,000 1,087,059,113 

Additions 3,606,515 - 3,606,515 

Capitalised to Operational Heritage 7,120,169 - 7,120,169 

Revaluation - 11,707 11,707 

Disposals _____________- _____________ (11,707) _____________ (11,707) 

At 31st December 2007 _____________ 1,072,585,797 _____________ 25,200,000 _____________ 

1,097,785,797 

Depreciation 

At 1st January 2007 417,872,139 - 417,872,139 

Revaluation - - - 

Provision for year _____________ 2,617,526 _____________- _____________ 2,617,526 

At 31st December 2007 _____________ 420,489,665 _____________ - _____________ 

420,489,665 

Net Book Value € 

At 31st December 2007 _____________ 652,096,132 _____________ 25,200,000 _____________ 677,296,132 

At 31st December 2006 _____________ 643,986,974 _____________ 25,200,000 _____________ 

669,186,974 

Net Book Value STG£ 

At 31st December 2007 _____________ 478,813,519 _____________ 18,503,561 _____________ 

497,317,080 

Currency Translation Adjustment (39,342,273) (1,523,573) (40,865,846) 

At 31st December 2006 _____________ 433,924,247 _____________ 16,979,988 _____________ 

450,904,235 

8. Cash at Bank and in hand 



Sterling Bank Account 61,574 45,212 93,525 63,018 

Euro Bank Account 109,332 80,279 632,875 426,437 

Euro Bank Reserve Account 609,602 447,611 573,367 386,340 

Petty Cash __________ 2,336 __________ 1,715 __________ 2,416 __________ 1,628 

Total __________ 782,844 __________ 574,817 __________ 1,302,183 __________ 877,423 



9. Stocks 



Hardware 333,904 245,175 222,791 150,119 

Timber 177,759 130,523 257,600 173,573 

Fuel and Lubricants 28,874 21,201 30,769 20,732 

Protective Clothing 82,010 60,217 80,867 54,489 

Spare Parts and Filters 80,852 59,367 22,769 15,342 

Smart Cards 29,046 21,328 3,062 2,063 

Publications 31,427 23,076 79,442 53,529 

Miscellaneous __________ 40,453 __________ 29,703 __________ 111,828 __________ 75,351 

Total __________ 804,325 __________ 590,590 __________ 809,128 __________ 545,198 

10. Debtors and Prepayments 



Amounts falling due within one year: 

Trade Debtors 48,570 35,663 94,218 63,485 

Other Debtors 33,507 24,603 166,519 112,202 

Prepayments __________ 337,252 __________ 247,633 __________ 271,383 __________ 182,861 

Total 419,329 307,899 532,120 358,548 

Amounts falling due after one year: 

Other Debtors __________ 886 __________ 651 __________ 15,846 __________ 10,677 

Total __________ 420,215 __________ 308,550 __________ 547,966 __________ 369,225 



11. Creditors and Accruals 



Amounts falling due within one year: 

Trade Creditors 129,770 95,286 94,848 63,909 

Other Creditors 491,624 360,984 874,308 589,117 

Accruals __________ 1,606,097 __________ 1,179,306 __________ 1,141,006 __________ 768,820 

Total 2,227,491 1,635,576 2,110,162 1,421,846 

Amounts falling due after one year: 

Other Creditors Pension 886 651 15,846 10,677 

Other Creditors Reserve Account __________- __________- __________ 285,691 __________ 192,501 

Total __________ 2,228,377 __________ 1,636,227 __________ 2,411,699 __________ 

1,625,024 

12. Revenue Reserve 

Note € STG£ € STG£ 


At 1st January 238,980 161,028 (125,446) (86,205) 

Surplus/(Deficit) in the year (471,680) (322,647) 324,862 221,449 

Plus: Transfer from Capital Grant Reserve 

- Sale of Revalued Asset 11,707 8,596 39,564 26,659 

Difference on currency translation 14.1 __________- __________ (9,244) __________- __________ (875) 

At 31st December __________ (220,993) __________ (162,267) __________ 238,980 __________ 161,028 

13. Capital Grant Reserve 

Note € STG£ € STG£ 


At 1st January 686,914,044 462,848,895 670,431,177 460,714,113 

Revaluation 7.1, 7.2 11,707 8,596 8,954,069 6,033,333 

Capital Grants Received 2 17,602,506 12,040,841 12,004,522 8,183,041 

Less: Transfer to Revenue Reserve 

- Sale of Revalued Assets (11,707) (8,596) (39,564) (26,659) 

Less: Amortisation of Capital Grants (4,490,297) (3,071,549) (4,436,160) (3,023,967) 

Difference on currency translation 7.1 ___________- ___________ 42,188,897 ___________- ___________ (9,030,966) 

At 31st December 700,026,253 ___________ 514,007,084 ___________ 686,914,044 ___________ 462,848,895 

___________ 



14. Notes to Cash Flow Statement 

14.1 Reconciliation of result for the year to net cash inflow from operating activities: 



Result for the year (471,680) (322,647) 324,862 221,449 

Adjustment for non-cash transactions: 

Depreciation 4,470,482 3,057,994 4,436,160 3,023,967 

Amortisation of Capital Grants (4,490,297) (3,071,549) (4,436,160) (3,023,967) 

Adjustment for non-operating transactions: 

(Profit)/Loss on disposal of fixed assets 11,217 7,673 (1,574) (1,073) 

Adjustment for movements in working capital: 

Decrease/(Increase) in stock 4,803 (45,392) (110,912) (65,390) 

Decrease/(Increase) in debtors 127,751 60,675 (118,698) (74,236) 

(Decrease)/Increase in creditors (183,322) 11,203 31,937 (10,326) 

Difference on currency translation __________- __________ (61,214) __________- __________ 15,203 

Net cash inflow from operating activities __________ (531,046) __________ (363,257) __________ 125,615 __________ 

85,627 

Note: Currency translation adjustment reflects the amount of the movement in the value of current assets 

and liabilites which is attributable to the change in exchange rates over the year. 

14.2 Reconciliation of net cash inflow to movement in net debt: 



Cash in bank at 1st January 1,302,183 877,423 1,135,189 780,091 

Net cash inflow/(outflow) __________ (519,339) __________ (302,606) __________ 166,994 __________ 97,332 

Cash in bank at 31st December __________ 782,844 __________ 574,817 __________ 1,302,183 __________ 

877,423 

15. Capital Commitments 

Capital commitments at 31st December 2007 for which no provision has been made: 



Contracted 12,342,005 __________ __________ 9,062,343 12,364,770 __________ __________ 

8,331,494 

Authorised but not contracted __________ 7,035,995 __________ 5,166,308 __________ 18,170,300 __________ 

12,243,312 



16. Contingent Liabilities 

Waterways Ireland has a number of claims on hand involving public and employee legal 

proceedings or potential legal proceedings which may generate liabilities, depending on 

the outcome of the litigation. It is not considered practicable to estimate the financial 

effects, if any, of these contingencies and no provision has been made in the financial 

statements. 

17. Performance Against Key Financial Targets 

Annual action plans are presented to North South Ministerial Council and approved. 

18. Related Party Transactions 

Waterways Ireland is a cross border implementation body sponsored by DCRGA 

and DCAL. These departments are regarded as related parties and during the year, 

Waterways Ireland was principally funded by these departments and had various 

transactions with them. 

None of the members of the key management staff of Waterways Ireland has 

undertaken any material transactions with Waterways Ireland during the financial year 

1st January to 31st December 2007. 

19. Losses Register 

A Losses Register is maintained by Waterways Ireland. Losses recorded during the year 

amounted to €290,484 and have been incorporated within these accounts where the 

cost relates to this financial year. Public liability claims are €96,704, employee related 

claims are €179,095 and €14,685 on other claims. 



Appendix 1 

ACCOUNTS DIRECTION 

WATERWAYS IRELAND 

ACCOUNTS DIRECTION GIVEN BY THE NORTHERN IRELAND DEPARTMENT OF 

CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE, THE IRISH DEPARTMENT OF ARTS, HERITAGE, 

GAELTACHT AND THE ISLANDS WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE FINANCE 

DEPARTMENTS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NORTH/SOUTH CO-OPERATION 

(IMPLEMENTATION BODIES) (NORTHERN IRELAND) ORDER 1999 AND THE 

BRITISH-IRISH AGREEMENT ACT 1999. 

The annual accounts shall give a true and fair view of the income and expenditure 

and cash flows for the financial year, and the state of affairs as at the year end. 

Subject to this requirement, the Body shall prepare accounts for the financial 

period 2 December 1999 to 31 st December 2000 and subsequent financial years in 

accordance with: 

a. the North/South Implementation Bodies Annual Reports and Accounts 

Guidance; 

b. other guidance which Finance Departments may issue from time to 

time in respect of accounts which are required to give a true and 

fair view; 

c. any other specific disclosures required by sponsoring Departments; 

except where agreed otherwise with Finance Departments, in which case the 

exception shall be described in the notes to the accounts. 

Signed by authority of the 

Department of Culture, Arts 

and leisure 

Department of Arts, Heritage 

Gaeltacht and the Islands 

Date 

Date 


72 


72 

Uiscebhealaí Éireann Tuarascáil Bhliantúil agus Cuntais 2007

Cuntais Bhliantúla don bhliain dar críoch 31 Nollaig 2007 

Aguisín 1 

TREO NA gCUNTAS 

UISCEBHEALAÍ ÉIREANN 

TREOIR CHUNTAS TUGTHA AG ROINN CULTÚIR, EALAÍON AGUS FÓILLÍOCHTA 

THUAISCEART ÉIREANN, ROINN EALAÍON, OIDHREACHTA, GAELTACHTA 

AGUS OILEÁN NA HÉIREANN LE FAOMHADH NA RANNA AIRGEADAIS, DE 

RÉIR AN ORDAITHE UM CHOMHOIBRIÚ THUAIDH/THEAS (COMHLACHTAÍ 

FORFHEIDHMITHE) (TUAISCEART ÉIREANN) 1999 AGUS AN ACHT UM 

CHOMHAONTÚ NA BREATAINE-NA HÉIREANN 1999. 

Tabharfaidh na cuntais bhliantúla fíorléargas cothrom ar an ioncam agus ar an 

chaiteachas agus ar an sreabhadh airgid don bhliain airgeadais, agus ar chúrsaí 

faoi mar atá siad ag deireadh na bliana. Faoi réir an riachtanais sin, caithfidh an 

Comhlacht cuntais a réiteach don tréimhse airgeadais 2 Nollaig 1999 - 31 Nollaig 

2000 agus do na blianta ina dhiaidh sin de réir: 

a. Tuarascálacha Bliantúla agus Treoir Chuntas na gComhlachtaí 

Forfheidhmithe Thuaidh/Theas; 

b. treoir eile a d’fhéadfadh Ranna Airgeadais a thabhairt ó am go ham i 

leith chuntas a bhfuil ceangal orthu fíorléargas cothrom a thabhairt; 

c. aon nochtaí sonracha eile a éileoidh Ranna urraithe; 

ach amháin san áit a n-aontófar a mhalairt le Ranna Airgeadais, sa chás sin caithfear 

cur síos ar an eisceacht sna nótaí do na cuntais. 

Sínithe le húdaras ón 

Roinn Cultúir, Ealaíon 

agus Fóillíochta 

Roinn Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, 

Gaeltachta agus na nOileán 

Dáta 

Dáta 

Uiscebhealaí Éireann Tuarascáil Bhliantúil agus Cuntais 2007 71


16. Dliteanais Theagmhasacha 

Tá roinnt cásanna dlí ar siúl ag Uiscebhealaí Éireann faoi láthair agus is féidir go 

mbeidh dliteanas ann mar gheall orthu am éigin amach anseo ag brath ar thoradh na 

dlíthíochta. Ní dhéanfar impleachtaí airgeadais na ndliteanas seo a thomhas áfach, agus 

ní dhearnadh aon soláthar dóibh sna ráitis airgeadais dá bharr. 

17. Feidhmiúcháin in aghaidh Príomhspriocanna Airgeadais 

Tíolactar pleananna gníomhaíochta don Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh/Theas agus 

glactar leo. 

18. Idirbhearta Páirtithe Gaolmhara 

Is comhlacht forfheidhmithe trasteorann faoi urraíocht RGPTG agus RCEF é Uiscebhealaí 

Éireann. Féachtar ar na ranna sin mar pháirtithe gaolmhara agus i rith na bliana rinne na 

ranna sin maoiniú ar Uiscebhealaí Éireann go príomha agus bhí idirbhearta éagsúla acu 

leo. 

Ní dhearna duine ar bith de chuid foireann bainistíochta Uiscebhealaí Éireann idirbheart 

ábhartha le hUiscebhealaí Éireann sa bhliain airgeadais 1 Eanáir 2007-31 Nollaig 2007. 

19. Clár Caillteanas 

Coinníonn Uiscebhealaí Éireann Clár Caillteanas. Cailleadh €290,484 sa bhliain agus 

tugtar na figiúir seo san áireamh sna cuntais i gcás go mbaineann an costas leis an 

bhliain airgeadais. Baineann €96,704 le héilimh dhliteanais phoiblí, €179,095 le héilimh 

foirne agus baineann €14,685 le héilimh eile nach iad. 

70 Uiscebhealaí Éireann Tuarascáil Bhliantúil agus Cuntais 2007


14. Nótaí don Ráiteas Sreafa Airgid 

14.1 Réiteach idir toradh na bliana agus an glan-insreabhadh airgid ó ghníomhaíochtaí 

oibriúcháin: 



Toradh na bliana (471,680) (322,647) 324,862 221,449 

Coigeartuithe d’idirbhearta neamhairgid: 

Luachlaghdú 4,470,482 3,057,994 4,436,160 3,023,967 

Amúchadh ar Dheontais Chaipitil (4,490,297) (3,071,549) (4,436,160) (3,023,967) 

Coigeartuithe d’idirbhearta neamhoibriúcháin: 

(Brabús)Cailliúint/ar dhiúscairt sócmhainní dochta 11,217 7,673 (1,574) (1,073) 

Coigeartuithe do ghluaiseachtaí i gcaipiteal oibre: 

Laghdú/(Méadú) i Stoic 4,803 (45,392) (110,912) (65,390) 

Laghdú/(Méadú) i bhFéichiúnaithe 127,751 60,675 (118,698) (74,236) 

(Laghdú)/Méadú i gCreidiúnaithe (183,322) 11,203 31,937 (10,326) 

Difríocht ar aistriú airgeadra __________- __________ (61,214) __________- __________ 15,203 

Glan-insreabhadh airgid isteach 

ó ghníomhaíochtaí oibriúcháin __________ (531,046) __________ (363,257) __________ 125,615 __________ 

85,627 

Nóta: Léiríonn an coigeartú aistriúchán airgeadra an méid gluaiseachta i luach sócmhainní reatha agus 

dliteanas i leith athrú ar rátaí malairte i rith na bliana. 

14.2 Réiteach idir glan-insreabhadh airgid agus gluaiseacht i nglanfhiacha: 



Airgead sa bhanc amhail 1 Eanáir 1,302,183 877,423 1,135,189 780,091 

Glan-insreabhadh airgid __________ (519,339) __________ (302,606) __________ 166,994 __________ 97,332 

Airgead sa bhanc amhail 31 Nollaig __________ 782,844 __________ 574,817 __________ 1,302,183 __________ 

877,423 

15. Tiomantais Chaipitil 

Tiomantais Chaipitil amhail 31 Nollaig 2007 nach bhfuil aon soláthar déanta dóibh: 



Conraithe 12,342,005 __________ __________ 9,062,343 12,364,770 __________ __________ 

8,331,494 

Údaraithe ach gan a bheith conraithe __________ 7,035,995 __________ 5,166,308 __________ 18,170,300 __________ 

12,243,312 



11. Creidiúnaithe agus Fabhruithe 



Suimeanna laghdaithe dlite laistigh d’aon bhliain amháin: 

Creidiúnaithe Trádála 129,770 95,286 94,848 63,909 

Creidiúnaithe eile 491,624 360,984 874,308 589,117 

Fabhruithe __________ 1,606,097 __________ 1,179,306 __________ 1,141,006 __________ 768,820 

Iomlán 2,227,491 1,635,576 2,110,162 1,421,846 

Suimeanna laghduithe dlite i ndiaidh bliana: 

Creidiúnaithe Pinsin eile 886 651 15,846 10,677 

Cúlchuntas Creidiúnaithe eile __________- __________- __________ 285,691 __________ 192,501 

Iomlán __________ 2,228,377 __________ 1,636,227 __________ 2,411,699 __________ 

1,625,024 

12. Cúlchiste Ioncaim 

Nótaí € STG£ € STG£ 


Amhail 1 Eanáir 238,980 161,028 (125,446) (86,205) 

Barrachas/(Easnamh) sa bhliain (471,680) (322,647) 324,862 221,449 

Móide:Aistriú Cúlchiste Caipitil-díol 

sócmhainní athluacháilte 11,707 8,596 39,564 26,659 

Difear in aistriú airgeadra 14.1 __________- __________ (9,244) __________- __________ (875) 

Amhail 31 Nollaig __________ (220,993) __________ (162,267) __________ 238,980 __________ 161,028 

13. Cúlchiste Deontais Chaipitil 



Amhail 1 Eanáir 686,914,044 462,848,895 670,431,177 460,714,113 

Athluacháil 7.1, 7.2 11,707 8,596 8,954,069 6,033,333 

Deontais Chaipitil faighte 2 17,602,506 12,040,841 12,004,522 8,183,041 

Lúide: Aistriú chuig Cúlchiste Ioncaim 

- Díol Sócmhainní Athluacháilte (11,707) (8,596) (39,564) (26,659) 

Lúide: Amúchadh ar Dheontais Chaipitil: (4,490,297) (3,071,549) (4,436,160) (3,023,967) 

Difear ar aistriú airgeadra 7.1 ___________- ___________ 42,188,897 ___________- ___________ (9,030,966) 

Amhail 31 Nollaig 700,026,253 ___________ 514,007,084 ___________ 686,914,044 ___________ 462,848,895 

___________ 



9. Stoic 



Crua-earraí 333,904 245,175 222,791 150,119 

Adhmad 177,759 130,523 257,600 173,573 

Breosla agus Bealadh 28,874 21,201 30,769 20,732 

Éadach Consanta 82,010 60,217 80,867 54,489 

Páirteanna Spártha agus Scagairí 80,852 59,367 22,769 15,342 

Cártaí Cliste 29,046 21,328 3,062 2,063 

Foilsiúcháin 31,427 23,076 79,442 53,529 

Ilghnéitheach __________ 40,453 __________ 29,703 __________ 111,828 __________ 75,351 

Iomlán __________ 804,325 __________ 590,590 __________ 809,128 __________ 545,198 

10. Féichiúnaithe agus Réamhíocaíochtaí 



Suimeanna dlite laistigh den aon bhliain amháin: 

Féichiúnaithe Trádála 48,570 35,663 94,218 63,485 

Féichiúnaithe eile 33,507 24,603 166,519 112,202 

Réamhíocaíochtaí __________ 337,252 __________ 247,633 __________ 271,383 __________ 182,861 

Iomlán 419,329 307,899 532,120 358,548 

Suimeanna dlite laistigh den aon bhliain amháin: 

Féichiúnaithe eile __________ 886 __________ 651 __________ 15,846 __________ 10,677 

Iomlán __________ 420,215 __________ 308,550 __________ 547,966 __________ 369,225 



7.2 Sócmhainní Dochta- Sócmhainní Oidhreachta Oibriúcháin agus 

Neamhoibriúcháin 

Sócmhainní Sócmhainní Iomlán 

Oidhreachta Oidhreachta 

Oibriúcháin Neamhoibriúcháin 

€ € € 

Costas nó luacháil 

Amhail 1 Eanáir 2007 1,061,859,113 25,200,000 1,087,059,113 

Breiseanna 3,606,515 - 3,606,515 

Oibriúcháin Oidhreachta Caipitlithe 7,120,169 - 7,120,169 

Athluacháil - 11,707 11,707 

Diúscairt _____________- _____________ (11,707) _____________ (11,707) 

Amhail 31 Nollaig 2007 _____________ 1,072,585,797 _____________ 25,200,000 _____________ 

1,097,785,797 

Luachlaghdú 

Amhail 1 Eanáir 2007 417,872,139 - 417,872,139 

Athluacháil - - - 

Soláthar bliana _____________ 2,617,526 _____________- _____________ 2,617,526 

Amhail 31 Nollaig 2007 _____________ 420,489,665 _____________ - _____________ 

420,489,665 

Glanluach de réir na leabhar € 

Amhail 31 Nollaig 2007 _____________ 652,096,132 _____________ 25,200,000 _____________ 677,296,132 

Amhail 31 Nollaig 2006 _____________ 643,986,974 _____________ 25,200,000 _____________ 

669,186,974 

Glanluach de réir na leabhar STG£ 

Amhail 31 Nollaig 2007 _____________ 478,813,519 _____________ 18,503,561 _____________ 

497,317,080 

Coigeartuithe in Aistriú Airgeadra (39,342,273) (1,523,573) (40,865,846) 

Amhail 31 Nollaig 2006 _____________ 433,924,247 _____________ 16,979,988 _____________ 

450,904,235 

8. Airgead sa Bhanc agus ar lámh 



Cuntas Banc Steirling 61,574 45,212 93,525 63,018 

Cuntas Banc Euro 109,332 80,279 632,875 426,437 

Cúlchuntas Banc Euro 609,602 447,611 573,367 386,340 

Airgead tirim __________ 2,336 __________ 1,715 __________ 2,416 __________ 1,628 

Iomlán __________ 782,844 __________ 574,817 __________ 1,302,183 __________ 877,423 



7.1 Sócmhainní Seasta 

Obair idir Gléasra agus Feithiclí Trealamh Troscán & Iomlán 

lámha Innealrá Ríomhaire Feistis 

€ € € € € € 

Costas nó luacháil 

Amhail 1 Eanáir 2007 9,284,271 10,102,136 4,579,271 3,816,934 875,615 28,658,227 

Breiseanna 11,933,878 1,296,028 251,337 419,138 95,610 13,995,991 

Oibriúcháin 

Oidhreachta Caipitlithe (7,120,169) - - - - (7,120,169) 

Athaicmiú - 110,249 (110,249) - - - 

Diúscairtí __________- __________ (166,871) __________ (738) __________ (5,054) __________- __________ (172,663) 

Amhail 31 Nollaig 2007 __________ 14,097,980 __________ 11,341,542 __________ 4,719,621 __________ 4,231,018 __________ 971,225 35,361,386 __________ 

Luachlaghdú 

Amhail 1 Eanáir 2007 - 5,409,268 2,528,254 2,640,860 361,373 10,939,755 

Athaicmiú - 99,424 (99,424) - - - 

Soláthar bliana - 750,802 442,010 568,140 92,004 1,852,956 

Diúscairtí __________- __________ (155,654) __________ (738) __________ (5,054) __________- __________ (161,446) 

Amhail 31 Nollaig 2007 __________ - __________ 6,103,840 __________ 2,870,102 __________ 3,203,946 __________ 453,377 __________ 

12,631,265 

Glanluach de réir na leabhar € 

Amhail 31 Nollaig 2007 __________ 14,097,980 __________ 5,237,702 __________ 1,849,519 __________ 1,027,072 __________ 517,848 __________ 

22,730,121 

Amhail 31 Nollaig 2006 __________ 9,284,271 __________ 4,692,868 __________ 2,051,017 __________ 1,176,074 __________ 514,242 __________ 

17,718,472 

Glanluach de réir na leabhar STG£ 

Amhail 31 Nollaig 2007 __________ 10,351,700 __________ 3,845,879 __________ 1,358,043 __________ 754,146 __________ 380,239 16,690,007 __________ 

Coigeartú in (803,099) (318,498) (106,477) (63,621) (31,271) (1,322,966) 

Aistriú Airgeadra 

Amhail 31 Nollaig 2006 __________ 6,255,825 __________ 3,162,097 __________ 1,381,994 __________ 792,449 __________ 346,501 11,938,866 __________ 

Nóta: Is ionann Coigeartú in Aistriú Airgeadra agus an difear idir glanluach na sócmhainní dochta de réir 

na leabhar measta ag ráta malairte dheireadh na bliana agus a luach de réir na leabhar ag rátaí stairiúla 

malairte. 



6. Costais Oibriúcháin Eile 



Taisteal 1,151,832 787,901 1,163,379 793,033 

Costais Earcaíochta 78,159 53,464 39,530 26,946 

Oiliúint agus Comhdhálacha 241,135 164,946 177,988 121,328 

Seirbhsísí conraithe isteach 1,360,505 930,642 706,274 481,441 

Cúiteamh 104,533 71,505 117,025 79,772 

Costais Reatha Áitreabh, Áirgí san áireamh 518,445 354,638 408,167 278,232 

Sláinte agus Sábháilteacht 124,626 85,249 130,643 89,055 

Cumarsáid 295,312 202,005 300,191 204,628 

Clódóireacht agus Stáiseanóireacht 266,647 182,398 144,758 98,676 

Costais Reatha Ríomhairí 667,836 456,827 817,462 557,234 

Cíos 535,646 366,404 443,031 301,998 

Táille Iniúchóireachta 34,300 23,464 34,300 23,382 

Margaíocht agus Cur chun cinn 820,938 561,556 548,183 373,676 

Árachas agus Táillí Dlí 529,221 362,009 330,769 225,473 

Costais Riaracháin Phinsin 125,912 86,129 221,006 150,652 

Caiteachas Ginearálta 254,705 174,226 222,119 151,407 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

Iomlán 7,109,752 4,863,363 5,804,825 3,956,933 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 



5. Costais an Chláir 



Seirbhísí Conraithe Isteach 1,577,387 1,078,998 2,757,060 1,879,387 

Tógáil Shibhialta/Costais Conarthaí Soláthair 2,996,995 2,050,068 2,257,755 1,539,029 

Gléasra ar cíos 924,468 632,374 599,953 408,966 

Páirteanna agus Trealamh Meicniúil 506,793 346,667 531,549 362,337 

Táillí Gníomhaireachta Abhann 39,855 27,262 13,411 9,142 

Breosla agus Solas 39,142 26,775 28,869 19,679 

Ilghnéitheach 1,502 1,029 6,044 4,119 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

Iomlán 6,086,142 4,163,173 6,194,641 4,222,659 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

Anailís ar Chostais Chláir de réir Uiscebhealaigh 

Uiscebhealach na Sionainne 1,324,114 905,749 897,678 611,914 

An Chanáil Ríoga 1,613,513 1,103,710 1,706,981 1,163,586 

An Chanáil Mhór 1,440,659 985,470 1,886,851 1,286,197 

Caiteachas Ginearálta 390,402 267,051 336,560 229,421 

Uiscebhealach na Bearú 343,544 234,998 444,120 302,740 

Córas Éirne agus na Banna Íochtair 305,822 209,195 251,985 171,769 

Uiscebhealach na Sionainne-na hÉirne 668,088 457,000 670,466 457,032 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

Iomlán 6,086,142 4,163,173 6,194,641 4,222,659 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 



4. Costais Foirne 

2007 2006 

4.1 Ba é an meánlíon seachtainiúil (coibhéis lánaimseartha) a íocadh ná: 335 348 

Catagóir Fostaíochta: Riarachán 104 111 

Oibriúcháin 231 237 

Bhí ceathrar mac léinn ar socrúchan fostaíochta san eagraíocht in 2007. Bhí ochtar fostaithe ag obair 

ar bhonn sealadach agus dáréag fostaithe gníomhaireachta ag obair chun saoire mháithreachais agus 

neamhfhreastal foirne a chlúdach. 

4.2 Ba iad na costais a tabhaíodh i leith na bhfostaithe seo ná: 



Costais Foirne (a) 15,664,578 10,715,219 14,300,672 9,748,243 

Fostóirí NIC/PRSI 1,333,495 912,166 1,242,783 847,159 

Costais Phinsin (b) ASLC na bliana reatha 425,290 290,916 267,564 182,389 

(c) Íocaíochtaí Pinsinéirí ___________ 748,551 ___________ 512,039 ___________ 455,132 ___________ 310,247 

18,171,914 12,430,340 16,266,151 11,088,038 

Lúide Costais Foirne in áireamh WIP (266,327) (182,179) (509,339) (347,198) 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 

Iomlán 17,905,587 12,248,161 15,756,812 10,740,840 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 

(a) Ina n-áirítear costais Iomarcaíochta €11,575. 

(b) ASLC íoctha ag DCAL díreach le DFP mar ranníocaíocht scéime pinsin. 

(c) Is le cnapshuimeanna agus le ranníocaíochtaí scéime pinsin do bhaill foirne ar scor ó dheas a bhaineann 

na ranníocaíochtaí scéime pinsin seo. 

4.3 Eolas ar dhíolaíochtaí agus ar theidlíochtaí pinsin an Phríomh-Fheidhmeannaigh agus na mBainisteoirí 

Sinsearacha: 

Ainm Aois i Mí Díolaíochtaí Méadú saothraithe Luach an phins Sochar 

Nollag 2007 laistigh den ar an phinsean in fhabhraithe ag comhchineáil 

bhanda: sa bhliain deireadh na bliana 

Ray Dunne 54 €95,000 to €100,000 €2,500 to €5,000 €40,000 to €45,000 €0 

John McKeown 48 €90,000 to €95,000 €2,500 to €5,000 €30,000 to €35,000 €0 

Joseph Gillespie 49 €90,000 to €95,000 €2,500 to €5,000 €30,000 to €35,000 €0 

Níor chomhthoiligh John Martin, Nigel Russell, Colin Brownsmith, Brian D’Arcy agus Martin Dennany leis an 

eolas seo a nochtadh. . 



2. Maoinú ó na Ranna 

2.1 An Bhliain Airgeadais 1 Eanáir -31 Nollaig 2007 

Nóta RGPTG RGPTG RCEF RCEF IOMLÁN IOMLÁN 


Maoiniú caite 25,584,788 17,501,052 4,680,997 3,201,995 30,265,785 20,703,047 

Maoiniú caipitlithe 13 __________ 11,127,892 ___________ 7,611,938 ___________ 6,474,614 ___________ 4,428,903 ___________ 17,602,506 ___________ 

12,040,841 

36,712,680 __________ ___________ 25,112,990 ___________ 11,155,611 ___________ 7,630,898 ___________ 47,868,291 ___________ 

32,743,888 

2.2 An Bhliain Airgeadais 1 Eanáir - 31 Nollaig 2006 

RGPTG RGPTG RCEF RCEF IOMLÁN IOMLÁN 


Maoiniú caite 23,452,373 15,986,621 4,277,179 2,915,596 27,729,552 18,902,217 

Maoiniú caipitlithe 13 10,538,846 __________ ___________ 7,183,944 ___________ 1,465,676 ___________ 999,097 ___________ 12,004,522 ___________ 8,183,041 

33,991,219 __________ ___________ 23,170,565 ___________ 5,742,855 ___________ 3,914,693 ___________ 39,734,074 ___________ 

27,085,258 

Léiríonn an tábla seo an dóigh ar feidhmíodh na cistí sna cuntais. Tá sé seo bunaithe ar phrionsabail 

chuntasaíochta a bhfuil glacadh coiteann leo. Íocadh deontais leis an Chomhlacht as airgead ar vótáil 

Parlaimint Westminster agus Dáil Éireann dó. Mhol CATT le faomhadh na nAirí Airgeadais go scoiltfí na 

deontais ar bhonn 85:15 le haghaidh obair reatha-RGPTG (85) agus RCEF (15). Maoineofar oibreacha caipitil 

100% sa dlínse ina mbíonn siad ar siúl. Tá an sainmhíniú maoinithe reatha agus caipitil difriúil leis na 

prionsabail chuntasaíochta a bhfuil glacadh coiteann leo. Tá muirear barúlach €425,290 (€267,564 don 

bhliain 2006) do ASLC mar chuid de mhaoiniú caite RCEF. Íocann RCEF ASLC le DOF chun dliteanas pinsin 

a mhaoiniú agus é sin bunaithe ar 24.2% de phá inphinsean Thuaisceart Éireann (15%). In 2006, d’íoc RCEF 

ASLC le DOF ar ráta 15% de phá inphinsean Thuaisceart Éireann (15%) chun dliteanas pinsin a mhaoiniú. 

3. Ioncam Oibriúcháin Eile 



Ceadúnais 770 527 35,627 24,286 

Ioncam Réadmhaoine 90,860 62,152 90,001 61,350 

Ioncam Oibriúcháin 238,723 163,296 275,317 187,673 

Ús infhaighte 3,030 2,073 2,974 2,027 

Ioncam eile ___________ 24,894 ___________ 17,029 ___________ 12,153 ___________ 8,284 

Iomlán ___________ 358,277 ___________ 245,077 ___________ 416,072 ___________ 

283,620 


61


1.6 Cáin Bhreisluacha 

Tugtar Cáin Bhreisluacha san áireamh mar chaiteachas nó, más iomchuí, déantar 

caipitiliú ar luach na sócmhainní seasta. Baineann aisíocaíochtaí ó dheas le seirbhísí ón 

choigríoch agus ó éadálacha idirphobal. Shocraigh údaráis ioncaim i dTuaisceart Éireann 

nach bhfuil aon ghníomhaíocht ghnó ná dliteanas as Cáin Breisluacha i dTuaisceart 

Éireann. 

1.7 Stoic 

Tá na figiúirí stoic sna cuntais luacháilte ag an luach is ísle den chostas agus den 

ghlanluach inréadaithe. 



Luachlaghdú 

Rátaí luachlaghdaithe: 

Catagóir Sócmhainní 

Tochaltóirí, Báid agus Diongaí 

Báirsí 

Gléasra & Innealra 

Feithiclí 

Trealamh agus Bogearraí TF 

Troscán agus Feistis 

Struchtúir Canála, Loic, Droichid agus Feistithe seasta 

Feisithe ar snámh 

Geataí Loic 

Modh 

5% - 10 % den chostas. 

5% den chostas. 

10% -16.7% den chostas. 

10% - 16.7% den chostas. 



0.2% den chostas. 



1.5 Costais Phinsin 

Bhunaigh na Comhlachtaí Forfheidhmithe Thuaidh/Theas agus Turasóireacht Éireann 

Teoranta an Scéim Pinsean Thuaidh/Theas le héifeacht ó 29 Aibreán 2005. Is scéim 

pinsean shochair shainithe í a mhaoinítear gach bliain ar bhonn íoc mar a thuillir ó 

airgead a sholáthraíonn Státchistí an Ríochta Aontaithe agus na hÉireann. Riarann 

riarthóir seachtrach an scéim. Ar feitheamh glacadh le feagrachtaí íocaíochta an 

riarthóra tá íocaíochtaí pinsin déanta ag Uiscebhealaí Éireann ar son an riarthóra. 

Is mar scéim shochair shainithe a amharctar ar chuid costas Thuaisceart Éireann, is é sin 

le rá, nach n-aithníonn an Comhlacht mar chostas sa tréimhse seo ach ranníocaíochtaí 

fostóirí i dtaca le cuid costas Thuaisceart Éireann. Aithníonn sé méid comhfhreagrach 

mar ioncam, arbh ionann é agus luach na sócmhainní a chuirfidh Státchiste an Ríochta 

Aontaithe ar fáil chun costais Thuaisceart Éireann a ghlanadh. Maidir leis na costais 

pinsean a bheidh ina muirir faoi dheoidh ag Státchiste na hÉireann, d’ordaigh na Ranna 

Airgeadais (Thuaidh agus Theas) gurb é costas na bpinsean a íocadh de réir na gcostas 

pinsean a bheidh ina muirir faoi dheoidh ag Státchiste na hÉireann an t-aon chostas a 

aithneofar sna cuntais go dtí 31 Nollaig 2007. 



Is ionann na sócmhainní oidhreachta oibriúcháin agus na canálacha agus na 

huiscebhealaí inseolta atá faoi úinéireacht Uiscebhealaí Éireann. Is iad na sócmhainní 

a bhí sa luacháil ná struchtúir inseolta ina n-airítear canálaca, loic, uiscerianta, 

droichid, feistithe, cuanta etc. chomh maith leis an bhunáit talaimh ar a bhfuil 

siad tógtha. Tá luachálacha bunaithe ar chostais athsholáthar na sócmhainní 

struchtúrtha lúide dímheas carntha; tá luachanna talaimh bunaithe ar luachanna 

talaimh taitneamhachta. Is é glanluach na sócmhainní sin de réir na leabhar in 

2007 ná €652,096,132, (STG£478,813,519) agus gearradh dímheas €2,617,526, 

(STG£1,790,496) sa bhliain. I gcomparáid leis sin, is é glanluach na sócmhainní sin de 

réir na leabhar in 2006 ná €643,986,974, (STG£433,924,247) agus bhí táille dímheas 

€2,537,447, (STG£1,729,684) ann. 

Is ionann an Deontas Cúltaca Caipitil agus luach na ndeontas a úsáideadh chun 

sócmhainní seasta a cheannach maille le luach na sócmhainní bonnegair aistrithe 

chuig Uiscebhealaí Éireann. Déantar amúchadh ar an Deontas Cúltaca Caipitil de réir 

an luachlaghdaithe. 

I gcás go gcruthófar sócmhainní úra nó go ndéanfar athluacháil ar shócmhainn 

oidhreachta oibriúcháin tar éis críochnú tionscadail, cuirfear costais tionscadail 

ghaolmhara san áireamh faoi ‘obair idir lámha’ i gcuntais 2007. 

Ar feitheamh ar chinneadh maidir le teideal agus luach, níor luacháladh roinnt 

talaimh agus foirgneamh neamhoibriúcháin sa bhliain 2007. Mar sin féin, cuireadh 

sócmhainní le glanluach de réir na leabhar de €25,200,000, (STG£18,503,561) san 

áireamh. Is é glanluach na sócmhainní sin de réir na leabhar inchomparáide in 2006 ná 

€25,200,000, (STG£16,979,988). Tá próiseas ar siúl chun na luachálacha atá amuigh a 

thabhairt chun críche. 



Nótaí leis na cuntais 

1. Polasaithe Cuntasaíochta 

1.1 Coinbhinsiún Cuntasaíochta 

Ullmhaíodh na cuntais de réir choinbhinsiún an chostais stairiúil. 

Gan teorann a chur leis an fhaisnéis a thugtar, ullmhaíodh na cuntais ar bhonn 

méideanna faibhrithe agus cloíonn siad le riachtanais chuntasaíochta agus nochtaithe 

faoi Ordú na gCuideachtaí (Tuaisceart Éireann) 1986, Achtanna na gCuideachtaí 

de chuid Phoblacht na hÉireann 1960 go dtí 2006, na caighdeáin chuntasaíochta a 

d’eisigh nó a ghlac Bord na gCaighdeán Cuntasaíochta leo (seachas i dtaca le costais 

pinsin a chlúdach) agus na riachtanais chuntasaíochta agus nochtaithe a d’eisigh an 

Roinn Airgeadais agus an Roinn Airgeadais agus Pearsanra. 

1.2 Ioncam 

Áirítear mar ioncam na deontais a fhaightear ó RGPTG agus RCEF a cuireadh i 

bhfeidhm le haghaidh gníomhaíochtaí sa tréimhse reatha. 

Faightear ioncam oibriúcháin eile ó cheadúnais agus ó ioncam loingseoireachta eile 

a ghineann Uiscebhealaí Éireann. Áirítear ioncam eile ó cheadúnas a eisiúint agus ó 

mhaoin a ligint ar cíos. 

1.3 Caiteachas 

Baineann caiteachas le gníomhaíochtai oibriúcháin Uiscebhealaí Éireann agus mínítear 

ar bhonn méideanna faibhrithe é. 

1.4 Sócmhainní Seasta 

Luacháil 

Is é polasaí Uiscebhealaí Éireann caipitiliú a dhéanamh ar earraí a bhfuil saol 

eacnamaíoch úsáideach níos mó ná aon bhliain amháin acu agus luach de bhreis ar 

€1,000. Rangaítear caiteachas ar TF, ar throscán agus ar fheistis mar shócmhainn 

ghrúpailte agus déantar caipitiliú orthu. Níl aon pholasaí ann maidir le lot sócmhainní 

seasta. 

Coinnítear clár sócmhainní seasta chun gach aon sócmhainn a thaifeadadh. 



Ráiteas i dtaca le Sreabhadh Airgid Thirim don Bhliain dar críoch 31 Nollaig 2007 



Glan-insreabadh airgid ó ghníomhaíochtaí 

oibriúcháin 14.1 (531,046) (363,257) 125,615 85,627 

Caiteachas Caipitil agus infheistíocht airgeadais 

Brabús/(Caillteanas) – – 1,815 1,237 

ar dhiúscairt sócmhainní dochta 

Fáltas ó dhíol sócmhainní dochta 12 11,707 8,596 39,564 26,659 

Íocaíochtaí chun sócmhainní 7.1, 7.2 (17,602,506) (12,924,962) (12,004,522) (8,183,041) 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 

dochta inláimhsithe a fháil 

Glan-insreabhadh airgid roimh mhaoiniú (18,121,845) (13,279,623) (11,837,528) (8,069,518) 

Maoiniú 

Maoiniú Caipitil Faighte 13 17,602,506 12,924,962 12,004,522 8,183,041 

Difríocht san aistriú airgeadra - 52,055 - (16,191) 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 

Méadú ar airgead tirim 14.2 (519,339) (302,606) 166,994 97,332 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 

Na nótaí ar leathanaigh 57 go 70, baineann siad leis na cuntais seo. 



Clár Comhardaithe ar 31 Nollaig 2007 

Sócmhainní Dochta 



Sócmhainní Inláimhsithe 7.1 22,730,121 16,690,007 17,718,472 11,938,866 

Sócmhainní Oidhreachta Oibriúcháin 

& Neamhoibriúcháin 7.2 677,296,132 497,317,080 669,186,974 450,904,235 

Sócmhainní Reatha 

Airgead sa bhanc agus ar lámh 8 782,844 574,817 1,302,183 877,423 

Stoic 9 804,325 590,590 809,128 545,198 

Déichiúnaithe/Réamhíocaíochtaí - méideanna 10 ___________ 419,329 ___________ 307,899 ___________ 532,120 ___________ 358,548 

dlite laistigh den aon bhliain amháin 

2,006,498 1,473,306 2,643,431 1,781,169 

Dliteanais Reatha 

Creidiúnaithe- méideanna dlite laistigh den 

aon bhliain amháin 11 ___________ 2,227,491 ___________ 1,635,576 ___________ 2,110,162 ___________ 1,421,846 

Glansócmhainní Reatha/(Dliteanais Reatha) (220,993) (162,270) 533,269 359,323 

Déichiúnaithe/Réamhíocaíochtaí 

- méideanna dlite i ndiaidh bliana 10 886 651 15,846 10,677 

Creidiúnaithe- méideanna dlite i ndiaidh bliana 11 ___________ 886 ___________ 651 ___________ 301,537 ___________ 203,178 

Sócmhainní Iomlána lúide Dliteanais 699,805,260 513,844,817 687,153,024 463,009,923 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 

Arna mhaoiniú ag: 

Caipiteal agus Cúlchistí 

Cúlchiste Ioncaim 12 (220,993) (162,267) 238,980 161,028 

Cúlchiste Deontais Chaipitil 13 700,026,253 ___________ 514,007,084 ___________ 686,914,044 ___________ 462,848,895 

___________ 

699,805,260 513,844,817 687,153,024 463,009,923 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 

John Martin 

Príomhfheidhmeannach 

11 Lúnasa 2008 

Na nótaí ar leathanaigh 57 go 70, baineann siad leis na cuntais seo. 



Ráiteas i dtaca leis na Gnóthacháin agus na Caillteanais Aitheanta Iomlána 

don bhliain dar críoch 31 Nollaig 2007 



Barrachas /(Easnaimh) don bhliain airgeadais (471,680) (322,647) 324,862 221,449 

Barrachas neamhréadaithe ar athluacháil __________ – __________ – __________ 8,954,069 __________ 6,033,333 

talaimh agus foirgneamh 

__________ (471,680) __________ (322,647) __________ 9,278,931 __________ 6,254,782 



Cuntais Bhliantúla don Bhliain dar críoch 31 Nollaig 2007 



IONCAM 

Maoiniú Ioncaim ó na Ranna 2 30,265,785 20,703,047 27,729,552 18,902,217 

Scaoileadh Ioncaim ón Chúlchiste 

Deontais Chaipitiúil 13 4,490,297 3,071,549 4,436,160 3,023,967 

Ioncam Oibriúcháin Eile 3 358,277 245,077 416,072 283,620 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

IONCAM IOMLÁN 35,114,359 24,019,673 32,581,784 22,209,804 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

CAITEACHAS 

Costais Foirne 4 17,905,587 12,248,161 15,756,812 10,740,840 

Costais Cláir 5 6,086,142 4,163,173 6,194,641 4,222,659 

Costais Oibriúcháin Eile 6 7,109,752 4,863,363 5,804,825 3,956,933 

Gnóthachain Airgeadais 2,859 1,956 66,058 45,029 

Luachlaghdú 7 4,470,482 3,057,994 4,436,160 3,023,967 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

CAITEACHAS IOMLÁN 35,574,822 24,334,647 32,258,496 21,989,428 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

Barrachas /(Easnamh) don Bhliain (460,463) (314,974) 323,288 220,376 

Brabús/(Easnamh) ar Dhiúscairt Sócmhainní (11,217) (7,673) 1,574 1,073 

__________ __________ __________ __________ 

Barrachas/ (Easnamh) don Bhliain aistrithe 12 __________ (471,680) __________ (322,647) __________ 324,862 __________ 221,449 

chuig an Chúlchiste Ioncaim 

Glanchostas na n-oibríochtaí ag eascairt go hiomlán as oibriúcháin leanúnacha. 

Na nótaí ar leathanaigh 57 go 70, tá siad mar chuid de na cuntais seo. 



Bunús Thuairim an Iniúchta 

Stiúraíomar ár n-iniúchadh de réir na gCaighdeán Idirnáisiúnta um Iniúchóireacht (Ríocht 

Aontaithe agus Éire) arna n-eisiúint ag an Bhord um Chleachtais Iniúchóireachta. Áirítear 

ar iniúchadh scrúdú a dhéanamh, ar bhonn trialach, ar fhainaise a bhaineann leis na 

méideanna, nochtadh agus le rialtacht na n-idirbheart atá sna cuntais. Áirítear ann fosta 

measúnú ar na meastacháin agus na breithiúnais shuntasacha arna ndéanamh ag an 

Chomhlacht agus ag an Phríomhfheidhmeannach in ullmhú na gcuntas, agus cibé atá 

na polasaithe cuntasaíochta cuí d’imthosca an Chomhlachta, agus cibé a chuirtear i 

bhfeidhm go comhleanúnach iad agus cibé a nochtar go dóthanach iad. 

Phleanálamar agus rinneamar ár n-iniúchadh chun gach eolas agus míniúchán a 

mheasamar a bhí riachtanach a fháil ionas go mbeadh fianaise dóthanach againn chun 

dearbhú réasúnach a thabhairt go bhfuil na cuntais saor ó mhíráiteas ábhartha, cibé 

de bharr earráide, calaoise nó aon mhírialtachta eile, i ngach aon slí ábhartha, agus gur 

feidhmíodh an caiteachas agus an t-ioncam chun na gcríoch a bhí beartaithe ag Dáil 

Éireann agus ag Parlaimint Westminster, agus go bhfuil na hidirbhearta airgeadais de 

réir na n-údarás a rialaíonn iad. Agus sinn ag teacht ar ár dtuairim, mheasamar fosta 

leorgacht fhoriomlán chur i láthair na faisnéise sna cuntais. 

Tuairim 

Is é ár tuairim: 

• go dtugann na cuntais, a ullmhaíodh go cuí de réir na treorach cuntasaíochta 

arna eisiúint faoin reachtaíocht rialachais, léargas fíorcheart cothrom ar staid 

ghnóthaí an Chomhlachta ar 31 Nollaig 2007 agus ar an bharrachas don bhliain 

dar críoch. 

• gur feidhmíodh an caiteachas agus an t-ioncam, i ngach aon slí ábhartha, chun 

na gcríoch a bhí beartaithe ag Dáil Éireann agus ag Parlaimint Westminster, 

agus go bhfuil na hidirbhearta airgeadais de réir na n-údarás a rialaíonn iad. 

Fuaireamar gach eolas agus míniúchán a mheasamar a bheadh riachtanach don 

iniúchadh. Is é ár dtuairim gur choinnigh an Comhlacht taifid chuntasaíochta cuí. Tá na 

cuntais ag teacht leis na taifid chuntasaíochta. 

John Purcell 

An tArd-Reactaire Cuntas 

agus Ciste 

Caisleán Bhaile Átha Cliath 

Baile Átha Cliath 2 

Éire 


J M Dowdall 

An tArd-Reactaire Cuntas agus Ciste 

do Thuaisceart Éireann 

106 Sráid na hOllscoile 

Béal Feirste 

BT7 1EU0 




UISCEBHEALAÍ ÉIREANN 

Deimhniú na nArd-Reachtairí agus na nIniúchóirí Ginearálta do thithe an 

Oireachtais, do Theach na dTeachtaí agus do Thionól Thuaisceart Éireann. 

Tá iniúchadh déanta againn ar chuntais de chuid Uiscebhealaí Éireann don bhliain 

dar críoch 31 Nollaig 2007 faoi fhorálacha an Achta um Chomhaontú na Breatainena 

hÉireann 1999 agus an Ordaithe um Chomhoibriú Thuaidh/Theas (Comhlachtaí 

Forfheidhmithe) (Tuaisceart Éireann) 1999 a cheanglaíonn orainn iniúchadh agus 

deimhniú a dhéanamh ar na cuntais a thíoclacann an Comhlacht chugainn, agus sin uile 

a dhéanamh i gcomhoibriú. 

Is é atá le fáil sna cuntais a ullmhaíodh de réir na bpolasaithe cuntasaíochta ná An 

Cuntas Ioncaim agus Caiteachais, An Ráiteas ar Ghnóthachain agus ar Chaiteachas, An 

Clár Comhordaithe, An Ráiteas Shreabhadh Airgid Thirim agus nótaí gaolmhara. 

Freagrachtaí an Chomhlachta, an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh, agus na 

nIniúchóirí faoi seach 

Tá freagrachtaí an Chomhlachta agus an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh, lena n-áirítear na 

freagrachtaí sin a bhaineann le hullmhú na gcuntas de réir dlí agus le rialtacht idirbhearta 

airgeadais, leagtha amach sa Ráiteas Freagrachtaí. 

Is í an fhreagracht atá orainn na cuntais a iniúchadh de réir riachtanais dlí agus rialúcháin 

agus de réir na gCaighdeán Idirnáisiúnta Iniúchóireachta (Ríocht Aontaithe agus Éire). 

Déanaimid athbhreithniú ar na cuntais lena fháil amach an bhfuil dearcadh fíor cothrom 

le fáil agus ar ullmhaíodh iad de réir na treorach cuntais a eisíodh faoin reachtaíocht 

rialachais. Tuairiscímid fosta cé acu ar caitheadh an caiteachas agus an t-ioncam de 

réir mar ab áil le Dáil Éireann agus le Parliamint Westminster nó nár caitheadh; cé acu 

a bhí na hidirbhearta ag cloí leis na húdaráis atá á rialú nó nach raibh; agus cé acu ar 

choinnigh an comhlacht taifid chuntasaíochta chuí. Lena chois sin, luann muid cibé acu 

a fuaireamar gach aon eolas agus na míniúcháin uile atá uainn chun ár n-iniúchadh a 

dhéanamh agus cibé acu atá na cuntais ag teacht leis na taifid cuntasaíochta. 

Athbhreithnímid cé acu a léiríonn an Ráiteas ar Rialú Inmheánach go gcomhlíonann an 

Comhlacht an treoir infheidhme ar rialachas corparáideach agus tuairiscímid ar chásanna 

ábhartha nach ndéanann sé sin, nó má bhíonn an ráiteas míthreorach nó ar neamhréir le 

faisnéis eile atá ar eolas againn ónár n-iniúchadh ar na cuntais. Ní gá dúinn amharc ar cé 

acu a chlúdaíonn Ráiteas ar Rialú Inmheánach gach aon riosca agus rialúchán airgeadais, 

ná tuairim a dhéanamh ar éifeachtacht na ngnáthaimh riosca agus rialúcháin. 

Léadh an t-eolas eile sa Tuairisc Bhliantúil lena fháil amach cé acu a bhí sé ag teacht leis 

na cuntais iniúchta nó nach raibh. Tuairiscímid fosta más rud é, inár dtuairim, go bhfuil 

ráitis chontráilte nó ábhar neamhréireach sna cuntais. 

De réir mar a nochtadh sa pholsaí cuntsaíochta 1.5, is é Státchiste na hÉireann a íocfaidh 

as costais pinsin ach is mian linn a shoiléiriú, gan ár dtuairim a cháiliú, nach bhfuil sé seo 

ag cloí le Caighdeán Tuairisciú Airgeadais 17. 



Ráiteas i dtaca le Rialú Inmheánach 

Mar Oifigeach Cuntasaíochta, tá freagracht orm as córas éifeachtach rialaithe 

inmheánaigh a chothabháil chun tacaíocht le polasaithe, aidhmeanna agus le cuspóirí 

Uiscebhealaí Éireann, agus ag an am céanna, na cistí poiblí agus na sócmhainní 

rannacha atá faoi mo chúram a chosaint. 

Tá an córas rialaithe inmheánaigh ann chun an riosca teipe do chomhlíonadh 

polasaithe, aidhmeanna, agus cuspóirí na heagraíochta a bhainistiú seachas é a 

dhíbirt. Ní féidir mar sin ach dearbhú réasúnach a thabhairt ar a éifeachtacht. 

Tá an córas rialaithe airgeadais inmheánaigh bunaithe ar phróiseas leanúnach chun 

na rioscaí do bhaint amach polasaithe, aidhmeanna agus cuspóirí Uiscebhealaí 

Éireann a aithint; cineál agus méid na rioscaí a mheas; agus bainistiú éifeachtach, 

éifeachtúil agus eacnamaíoch a dhéanamh orthu. Nuashonraíodh an tabhall riosca 

agus leanadh leis an phróiseas bainistíochta riosca sa bhliain 2007. 

Mar Oifigeach Cuntasaíochta, tá freagracht orm as éifeacht an chórais rialaithe 

inmheánaigh a athbhreithniú. Bhunaigh an comhlacht na próisis seo a leanas: 

• Cruinnithe míosúla ag na Stiúrthóirí chun dul chun cinn ar phleananna gnó 

agus ar cheisteanna eile a athbhreithniú agus a mhonatóiriú; 

• Cruinnithe míosúla de chuid an Choiste Monatóireachta chun éisteacht a 

thabhairt do chur chun cinn ar phleananna gnó agus ar cheisteanna eile a 

bhaineann leis an eagraíocht (tá baill shinearacha de chuid Uiscebhealaí 

Éireann agus ionadaithe de chuid na rannóige urraíochta ar an choiste seo); 

• Cruinnithe choicísiúla de chuid an Fhochoiste airgeadais chun athbhreithniú 

a dhéanamh ar cheisteanna airgeadais; 

• Tuarascálacha rialta ón iniúchadh inmheánach ina mbíonn tuairim 

neamhspleách an Iniúchóra Inmheánaigh ar leorgacht agus ar éifeachtacht 

chóras rialaithe inmheánaigh Uiscebhealaí Éireann chomh maith le moltaí 

feabhsúcháin; 

• Modheolaíocht tosaíochta láidir bunaithe ar rangú riosca a chur i bhfeidhm; 

• Coiste Iniúchóireachta ar a bhfuil baill shinsearacha agus baill sheachtracha 

de chuid Uiscebhealaí Éireann. Tionóladh an coiste go rialta in 2007. 

Déanann an Coiste seo athbhreithniú ar shásanna iniúchta, ar phleananna 

agus ar thuarascálacha d’Uiscebhealaí Éireann; 

• Lártháscairí feidhmiúcháin agus riosca a bhunú; 

• Tabhall riosca barrleibhéil a ullmhú agus a chur os comhair na Ranna 

Urraithe gach ráithe. 

Tá an t-athbhreithniú s’agamsa ar éifeachtacht an chórais rialaithe airgeadais 

inmheánaigh bunaithe ar obair na n-iniúchóirí inmheánacha agus na mbainisteoirí 

sinsearacha in Uiscebhealaí Éireann a bhfuil freagracht orthu as an chóras rialaithe 

inmheánaigh a fhorbairt agus a chothabháil, agus ar na barúlacha a nocht Ard- 

Reachtairí agus Iniúchóirí Ginearálta ina gcuid litreacha bainistíochta agus i 

dtuarascála eile. 

John Martin, Príomhfheidhmeannach. 11 Lúnasa 2008 



Ráiteas i dtaca le Freagrachtaí 

Freagrachtaí Uiscebhealaí Éireann 

Tá treoir tugtha ag an Roinn Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta agus ag an Roinn 

Cultúir, Ealaíon agus Fóillíochta d’Uiscebhealaí Éireann ráiteas cuntas a ullmhú do gach 

bliain airgeadais san fhoirm agus ar an bhunús atá leagtha amach sa treoir chuntas in 

Aguisín 1 de na cuntais seo. Ullmhaítear na cuntais ar an bhonn fabhraithe agus caithfidh 

siad léargas fíorcheart a thabhairt ar staid ghnóthaí an Chomhlachta ag deireadh na 

bliana agus ar a ioncam agus caiteachas, ag aithint gnóthachain agus caillteanais agus 

sreabhadh airgid don bhliain airgeadais. 

In ullmhú na gcuntas tá ceangal ar Uiscebhealaí Éireann: 

• Déanamh de réir na treorach cuntas atá eisithe ag an Roinn Gnóthaí Pobail, 

Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta agus ag an Roinn Cultúir, Ealaíon agus Fóillíochta, lena 

n-áirítear na ceanglais iomchuí chuntasaíochta agus nochta, agus polasaithe 

cuntasaíochta oiriúnacha a fheidhmiú ar bhonn comhleanúnach: 

• Breithiúnais agus meastacháin a dhéanamh ar bhonn réasúnach; 

• A dhearbhú ar leanadh de chaighdeáin chuntasaíochta infheidhme agus aon 

imeacht ábhartha sna cuntais a nochtadh agus a mhíniú; 

• Cuntais a ullmhú ar an bhonn gnóthais reatha, mura bhfuil sé míchuí glacadh 

leis go leanfaidh Uiscebhealaí Éireann i mbun oibríochta. 

Freagrachtaí an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh 

Áirítear ar fhreagrachtaí an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh, mar an Duine Cuntasach 

d’Uiscebhealaí Éireann, freagracht as maoin agus rialtacht na gcistí poiblí agus as taifid 

chuí a choimeád mar atá leagtha amach i Meamram Airgeadais an Chomhlachta. 



Cleachtas ar Íocaíochta Déanacha 

Tá Uiscebhealaí Éireann tiomanta do bhillí (maidir le hearraí agus le seirbhísí a fuarthas) 

a íoc ar an phointe de réir ‘Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act’ 1998 

na Breataine, arna leasú le Late Payment of Commercail Debts Regulations 2002- 

Statutory Instrument 2002 No. 1674, agus de réir an Achta um Íoc Pras Cuntas, 1997 

de chuid na hÉireann, arna leasú le rialúcháin na gComhphobal Eorpach 2002 (Late 

Payment in Commercial Transactions). Mura bhfuil a mhalairt ráite sa chonradh, bíonn 

íocaíocht dlite laistigh de 30 lá ón am a bhfaightear na hearraí nó na seirbhísí nó ón am 

a bhfaightear sonrasc bailí nó éileamh comhchosúil, cibé ceann is déanaí a fhaightear. 

Tabhaíodh muirir úis €3,901 sa bhliain agus tá siad curtha isteach le gnóthachain 

airgeadra. 

Sláinte agus Sábháilteacht 

Tá Uiscebhealaí Éireann tiomanta do thimpeallacht shábháilte oibre a chinntiú don 

fhoireann. Ullmhaíodh Ráiteas úr ar chúrsaí Sláinte agus Sábháilteachta agus bunaíodh 

coiste Sláinte agus Sábháilteachta. 



Tá luacháil déanta ar shócmhainní oidhreachta oibriúcháin, talamh, struchtúir 

loingseoireachta agus obair atá idir lámha san áireamh. Nuair a bhí teideal agus luach 

deimhnithe, rinneadh luacháil ar thalamh agus ar fhoirgneamh de chineál neamhoibríoch 

sna cuntais. Féach Nóta 1.4. 

Taighde agus Forbairt 

Rinne Uiscebhealaí Éireann taighde margaíochta lena fháil amach cad iad na saoráidí atá 

le fáil cóngarach do na huiscebhealaí. 

Forbairtí Amach Anseo 

Beidh forbairtí móra caipitil i soláthar cuanta, saoráidí faoin chladach, agus i leathnú 

amach na gcanálacha inseolta faoin Phlean Forbartha Náisiúnta. 

Déanfar infheistíocht shuntasach le hoifigí nua a chur ar fáil in Inis Ceithleann mar 

cheanncheathrú sa bhliain 2008. 

Rinne Uiscebhealaí Éireann comhaontú forbartha le hÚdarás Forbartha Dugaí Átha Cliath 

a gcuid comh-réadmhaoin a chur le chéile i suíomh darb ainm Ceapach 8 cois Dugaí Átha 

Cliath. Tá 1.21 heicteáir de thalamh ar an suíomh seo i gcathair Bhaile Átha Cliath agus is 

deis iontach forbartha sa mhargadh réadmhaoine í. 

Tá faoi chúram Roinn an Airgeadais (RA) ioncam de bharr na forbartha seo a dháileadh 

agus tá an t-ábhar á phlé faoi láthair ag a RGPTG agus ag RA faoi láthair. Níltear ag súil le 

haon fháltais a shaothrú in 2008. 

Ócáidí Tábhachtacha i ndiaidh Dheireadh na Bliana 

Ní raibh ócáidí suntasacha ar bith i ndiaidh dheireadh na bliana a dhéanfadh difear do na 

cuntais seo. 

Deonacháin Charthanachta 

Ní dhearna Uiscebhealaí Éireann aon deonachán carthanachta le linn na tréimhse seo. 

Polasaí Comhionannais 

Tá Scéim Chomionannais réitithe ag Uiscebhealaí Éireann mar chomhlíonadh ar 

choinníollacha Alt 75 d’Acht Thuaisceart Éireann 1998 agus tá sé ceangailte go hiomlán 

ar na coinníollacha comhionannais a bhaint amach sa dá dhlínse. 

Polasaí i ndáil le Fostaithe faoi Mhíchumas 

Is fostóir comhdheiseanna é Uiscebhealaí Éireann agus fáiltíonn se roimh dhaoine faoi 

mhíchumas mar fhostaithe. 

Rannpháirtíocht Fostaithe 

Tá ionadaíthe ó lucht bainstíochta, ó cheardchumainn agus ó fhoirne eile mar bhaill den 

Fhóram Comhpháirtíochta Foirne agus tionóladh é i rith na bliana 2007 chun ábhair 

chomhleasa a phlé. 



Réamhrá i dtaca leis na cuntais 

Eolas Cúlra 

Bunaíodh Uiscebhealaí Éireann ar 2 Nollaig 1999 faoi Acht um Chomhaontú na 

Breataine-Éireann 1999 agus faoin Ordú um Chomhoibriú Thuaidh-Theas (Comhlachtaí 

Forfheidhmithe) (Tuaisceart Éireann) 1999. Is iad na feidhmeanna atá aige ná 

bainistíocht, cothabháil, forbairt agus athnuachan a dhéanamh ar chóras uiscebhealaí 

inseolta intíre an oileáin le haghaidh caitheamh aimsire go háirithe. 

Baineann na cuntais sa cháipéis seo leis an bhliain dar críoch 31 Nollaig 2007. 

Réitíodh na cuntais seo de réir: 

• Socruithe airgeadais i gCuid 7 Iarscríbhinn 2 de Chomhaontú na Breataine-na 

hÉireann a chuir na Comhlachtaí Forfheidhmithe ar bun; 

• Treoir ón Roinn Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta (DCRGA) agus ón 

Roinn Cultúir, Ealaíon agus Fóillíochta (DCAL) mar a cuireadh ar fáil i Meamram 

Airgeadais an Chomhlachta, 

• Tuarascáil Bhliantúil agus Treoir Cuntas a chuireann an Roinn Airgeadais agus 

an Roinn Airgeadais agus Pearsanra ar fáil (2006). 

Athbhreithniú Gnó 

Tá athbhreithniú iomlán ar ghníomhaíochtaí Uiscebhealaí Éireann tugtha sa tuarascáil 

bhliantúil. 

Torthaí don Tréimhse 

Tá torthaí Uiscebhealaí Éireann leagtha amach go sonrach ar leathanach 53. Bhí easnamh 

€471,680 nó STG£322,647 ann don tréimhse seo. 

An tAirgeadra Tuairiscthe 

Is é an Euro an gnáth-airgeadra oibriúcháin a úsáideann an eagraíocht. Úsáidtear an 

gnáthráta malairte don bhliain (€1.4619 go £1) chun luachanna steirling a aistriú go Euro 

le haghaidh an Chuntais Ioncaim agus Caiteachais, agus aistrítear an clár comhardaithe 

ag ráta druidte na bliana mar €1.3619 go £1 

Sócmhainní Seasta 

Tá sonraí ar ghluaiseachtaí na sócmhainní seasta leagtha amach i nóta 7 atá leis na 

cuntais. 

Thóg Uiscebhealaí Éireann punann sócmhainní ón DCRGA agus ó RTFT (An Roinn 

Talmhaíochta agus Forabrtha Tuaithe) agus é comhdhéanta de shócmhainní 

bonneagair ar nós uiscebhealaí, canálacha, cosáin tarraingthe, tithe loic agus gnéithe 

loingseoireachta gaolmhara (loic, coraí, srl.). Déileáiltear ar leithligh le mórshócmhainní 

insonraithe nó comhpháirteanna laistigh de chóras bonneagair nó i ngréasán le saolta 

teoranta inchinntithe agus laghdaítear a luach thar a saol úsáideach eacnamaíochta faoi 

threoir na Roinne Airgeadais agus na Roinne Airgeadais agus Pearsanra. 


Cuntais Bhliantúla don Bhliain dar críoch 31 Nollaig 2007 

Cuntais Bhliantúla 

don Bhliain dar críoch 

31 Nollaig 2007 

Réamhrá i dtaca leis na cuntais 46 

Ráiteas i dtaca le Freagrachtaí 49 

Ráiteas i dtaca le Rialú Inmheánach 50 

Teastas Iniúchta 51-52 

Cuntas Ioncaim agus Caiteachais 53 

Ráiteas i dtaca le Gnóthacháin agus le 

Caillteanais Iomlána Aitheanta 54 

Clár Comhordaithe 55 

Ráiteas i dtaca le Sreabhadh Airgid Thirim 56 

Nótaí leis na cuntais 57-70 

Aguisín 1 Treo na gCuntas 71 


Aguisín 2 

Sonraí Teagmhála 

Áth Luain Uiscebhealaí Éireann Fón: +353 (0) 90 649 3516 

Na Duganna Facs: +353 (0) 90 649 4147 

Áth Luain 

Co. na hIarmhí 

Preasoifig 

Uiscebhealaí Éireann Fón: +353 (0) 71 965 0898 

Teach Somerview Facs: +353 (0) 71 962 2866 

Seanbhóthar Átha Cliath 

Cora Droma Rúisc 

Co Liatroma 

Ionad Cuairteoirí 


Cé na Canála Móire Facs: +353 (0) 1 677 7514 


Foireann Chigireachta 

Cigire Loigseoireachta Uiscebhealaí Éireann Fón: +353 (0) 90 649 4232 

Na Duganna Facs: +353 (0) 90 649 4147 

Áth Luain 


Cigire Cúnta Uiscebhealaí Éireann Fón: +353 (0) 57 935 2300 

Loingseoireachta Sráid an Chuain Facs: +353 (0) 57 935 1812 

Tulach Mhór 

Co. Uíbh Fhailí 

Cigire Cúnta Uiscebhealaí Éireann Fón: +353 (0) 71 965 0787 

Loingseoireachta Teach Somerview Facs: +353 (0) 71 962 2866 



Co. Liatroma 

Maor Loch Éirne Oifig Mhaoir Loch Éirne Fón: +44 (0) 28 6632 2836 

Lána an Chaisleáin Facs: +44 (0) 28 6634 0209 

Portora 

Inis Ceithleann 

Co. Fhear Manach 

44 


Aguisín 2 


An Réigiún Thuaidh 

Oifig Réigiúnda’ Uiscebhealaí Éireann Fón: +353 (0) 71 965 0787 

Teach Somerview Facs: +353 (0) 71 962 2866 



Co Liatroma 

Cúil Raithin Uiscebhealaí Éireann Fón: +44 (0) 28 7034 4342 

37 Bóthar an Chaisleáin Rua Facs: +44 (0) 28 7035 9530 

Cúil Raithin 

BT51 3RL 

Inis Ceithleann Uiscebhealaí Éireann Fón: +44 (0) 28 6634 6292 

Teach Elliott Facs: +44 (0) 28 6634 6257 

5/7 Sráid Belmore 


Co Fhear Manach 

BT74 6AA 

Cill Chláir Uiscebhealaí Éireann Fón: +353 (0) 71 964 1581 

Cill Chláir Facs: +353 (0) 71 964 1581 

Co Liatroma 

Baile Uí Chonaill Uiscebhealaí Éireann Fón: +353 (0) 49 952 6603 

Doire Goine Facs: +353 (0) 49 952 6824 

Baile Uí Chonaill 

Co an Chabháin 

An Réigiún Thiar 

Oifig Réigiúnda Uiscebhealaí Éireann Fón: +353 (0) 61 922 033 

Cuan na Scairbhe Facs: +353 (0) 61 922 147 

Bóthar an Duga 

Baile Driú 

An Scairbh 

Co an Chláir 

Port Omna Uiscebhealaí Éireann Fón: +353 (0) 90 974 1165 

Cuan Chonnacht Facs: +353 (0) 90 974 1243 

Bóthar an Droichid 

Port Omna 

Co. na Gaillimhe 


43

Aguisín 2 


Ceanncheathrú 

Ríomhphost: info@waterwaysireland.org 

Suíomh Idirlín: www.waterwaysireland.org 


Teach Elliott Facs: +44 (0) 28 6634 6257 

5/7 Sráid Belmore 



BT74 6AA 


20 Sráid Darling Facs: +44 (0) 28 6634 6236 



BT74 7EW 

An Réigiún Thoir 

Oifig Réigiúnda Uiscebhealaí Éireann Fón: +353 (0) 1 868 0148 

Urlár 2, Bloc C Facs: +353 (0) 1 838 3647 

Geata Bhaile an Ásaigh 

Bóthar na hUaimhe 


Tulach Mhór Uiscebhealaí Éireann Fón: +353 (0)57 935 2300 

Sráid an Chuain, Facs: +353 (0) 57 935 1812 

Tulach Mhór 

Co. Uíbh Fhailí 

Baile Mhic Andáin Uiscebhealaí Éireann Fón: +353 (0) 44 937 4940 

Loc 18 Facs: +353 (0) 44 937 4960 

Baile Mhic Andáin 

Cill Leamhcáin 


42 


Aguisín 1 

Uiscebhealaí Éireann – Cairt Eagrúcháin 


Oibríochtaí 

Airgeadas agus 

Pearsanra 

Seirbhísí Teicniúla Margaíocht / 

Cumarsáid 

Réigiún Thuaidh 

Airgeadas/Soláthar/ 

Rialachas 

Dearadh Sibhialta 

Margaíocht & Cur 

Chun Cinn 

Réigiúin Thoir TF Innealtóireacht 

Mheicniúil 

An Chomhairle 

Aireachta Thuaidh / 

Theas 

Réigiún Thiar Pearsanra Seirbhísí Comhshaoil Seirbhísí Cuartaíochta 

Oibríochtaí & 

Riarachán Pleanála 

Pleanáil 

Chorparáideach 

Sláinte agus 

Sábháilteacht 

Idirchaidreamh 

Rannach / Cumarsáid 

/ Caidreamh le 

Custaiméirí 

Cigireacht 

Uiscebhealaí 

Straitéis / Forbairt Seirbhísí Tógála Foilsiúcháin 

Seirbhísí Dlí Traenáil Dearadh 

Struchtúrtha 

Leabharlann/ 

Cartlann/Bainistíocht 

Grianghraf 

Réadmhaoin/ 

Luacháil 

Comhionannas agus 

Cearta Daonna 

Bainistíocht 

Sócmhainní 

Tionscadail speisialta i 

leith dhugaí na Canála 

Móire 

Bainistíocht lóistín 

agus tí 


41

Caibidil 7 

Sáreagraíocht a fhorbairt 

Críochnaíodh mórchlár gafa sonraí le haghaidh Bhainistíocht na nDroichead in 2007. 

I ndiaidh próiseas tairsceana faoi choinne Córas Bainistíochta Droichead a aimsiú, 

rinneadh dhá chomhlacht a ghearrliostáil mar sholáthraithe féideartha. Bronnfar an 

conradh in 2008. 

Críochnaíodh obair ar an líonra inmheánach in 2007 agus taispeánadh do gach ball 

foirne ag an chomhdháil bhliantúil é. Déanfaidh an líonra difear mór gnó i dtaca 

le cumarsáid san eagraíocht agus soláthar eolais. Cuireadh rochtain líonra ar fáil 

d’fhostaithe nach bhfuil lonnaithe sna hoifigí trí bhothanna neamhspleácha a chur ag 

suíomhanna praiticiúla. Seolfar an líonra in 2008. 

Rinneadh athbhreithniú agus nuashonrú ar bhonneagar TF na heagraíochta in 2007 

mar chuid den Chlár Feabhsúcháin Leanúnaigh. Athchuireadh ríomhairí deisce, 

ríomhairí glúine agus printéirí áirithe. Cuireadh córas Commvault i bhfeidhm fosta, 

rud a chuir feabhas ar fheidhmeanna cosanta sonraí, cartlainne agus macasamhlaithe 

chun tacú leis an phróiseas bainistíochta sonraí. Tá an deasc chabhrach ann go fóill 

chun glaochanna a fhreagairt agus tá Northgate Information Systems ag tabhairt 

cuidiú inmheánach agus seachtrach fosta. 

Ceannaíodh Córas Bainstíochta Clárúcháin Soithí in 2007 fosta. Críochnaíodh an 

próiseas tástála ar an chóras agus tá sé le cur i bhfeidhm i Márta 2008. 

Tá obair á déanamh go fóill chun Córas Eolais Grafaigh (CEG) a cheannach. Eagraíodh 

cruinnithe, díospóireachtaí, láithreachais agus cuairteanna ar láithreáin ag soláthróirí. 

40 


Caibidil 7 


7.9 An córas TF a fhorbairt chun tacú lenár gcuspóirí a 

bhaint amach 

7.9.1 Córais Airgeadais agus Bainistíochta 

Soláthraíonn an rannóg Airgeadais mórchuid d’fheidhmeanna airgeadais na 

heagraíochta chomh maith le polasaithe agus nósanna imeachta airgeadais lena 

bhfeidhmíonn an eagraíocht. 

In 2007 críochnaíodh an chéad chuid de dhearadh an chórais bainistíochta flít. Is é a 

chuirfear sa bhunachar sonraí seo ná eolas airgeadais agus lena chois sin gach eolas 

a bhaineann le cúrsaí teicniúla maidir le bainistíocht flít, míreanna beaga gléasra 

agus fearas ardaithe san áireamh, de chuid Uiscebhealaí Éireann. 

Tá bogearraí taistil agus cothaithe á gcur i bhfeidhm go fóill agus beidh an córas 

réidh in 2008. 

7.9.2 Bainistíocht Taifead 

Rinneadh mionathrú ar thabhall comhad leictreonach na heagraíochta chun 

feidhmiúlacht a fheabhsú. Ag deireadh na bliana, rinneadh Polasaí Coinneála agus 

Sceideal Diúscartha a fhorbairt don eagraíocht. 

Fuarthas trí iarratas um Shaoráil Faisnéise in 2007 agus pléadh leo de réir Chód 

Cleachtais um Shaoráil Faisnéise do Chomhlachtaí Thuaidh/Theas. Tugadh freagra 

do gach ceann acu laistigh den am cuí. Rinneadh achomharc amháin agus pléadh 

leis de réir na meicníochtaí inmheánacha achomhairc lastigh den am cuí. 

7.9.3 Bainistíocht Riosca 

Rinneadh athbhreithniú ar Thabhall Riosca na heagraíochta i rith na bliana. Cuireadh 

achoimrí ar bhainistíocht riosca faoi bhráid na Rann Urraíochta gach ráithe, agus 

leasaíodh chun dáta an Tabhall Riosca i Nollaig 2007. 

7.9.4 Teicneolaíocht Faisnéise 

I ndiaidh athbhreithniú slándála in 2007 tugadh faoi Phlean Leanúnachais Ghnó 

a fhorbairt d’Uiscebhealaí Éireann. Tabharfar faoi gach cuid den eagraíocht agus 

cuirfear pleananna i bhfeidhm chun soláthar Uiscebhealaí Éireann a chosaint agus 

a chaomhnú i gcás tubáiste. Cuireadh roinnt tionscadal slándála i bhfeidhm mar 

atá: Iniúchadh Slándála Inmheánaí / Seachtraí ar an Líonra Achair Logánta (LAL) / 

Líonra Achair Fhairsing, agus an chéad chuid d’athbhreithniú ar Mhodh Bainistíochta 

Ríomhairithe Measúnuithe Riosca, a dhéanfaidh anailís ar rioscaí, ar bhagairtí agus 

ar leochaileachtaí chóras ríomhaireachta Uiscebhealaí Éireann i leith rúndachta, 

sláine agus inúsáideachta. Déanfar dul chun cinn ar an dá thionscadal in 2008. 


39

Caibidil 7 


7.7.5 Cúnamh Uiscebhealaí Éireann i gcomhair Fostaithe 

Cuireadh Clár Cúnaimh i gcomhair Fostaithe ar fáil do gach ball foirne de chuid 

Uiscebhealaí Éireann i Lúnasa 2005. Tá comhairle rúnda, ghairmiúil ar fáil d’fhostaí ar 

bith a bhfuil deacrachtaí aige/aici de bharr báis, cumainn phearsanta nó drochshláinte 

intinne. 

7.8 Iniúchadh Corparáideach 

7.8.1 Iniúchadh Inmheánach 

Is cuid den timpeallacht rialachais agus bainistíochta an tIniúchadh Inmheánach 

agus tá feidhm mheasta neamhspleách aige chun gníomhaíochtaí san eagraíocht 

a athbhreithniú. Is é ról an Iniúchta Inmheánaigh scrúdú, measúnú, agus tuarisiciú 

oibiachtúil a dhéanamh ar na córais, nósanna imeachta agus ar na rialuithe a 

úsáideann lucht bainistíochta lena chuid cuspóirí a chomhlíonadh lena fheiceáil cé 

acu atáthar á leanúint sa dóigh is eacnamaíche, éifeachtaí agus is éifeachtúla agus de 

réir na ndlíthe agus na rialachán infheidhmithe. Cuidíonn an tIniúchadh Inmheánach 

le lucht bainistíochta ag gach aon leibhéal lena chinntiú go gcuirtear córais mhaithe 

rialuithe inmheánacha i bhfeidhm agus go ndéantar iad a chothabháil. 

Mar chuid den Iniúchadh inmheánach déantar clár iniúchtaí ar bhonn bliantúil agus 

tugtar tuarascáil os comhair an Choiste Iniúchóireachta ar thorthaí na n-iniúchtaí 

seo. 

Déantar monatóireacht ar chur i bhfeidhm na moltaí iniúchta comhaontaithe 

agus tugtar tuarascáil do lucht bainistíochta agus don Choiste Iniúchóireachta 

fosta. D’éirigh leis an Iniúchadh Inmheánach éifeacht na timpeallachta rialachais 

inmheánaigh in Uiscebhealaí Éireann a iniúchadh sa bhliain 2007. I measc na n-ábhar 

a iniúchadh bhí: Ceannach, Sócmhainní Seasta, Comhlíonadh le Meamram Airgeadais, 

Bainistíocht Riosca agus Athbhreithniú Leantach ar shean-Thuarascálacha Iniúchtaí 

Inmheánacha. 

7.8.2 Coiste Iniúchóireachta 

Tá Coiste Iniúchóireachta ag Uiscebhealaí Éireann a bhfuil dhá bhall sheachtracha 

air. Tá rochtain neamhshrianta ag an Choiste Iniúchóireachta ar na hiniúchóirí 

inmheánacha agus ar na hiniúchóirí seachtracha araon. Déanann an Coiste measúnú 

ar obair an Iniúchta Inmheánaigh agus faigheann tuarascála ar ghnéithe éagsúla den 

rialúchán inmheánach. Tionóladh an Coiste trí huaire in 2007 chun athbhreithniú 

a dhéanamh ar thuarascálacha Iniúchtaí Inmheánacha agus lena chinntiú gur ghlac 

lucht bainistíochta an ghníomhaíocht chuí chun moltaí comhaontaithe an iniúchta 

inmheánaigh a chur i bhfeidhm. 

38 


Caibidil 7 


7.7.2 Caidreamh Tionsclaíoch 

Tá sé mar phríomhchuspóir ag Uiscebhealaí Éireann an caidreamh idir fostóirí agus 

fostaithe a chothabháil agus a fhorbairt. I rith na bliana 2007 d’oibrigh na meicníochtaí 

éagsúla caidrimh thionsclaíoch go héifeachtach chun idirghníomhaíocht rialta 

fhóirsteanach a chur ar fáil d’Uiscebhealaí Éireann agus do na Ceardchumainn. Bhí 

cruinnithe ag an Fhóram Caidrimh Thionsclaíoch le lucht bainistíochta agus leis na 

Ceardchumainn chun ceisteanna comhleasa d’fostaithe a phlé. Tá athbhreithniú á 

dhéanamh ar an Fhóram Comhpháirtíochta faoi láthair mar gheall ar riachtanais nua 

na heagraíochta. Tionóladh an Fóram Comhpáirtíochta go rialta i rith na bliana agus 

ceapadh grúpaí oibre chun breathnú ar pholasaithe: Ambhaincéireacht; Athbhreithniú 

um Chúraim Custaiméirí agus ceisteanna eile a bhaineann leis an timpeallacht oibre. 

Bhí cruinnithe rialta ann leis na ceardchumainn aitheanta laistigh d’Uiscebhealaí 

Éireann. 

Thóg na Ceardchumainn ceisteanna i rith na bliana 2007 i dtaca le cúrsaí pá 

d’fhostaithe sa Tuaisceart. 

7.7.3 Oiliúint agus Forbairt 

Tá cur chuige córasach struchtúrtha againn, mar gheall ar an Chóras Bainistíochta 

Gníomhúcháin, chun tacú le baill foirne a gcuid spriocanna gnó a bhaint amach. 

Tugann sé seo deis dóibh feabhas a chur ar a gcuid scileanna, eolais agus cumas fosta. 

A bhuí leis an chóras seo, beidh an eagraíocht in inmhe bearnaí a aimsiú i scileanna 

agus i mbunachar eolais na heagraíochta. Cuirfear traenáil ar fáil chun na bearnaí seo 

a líonadh agus leis na huiscebhealaí siúd faoinár gcúram a bhainistiú mar is ceart. 

Tá muid tiomanta d’ardchaighdeáin a fhorbairt san eagraíocht agus sna fostaithe 

againn trí chlár traenála idirphearsanta a chur ar fáil. Tá baint ag an traenáil 

scilbhunaithe le réimse ábhar: Forbairt Foirne Éifeachtacha, Cinnteoireacht agus 

Fadhbréiteach, Cumarsáid Éifeachtach, Tarmligean agus Cumasú, Scileanna 

Ceannaireachta. Tá an clár seo dírithe ar bhainisteoirí líne chun scileanna agus 

inniúlachtaí a fhorbairt chun cur le héifeachtacht na bainistíochta agus le feabhas 

feidhmiúcháin na heagraíochta. 

Cuireadh traenáil Shláinte agus Shábháilteachta ar fáil dár gcuid fostaithe lena 

chinntiú go bhfuil siad ar an eolas faoi riachtanais reachtúla agus faoi dhea-chleachtais 

i dtaca le timpeallacht shábháilte oibre a fhorbairt agus a chothabháil. Cuireadh 

tacaíocht leanúnach ar fáil d’fhostaithe san eagraíocht chun go bhféadfaidís cúrsaí 

breisoioideachais a dhéanamh mar chuid dá bhforbairt ghairmiúil. 

7.7.4 Scéim Pinsean Thuaidh/Theas a chur i bhfeidhm 

Bíonn lucht Acmhainní Daonna i dteagmháil leis an Inúchtóir Inmheánach d’fhonn na 

sonraí siúd atá riachtanach do chur i bhfeidhm na scéime a sholáthar dó. 


37

Caibidil 7 


7.5.2 Oifigí Réigiúnda a sholáthar d’oifigí sa Réigiún Thiar, sa Réigiún 

Thuaidh agus sa Réigiúin Thoir. 

Tá Oifig an Réigiúin Thiar lonnaithe sa Scairbh, Co. an Chláir. Is san oifig seo atá an 

Fhoireann Oibriúcháin agus Riaracháin don Réigiún Thiar lonnaithe. Tá an Rannóg 

Iniúchta Inmheánaigh, an Rannóg Chomhshaoil, an Rannóg Seirbhísí Meicniúla agus an 

Rannóg Seirbhísí Teicniúla anseo fosta. 

Tá Oifig an Réigiúin Thuaidh lonnaithe i bhfoirgneamh ar cíos ar Sheanbhóthar Bhaile 

Átha Cliath i gCora Droma Rúisc. 

Tá Oifig an Réigiúin Thoir lonnaithe in oifigí ar cíos i nGeata Bhaile Áis, Bóthar na 

hUaimhe, Baile Átha Cliath. 

7.6 Sláinte agus Sábháilteacht a fhorbairt agus a chur i 

bhfeidhm 

7.6.1 Iniúchóireacht Shláinte agus Shábháilteachta 

Críochnaíodh aon iniúchadh shláinte agus shábháilteacha déag san eagraíocht le linn na 

bliana 2007. 

7.6.2 Polasaithe, Nósanna Imeachta agus Córais Shláinte agus 

Sábháilteachta 

Rinneadh athbhreithniú ar Ráiteas Sláinte agus Sábháilteachta na heagraíochta. 

Ullmhaíodh leagan úr a chuirfear i gcló in 2007. 

7.7 Acmhainní foirne a sholáthar agus a fhorbairt 

Sa bhliain 2007 thug Uiscebhealaí Éireann faoi riachtanais áiseanna a aimsiú go 

réamhghníomhach. Rinneadh scileanna, eolas agus inniúlachtaí riachtanacha a fhorbairt 

agus a chur ar fáil dár gcuid fostaithe d’fhonn freastal ar riachtanais eagrúcháin agus le 

cuspóirí gnó a bhaint amach. 

7.7.1 Earcaíocht 

Rinneadh fostaithe oibriúcháin, riaracháin agus teicniúla a earcú i rith na bliana 2007 

chun freastal ar riachtanais foirne na heagraíochta. Tá deacrachtaí sa mhargadh 

fostaíochta i dtaca le poist áirithe a líonadh, agus tá siad seo le sonrú go háirithe i réimse 

na hinnealtóireachta. D’éirigh linn 90% dár gcuid spriocfhostaíochta a líonadh agus 

tá muid ag obair i gcónaí chun deacrachtaí fostaíochta a réiteach. Cuireadh chun cinn 

cothromaíocht agus comhionannas deiseanna i bpróisis earcaíochta agus roghnúcháin na 

heagraíochta. 

36 


Caibidil 7 


7.5 Cóiríocht agus Áiseanna 

7.5.1 Ceanncheathrú in Inis Ceithleann 

I Mí Mhárta 2007, i ndiaidh próiseas soláthair a bhainistigh Gníomhaireacht 

Lársholáthair na Roinne Airgeadais agus Pearsanra, síníodh conradh le haghaidh 

ceanncheathrú nua Uiscebhealaí Éireann in Inis Ceithleann. Lonnófar an 

foirgneamh úrscothach ar shuíomh cois locha ar Bhóthar Shligigh agus táthar ag 

súil le go gcríochnófar faoi cheann an Fhómhair 2008 é. Cloíonn an tionscadal le 

“Achieving Excellence in Construction for Northern Ireland”, tionscnamh de chuid 

an rialtais a chuireann chun cinn ardchaighdeán deartha agus inbhuanaitheachta i 

gcúrsaí tógála ach súil ar luach an airgid a bhaint amach fosta. 

Tá oifigí sealadacha ar fáil ag dhá shuíomh in Inis Ceithleann idir an dá linn. 


35

Caibidil 7 


fostaíochta. I Mí Feabhra 2007 bhí ar Uiscebhealaí Éireann fiosrúchán a dhéanamh ar 

ár gcuid ball foirne in Éirinn lena fháil amach cén bhunlíon fostaithe míchumasacha atá 

ag obair san eagraíocht. 3% an sprioc-bhunlíon de réir an Rialtais. Tugadh tuarascáil 

mhonatóireachta chuig an Roinn Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta (RGPTG) i Mí 

Mhárta ina raibh ráiteas tuairisciúil agus tábla sonraí. 

Is clár bliantúil é Clár Urraíochta Uiscebhealaí Éireann trína ndéantar teagmháil le grúpaí 

pobail ar fud an oileáin ar mhaithe le caidrimh nua a dhéanamh agus le ceisteanna 

comhionannais a chur chun cinn. Cuireadh feachtas fógraíochta speisialta ar siúl tar 

éis dáil chomhairle le húdaráis comhionannais sa dá dhlínse chun caidrimh níos dlúithe 

a dhéanamh le grúpaí ionadaíocha. Cuireadh fógraí i spriocfhoilsiúcháin ar nós: Aging 

Matters, irisleabhair de chuid Age Concern; Nuachtlitir an Comhphobail Aeraigh agus 

Spokeout, irisleabhar Chumann Cathaoireacha Rothaí na hÉireann. Lena chois sin, 

cuireadh eolas ar fáil do Chomhairle Náisiúnta na hÉireann do na Daill, don Choiste 

Comhairleach Náisiúnta um Chiníochas agus Idirchultúrachas agus do shuíomh idirlín 

Community NI. 

Le linn 2007 d’fhorbair Uiscebhealaí Éireann i gcomhairle le Coimisiún Comhionannais 

Thuaisceart Éireann plean gníomhaíochta dearfa chun gannionadaíocht a réiteach i líon 

na n-iarrthóirí Protastúnacha do phoist in Uiscebhealaí Éireann. Glacadh roinnt beartas 

réamhghníomhach chun iarrthóirí Protastúnacha a mhealladh chun fostaíochta san 

eagraíocht. 

7.4.2 ‘Access for All’ a chur i bhfeidhm 

Is mian le hUiscebhealaí Éireann a chinntiú go bhfuil rochtain ag gach duine sa phobal ar 

cibé eolas atá ag teastáil i dtaca lenár gcuid seirbhísí, áiseanna agus meán cumarsáide. 

Scrúdaíonn an tAonad Comhionannais foilsiúcháin chorparáideacha chun ceisteanna 

comhionannais a aimsiú agus, más féidir, iad a réiteach. Tá foilsiúcháin chorparáideacha 

Uiscebhealaí Éireann le fáil i bhformáid éagsúla: i gcló mór, Braille, closchaiséad, diosc 

ríomhaire agus san Ultais. 

Glacadh leis an Pholasaí um Rochtain do Dhaoine Míchumasacha a chur i bhfeidhm. 

B’éigean treoircháipéisí dea-chleachtais a chur ar fáil d’fhostaithe chun cuidiú le cur i 

bhfeidhm an pholasaí seo. Tosaíodh ar dhá cháipéis úra a scríobh sa bhliain 2007 fosta- 

‘Cáipéisí Scríofa a chur ar fáil do chách’ agus ‘Seirbhísí Poiblí a chur ar fáil do Bhodhair.’ 

34 


Caibidil 7 


7.3 Ardchaighdeán Cumarsáide Inmheánaigh 

agus Seachtraí a sholáthar 

7.3.1 Clár Saoráidí Cumarsáide 

Tá suíomh idirlín agus líonra inmheánach na heagraíochta mar chuid den Chlár Saoráidí 

Cumarsáide a bhfuil sé mar aidhm leis feabhas a chur ar an dóigh a stórálann agus a 

gcuireann Uiscebhealaí Éireann eolas i láthair le haghaidh custaiméirí agus fostaithe. 

Seoladh an suíomh idirlín in 2006 agus bhí fás leanúnach ar líon na n-úsáideoirí ó shin. 

Bhí seacht milliún amais in 2007, figiúr arb ionann é agus méadú 35% ar an bhliain 

roimhe sin. Ag Comhdháil na bhFostaithe i Samhain 2007 a seoladh inlíne (líonra 

inmheánach) agus is é an fheidhm atá leis rochtain bheith ag fostaithe ar cháipéisí 

inmheánacha. 

7.3.2 Nuachtlitir Foirne 

D’fhoilsigh an fhoireann eagarthóireachta ceithre eagrán den Nuachtlitir Foirne “Water 

Matters”. Tá baill foirne as gach cuid den eagraíocht páirteach ar bhonn deonach san 

fhoireann eagarthóireachta. Is an-ghléas cumarsáide é an nuachtlitir chun fostaithe a 

chur ar an eolas faoi dhul chun cinn na gclár oibre, ceisteanna comhionannais, forbairt 

polasaí agus faoi chúrsaí earcaíochta. 

7.4 Comhionannas Deiseanna 

7.4.1 Cláir Bhliantúla um Chomhionannas agus Spriocaimsiú 

Eisiaimh Shóisialta 

D’ullmhaigh an Tascghrúpa Idir-rannach an Clár Comhionannais Oibre Bliantiúil 2007 

agus cheadaigh an fhoireann bainistíochta sinsearaí é a chur i bhfeidhm. I measc na 

n-eochairchuspóirí sa chlár tá: polasaithe agus foilsiúcháin chorporáideacha a scrúdú; 

tionscnaimh chaidrimh phoiblí a fhorbairt trí Chlár Urraíochta Uiscebhealaí Éireann 

agus traenáil don fhoireann i bhFeasacht Comhionannais agus Míchumais. Rinne an 

Grúpa Stiúrtha um Chomhionannais Deiseanna cur i bhfeidhm an chláir a athbhreithniú 

le linn na bliana chun tacú le cur chun cinn an chomhionannais i ngach gníomhaíocht 

de chuid na heagraíochta. Cuireadh Tuarascáil ar Dhul Chun Cinn na Scéime 

Chomhionannais 2006-2007 faoi bhráid an Choimisiúin um Chomhionannas Deiseanna, 

Tuaisceart Éireann i Mí Lúnasa. Chuir Uiscebhealaí Éireann an t-athbhreithniú cúig 

bliana ar an Scéim Chomhionannais faoi bhráid an Choimisiúin um Chomhionannas 

Deiseanna, Tuaisceart Éireann, i Meán Fómhair. 

De thoradh The Disability Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, d’fhorbair 

Uiscebhealaí Éireann Plean Gníomhaíochta Míchumais don tréimhse 2007-2010 tar 

éis dáil chomhairle leis an phobal. Tá bearta réamhghníomhacha sa phlean le feabhas 

a chur ar an eagraíocht agus ar na hoibreacha s’againne chun soláthar níos fearr a 

chur ar fáil do gheallshealbhóirí míchumasacha bíodh siad inmheánach nó seachtrach. 

Mar gheall ar an Ordú fán Acht um Míchumas 2005 in Éirinn, b’éigean cur chuige 

réamhghníomhach a ghlacadh chun tabhairt faoi cheisteanna comhionnais i gcúrsaí 


33

Caibidil 7 


7.1 Treo Soiléir Feidhmiúil agus Straitéiseach a fhorbairt 

7.1.1 Pleanáil Gnó 

Ag cruinniú earnála i Samhain 2007, cheadaigh an Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh 

/ Theas (CATT), Clár Gnó 2008 ina bhfuil na cláir fheidhmiúla, theicniúla, 

chorparáideacha, mhargaíochta agus chur chun cinn don bhliain ag féachaint do 

chúrsaí buiséid sa dá dhlínse. Is é atá leagtha amach sa phlean ná mionsonraí faoin 

obair a dtabharfar fúithi sa bhliain 2008; an chéad bhliain de Phlean Comparáideach na 

hEagraíochta 2008-2010. Cheadaigh an CATT an Plean Corparáideach, ag féachaint do 

chúrsaí buiséid sa dá dhlínse, ag an chruinniú earnála i Samhain 2007 fosta. 

Tá cuntas sa Phlean Chorparáideach ar na straitéisí agus ar na heochairchuspóirí atá ag 

Uiscebhealaí Éireann chun an clár bainistiúcháin a sholáthar d’fhonn na huiscebhealaí a 

fhorbairt sna trí bliana atá le teacht. 

7.2 Polasaí a fhorbairt agus a athbhreithniú 

7.2.1 Forbairt Polasaí 

Leanadh le polasaithe a athbhreithniú 

agus a fhorbairt le linn na bliana chun 

teacht leis an reachtaíocht atá ann cheana 

féin agus le reachtaíocht nua fosta. 

Déanfar cinnte de, dá bharr, cur chuige 

comhsheasmhach bheith ag an eagraíocht. 

Críochnaíodh Lámhleabhar na bhFostaithe 

ina bhfuil eolas ar eochairpholasaithe 

na heagraíochta. Cuireadh treoirshraith 

ceardlann ar siúl chun fostaithe a chur ar 

an eolas faoi na heochairpholsaithe seo i 

ndeireadh 2007. Beidh clár cuimsitheach 

ag tosú go luath sa bhliain 2008. Ghlac 

an eagraíocht le Polasaí um Rochtain 

do Dhaoine Míchumasaithe i Lúnasa 

2007 agus tosaíodh obair ar pholasaithe 

gaolmhara a fhorbairt, mar shampla─ 

rochtain ar chumarsáid agus rochtain sa 

timpeallacht thógtha. Rinneadh an-dul 

chun cinn ar an Pholasaí um Chosaint 

Páistí agus Aoiseach Soghonta. Cuirfear an dréachtpholasaí faoi bhráid an Fhóraim 

Chomhpháirtíochta go luath in 2008. 

D’oibrigh Rannóg na nAcmhainní Daonna i gcomhpháirt leis an Aonad Cothroime 

lena chinntiú go ndearnadh scagadh inmheánach ar pholasaithe ar eagla leatrom ar 

bith á dhéanamh ar cheann ar bith de na grúpaí comhionannais aitheanta. Cuireadh 

leis an obair seo trí chomhairliú inmheánach a dhéanamh le grúpa comhairliúcháin 

inmheánach. Bhí ionadaithe ón eagraíocht mar bhaill den ghrúpa comhairliúcháin seo. 

32 


Caibidil 6 

Sócmhainní Uiscebhealaí Éireann a Bhainistiú agus a 

Chothabháil 

6.1 Punann Sealúchais Uiscebhealaí Éireann 

Lean Uiscebhealaí Éireann lena phunann sealúchais cuimsitheach a bhainistiú. Rinneadh 

nósanna oibre agus comhaontuithe dlí a fhorbairt chun tacú leis an eagraíocht 

sócmhainní Uiscebhealaí Éireann a bhainistiú agus comhaontuithe a dhéanamh le tríú 

páirtithe. Bhí ardú leanúnach ar líon na n-iarratas forbartha ar thalamh Uiscebhealaí 

Éireann mar gheall ar spéis mhór ag an earnáil phríobháideach i réadmhaoin cois locha 

agus mar gheall ar fhorbairtí bonneagair san earnáil phoiblí. Rinneadh comhchur chuige 

a fhorbairt i leith forbairtí muiríne agus iarratais droichead ar réadmhaoin Uiscebhealaí 

Éireann. 

Rinneadh ceannach éigeantach ar thalamh chun droichid nua a thógáil agus táthar ag 

súil le go gcuideoidh an beartas seo le hathoscailt na Canála Ríoga a éascú. Leanadh le 

comhaontuithe cíosa ar thalamh agus ar réadmhaoine Uiscebhealaí Éireann a bhainistiú. 

Déanfar athbhreithniú ar na comhaontuithe seo sa bhliain 2008. 

Rinneadh athbhreithniú ar éilimh dhliteanais agus fostaíodh comhlacht sheachtrach 

scrúdaitheoirí éileamh agus measúnóirí gairmiúla éileamh ag deireadh na bliana 2007. 

Tá molta againn athbhreithniú iomlán a dhéanamh ar éilimh dhliteanais chomh maith le 

bainistiú réamhghníomhach idir-rannach a dhéanamh ar éilimh dhliteanais sa todhchaí. 

Cláraíodh dhá phíosa den réadmhaoin canála ar bhonn trialach sula gcuirfear an bainistiú 

gníomhach réadmhaoine i bhfeidhm ina iomláine. Bronnadh tairiscint don obair seo i 

Nollaig 2007. 

6.2 Giniúint Ioncaim 

Thug an Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh/Theas (CATT) formheas sa bhliain 2007 ar 

chomfhorbairt a dhéanamh ar Cheapach a hOcht i nDuga na Canála Móire, Baile 

Átha Cliath. Ag obair i gcomhpháirt le hÚdarás Forbartha Cheantar Dugaí Bhaile Átha 

Cliath, déanfaidh Uiscebhealaí Éireann an suíomh forbartha a mhéadú go bhféadfaí 

a oiread ioncaim agus ab fhéidir a ghiniúint as Ceapach a hOcht ar mhaithe leis na 

geallshealbhóirí. 

Thug na Ranna formheas ar threoirthionscadal chun na cosáin tarraingthe againn a úsáid 

le cáblaí snáthoptaice a iompar. Cuirfear tús leis an obair seo i ndeireadh na bliana 2007 

Meastar go ndéanfaidh an dá thionscadal tuilleadh ioncaim a ghiniúint amach anseo. 


31

Caibidil 5 

Margaíocht agus Cur Chun Cinn na nUiscebhealaí 

5.3.2 Gearáin 

Le linn 2007, rinneadh dhá ghearán, ag teacht leis na próisis láimhsithe Gearán 

Custaiméara, atá sna Cóid Chleachtais Seirbhíse Custaiméara. Caitheadh go sásúil leis na 

gearáin. Ní dhearnadh aon achomhairc. 

5.4 Páirtnéireachtaí a Fhorbairt 

5.4.1 Páirtnéireachtaí agus Comhghníomhaíochtaí 

D’fhorbair Uiscebhealaí Éireann réimse páirtnéireachtaí le heagraíochtaí le haghaidh 

bainistiú a dhéanamh ar chomhghníomhaíochtaí a chuirfeadh le feasacht ar na 

huiscebhealaí. 

Seoladh, le linn searmanais i nDeireadh 

Fómhair ar bhruach na Sionainne i gCluain 

Mhic Nóis, comhthionscnamh margaíochta 

idir Uiscebhealaí Éireann, Fáilte Éireann, 

Bord Turasóireachta Thuaisceart Éireann, 

Turasóireacht Locha Fhear Manach agus 

Forbairt na Sionainne leis an uiscebhealach 

idir Béal Leice i gCo Fhear Manach agus 

Luimneach a chur chun cinn. Sa chéad 

chuid den tionscnamh seo, rinneadh 

treoirleabhar, suíomh gréasáin www. 

discoverireland/lakelands.ie agus DVD 

ilteangach. 

Rinne Uiscebhealaí Éireann, i gcomhar le 

Fáilte Éireann, straitéis margaíochta don 

Earnáil Chúrsaíochta. Tá bord Stiúrtha 

bunaithe a chuirfidh i bhfeidhm na moltaí sa straitéis agus ar an bhord sin tá ionadaithe 

ó Chumann Bád Cíosa na hÉireann, Cumann Bád Cíosa na hÉirne, Cumann Uiscebhealaí 

Intíre na hÉireann agus Bord Turasóireachta Thuaisceart Éireann, chomh maith le 

hUiscebhealaí Éireann agus Fáilte Éireann. In 2007, don tríú bliain as a chéile, thug 

Uiscebhealaí Éireann tacaíocht don Chraobh Dhomhanda Sciála Uisce in Inis Ceithleann 

i gcomhar leis an Northern Ireland Events Company, Comhairle Chontae Fhear Manach 

agus Cónaidhm Idirnáisiúnta na Sciála Uisce. 

5.5 Taifead Staire 

5.5.1 Cártlann Grianghrafanna 

Leanadh den obair ar chártlann chuimsitheach grianghrafanna a fhorbairt agus a 

chothabháil le haghaidh íomhánna de na huiscebhealaí a chatalógú agus a chaomhnú. 

30 


Caibidil 5 


5.2.4 Foilseacháin agus Seoltaí Foilseachán 

Chuir Uiscebhealaí Éireann réimse foilseachán amach in 2007. Rinneadh athchló ar 

roinnt bróisiúr a bhfuil tóir orthu, ar nós an tsraith ‘Glimpse’ agus an Treoirleabhar 

Imeachtaí ‘What’s On 2007’. Bhí an-tóir ar an Treoirleabhar Iostais ‘Taste of the 

Waterways’, dar dháileadh 25,000 cóip. 

I mí Eanáir seoladh foilseachán nua le Ruth Delaney agus Euromapping dar teideal 

‘Ireland’s Waterways Map and Directory’ ag Seó Bádóireachta Londain; Éamonn Ó 

Cuív, T.D., Aire na Roinne Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta a rinne an seoladh. 

Ar na foilseacháin eile a seoladh in 2007 bhí treoirleabhair Iascaireachta le haghaidh trí 

ionad ar an Chanáil Mhór, an Chorrchoill, Mainistir Eimhín agus an Tulach Mhór, agus 

Loch Scuir ar Uiscebhealach na hÉirne/na Sionainne. 

Leanadh, le catalóg nuashonraithe foilseachán, den fheachtas orduithe poist. 

5.2.5 Seirbhísí Cuairteoirí 

Dúnadh Ionad Cuairteoirí Uiscebhealaí Éireann ag Rinn na Séad ar an Chanáil Mhór le 

haghaidh athchóirithe, rud a chruthódh spás dinimiciúil ilfheidhmeach do Uiscebhealaí 

Éireann agus do thríú páirtithe le haghaidh obair bholscaireachta a dhéanamh. 

5.2.6 Taispeántais Tráchtála agus Tomhaltóra 

D’fhreastail Uiscebhealaí Éireann ar réimse taispeántas in 2007 le huiscebhealaí 

Éireann a chur chun cinn. Ar na seónna báid, bhí: Seó Bád Londain ag Excel; Seó Bád 

Mhullach Íde; Seó Bád Earls Court, Londain. Ag na seónna i mBaile Átha Cliath agus i 

Londain, d’fháiltigh Uiscebhealaí Éireann roimh ionadaithe ó roinnt páirtnéirí tráchtála, 

a bhí sásta leis an dúil a bhí an pobal a chur. Fuarthas breis agus ceithre mhíle 

fiosrúchán ag na seónna seo. Chuaigh Uiscebhealaí Éireann ar ‘Go Fishing’ san NEC in 

Birmingham chomh maith leis an tslatiascaireacht a chur chun cinn ar na huiscebhealaí 

intíre agus leis an Fhéile Iascaireachta a chur chun cinn, a reachtáladh ar chóras na 

hÉirne i mí na Bealtaine. Bhí Uiscebhealaí Éireann páirteach fosta i seó turasóireachta 

agus tráchtála mar chuid den Chraobh Náisiúnta Treabhaidh ar an Tulach Mhór, Co 

Uíbh Fhailí. 

5.3 Seirbhís Chustaiméara 

5.3.1 Seirbhís Chustaiméara 

Leanadh in 2007 den athbhreithniú ar an Straitéis Feabhsaithe Seirbhíse Custaiméara. 

Fo-ghrúpa de Fhóram Páirtnéireachta Uiscebhealaí Éireann, a bunaíodh i Samhain 

2006, a thug faoin athbhreithniú a dhéanamh. San áireamh san athbhreithniú bhí 

comhairliúchán le gach ball foirne agus cuireadh moltaí faoi bhráid an Choiste 

Páirtnéireachta i mí na Nollag 2007. Is í an aidhm atá ag an Straitéis a chinntiú go 

bhfaigheann custaiméirí Uiscebhealaí Éireann seirbhís sheasmhach d’ardchaighdeán 

nuair a bhíonn siad ag plé le hUiscebhealaí Éireann, bíodh sin ar an teileafón, san fhocal 

scríofa nó os comhair baill foirne ag áis de chuid Uiscebhealaí Éireann. 


29

Caibidil 5 


5.2.2 Feachtas Fógraíochta 

I ndiaidh a fheabhas a d’éirigh leis an fheachtas taobh amuigh in 2006, tugadh faoi 

fheachtas nua in 2007 leis na gnéithe fóillíochta de na huiscebhealaí a chur chun cinn, 

gnéithe ar nós na bádóireachta, na spórt uisce, na hiascaireachta, na hoidhreachta 

agus an dúlra. Is é a bhí san fheachtas ná sraith póstaerchlár a cuireadh suas i mbreis 

agus 120 áit feadh na n-uiscebhealaí le linn mhí Iúil, mhí Lúnasa agus mhí Mheán 

Fómhair. Lonnaíodh na fógraí chun bheith ag teacht leis na dátaí a reachtáladh féilte 

uiscebhealaí agus imeachtaí eile faoi urraíocht ag Uiscebhealaí Éireann le linn na 

míonna sin. 

5.2.3 Clár Urraíochta 

Reachtáladh réimse mór imeachtaí ar na huiscebhealaí le tacaíocht ó Chlár Urraíochta 

Uiscebhealaí Éireann, idir imeachtaí pobail agus imeachtaí spóirt ar gach ceann de na 

seacht n-uiscebhealaí. San iomlán, reachtáladh 40 imeacht agus an chuid is mó díobh 

sin ar na deirí seachtaine le linn an tsamhraidh. In 2007, ‘Bliain na Bearú’, reachtáladh 

réimse leathan imeachtaí ar an uiscebhealach sin, agus tacaíocht acu ó Uiscebhealaí 

Éireann. Orthu seo, bhí Féile Abhann An Mhuine Bhig, Féile Uisce Bhaile Átha Í, Geallta 

Cheatharlaigh agus Féile Abhann Ghrág na Manach. Rinneadh ceiliúradh ar shaol agus 

ar shaothar lucht Canála ag searmanas teacht le chéile i gCeatharlach. D’éirigh go geal 

arís leis an Fhéile Iascaireachta Uiscebhealaí Éireann, ina raibh 250 iascaire páirteach. 

28 


Caibidil 5 


5.1 Straitéis Margaíochta Uiscebhealaí Éireann a chur i 

bhfeidhm 

5.1.1 Grúpa Comhairliúcháin Margaíochta 

Is é atá sa Ghrúpa Comhairliúcháin Margaíochta ná ionadaithe ó leibhéal bainistíochta 

Uiscebhealaí Éireann, Bord Turasóireachta Thuaisceart Éireann, Fáilte Éireann, 

Turasóireacht Éireann, Comhlachas Lucht Tráchtála Thuaisceart Éireann, Cumann 

Bád Cíosa na hÉirne, Cumann Bád Cíosa na hÉireann, Cumann Uiscebhealaí Intíre na 

hÉireann agus Comhlachais Lucht Tráchtála na hÉireann. 

Ón chéad chruinniú aige in 2004 tá an Grúpa Comhairliúcháin Margaíochta ag obair 

leis na prionsabail a fhormhuiniú sa Straitéis Margaíochta agus lean sé de bheith ag 

cur tacaíochta agus treorach ar fáil d’Uiscebhealaí Éireann maidir lena cur i bhfeidhm. 

Le linn 2007, thug an Grúpa meas ar a leithéidí seo; suíomh gréasáin Uiscebhealaí 

Éireann, comhchumarsáid, foilseacháín, an feachtas fógraíochta, taighde margaidh, 

imeachtaí agus an clár urraíochta. 

5.1.2 Ábhair Mhargaíochta 

Rinne Uiscebhealaí Éireann forbairt ar réimse ábhar margaíochta le haghaidh 

tacaíocht a thabhairt do ghníomhaíocht urraíochta na heagraíochta agus le haghaidh 

deiseanna díolacháin a chur chun cinn. 

5.2 Méadú ar úsáid na n-uiscebhealaí intíre tríd an 

phroifíl phoiblí 

5.2.1 Clár Caidrimh Phoiblí 

Rinneadh clúdach forleathan sna meáin ar chuid gníomhartha Uiscebhealaí Éireann in 

2007, gníomhartha ar nós na seoltaí foilseachán ag Seó Bád Londain agus an seó “Go 

Fishing” in Birmingham. Is mór an aird a bhí ag na meáin ar imeachtaí Uiscebhealaí 

Éireann, leithéid an ‘triAthlone’, trí-atlan in mBaile Átha Luain, Geallta Bád Clasaiceach 

ar Loingseoireacht na Sionainne agus Riverfest Uiscebhealaí Éireann ar an Bhanna 

Íochtair. Chuir na meáin spéis fosta sna tionscadail mhóra athchóirithe ar an Chanáil 

Ríoga agus san fhógra faoin mhaoiniú don chéad chuid de Chanáil Uladh. 

I mí Eanáir, bronnadh duais don Chuan Mara Is Fearr in 2007 do na feistithe úra 

i gCora Droma Rúisc, Co Liatroma, ag searmanas Duaiseanna an Rialtais Áitiúil, 

Cathrach agus Comhairle. Cruthaíodh na duaiseanna chun gradam a thabhairt do 

thionscadail eiseamláracha sa phobal. 


27

Caibidil 4 

An Gréasán Uiscebhealaí a Fhorbairt agus a Athchóiriú 

Rinneadh dreideáil ar feadh 3000m de Líne na Bearú idir Droichead Bhaile Mhánais 

agus Baile an Bhiocáire i gCo Laoise. 

Tosaíodh i 2007 ar fheabhsúcháin mhóra bonneagair ar Dhuga na Canála Móire agus 

máguaird. In áit Dhroichead an Ghinearál Seán Mac Mathúna droichead tógála idir an 

duga istigh agus an duga amuigh, cuireadh isteach struchtúr nach mbogann, agus sin 

mar chuid de chomhthionscadal idir Uiscebhealaí Éireann agus Comhairle Cathrach 

Átha Cliath. Rinneadh obair mhór dheisiúcháin fosta leis na ballaí i nDuga na Canála 

Móire a neartú. I dtionscadal eile, cuireadh síneadh le Cearnóg na Canála Móire 

isteach sa duga mar ardán a shíneann thar an uisce féin. 

Tugadh faoi chomhobair fosta le Comhairle Átha Cliath 700m de dhromchla 

nuafheabhsaithe cosáin tarraingthe a chur ar fáil agus soilse anuas a chur isteach gar 

do Bhóthar an Daibhídigh ag tús na Líne Móire ar an Chanáil Mhór. Ag na Solláin, Co 

Chill Dara, tosaíodh ar oibreacha i gcomhar le Comhairle Chontae Chill Dara leis an 

chosán a atógáil, le soilse nua a chur isteach thuas agus seirbhísí a chur faoi thalamh. 

4.1.8 Loingseoireacht na Bearú 

Mar chuid de na hoibreacha caipitil ar tugadh fúthu ar Loingseoireacht na Bearú, 

cuireadh isteach fad 54m de ché áise ag Ard Reithe, gar do Bhaile Átha Í i gCo Chill 

Dara, agus fad 84m de ché ar snámh ag Páirc Bhaile Cheatharlaigh. Rinneadh obair 

mhór dreideála i gCeatharlach, agus ag Droichead Leithghlinne. Tosaíodh ar obair 

chóirithe ar bhalla na cé agus ar an ché ag Loc Ráth Bhiondain agus ar an bhalla 

coinneála ag Duga Tirim Ghrág na Manach. Tosaíodh ar ché nua a chur isteach ag 

Muine Bheag. 

Gach Réigiún 

4.1.9 Trealamh/Feithiclí a Ceannaíodh 

Le linn 2007 caitheadh €1.5 milliún ar bháid, ar threalamh tógála, ar threalamh 

gearrtha lustán agus féir, agus ar fheithiclí. Cuireadh dhá inneall bainte lustán ar obair 

i Réigiún an Oirthir, agus lorgaíodh iarratas ar thógáil agus ar sheachadadh dhá inneall 

eile a chuirfear ar fáil in am do shéasúr gearrtha lustán 2008. Is mór a chuirfidh na 

hinnill seo a fháil le hacmhainn chabhlach bainte féir Uiscebhealaí Éireann. 

Le linn 2007 tógadh bád nua oibre don Réigiún Thuaidh, bád ilfheidhmeach atá faoi 

theastas an Fhorais Gharda Cósta (MCA). Cuirfidh an soitheach so go mór leis an 

acmhainn oibre ‘ar uisce’ atá ag Roinn na nOibreacha sa Réigiún seo. 

26 


Caibidil 4 


Leanadh den obair ar Dhuga Spencer. Leathnaíodh an duga ó 12m ar leithead go 

30m ar leithead, mar a bhíodh. Ar na hoibreacha a rinneadh bhí bunbhallaí an duga a 

nochtadh agus a neartú. Ceadaíodh rochtain le haghaidh droichead nua LUAS thar an 

duga. Tá na hoibreacha seo uilig mar chuid de athfhorbairt ghinearálta an cheantair, 

ina bhfuil an Chanáil Ríoga mar ghné lárnach. Tosaíodh obair ar an Loc nua Farraige, a 

bhfuil dhá ról aige; loingseoireacht a éascú beag beann ar an lán mhara, agus díon ar 

thuile a chur ar fáil don cheantar i gcás go mbeadh leibhéal ard uisce sa Life, atá ina 

aice leis an duga. Tá geataí nua mítir agus rannóige á thógáil mar chuid den tionscadal 

seo, sin agus foirgneamh nua rialaithe le haghaidh an Loc Farraige a oibriú. 

Rinneadh feabhsúcháin ar an chosán tarraingthe agus atógadh cuid den bhalla san 

achar idir Droichead na Binne agus Páirc an Chrócaigh i mBaile Átha Cliath. Mar gheall 

air seo, athosclaíodh fad 400m de chosán tarraingthe, rud a thugann nasc leanúnach 

don chosán tarraingthe a thagann ann ag an 1ú Loc na Trá Thuaidh chomh fada leis 

5ú Loc ag Droichead na gCrosghunnaí. 

Tá comhaontú ag Uiscebhealaí Éireann le Inland Fibre Telecom Ltd cábla snáthoptaice 

a chur isteach ar feadh an chosáin tharraingthe idir Droichead Bhaile Ruáin agus Cill 

Choca i gCo Chill Dara, achar atá timpeall 20km ar fad. 

I gCuan Mhá Nuad, d’oibir Uiscebhealaí Éireann in éineacht le Comhairle Chontae 

Chill Dara agus BSE le haghaidh soilsiú úr a chur ar fáil do cheantar an chuain, agus le 

haghaidh na ráillí thart ar an chuan a fheabhsú. 

4.1.7 An Chanáil Mhór 

Críochnaíodh an obair at thóchar úr fad 40m a chur isteach faoin chanáil ag Raithean, 

Co Uíbh Fhailí. San áireamh ansin bhí oibreacha ar bhruach na canála agus athlíniú 

tóchar na gcainéal taobh thuas agus thíos. 


25

Caibidil 4 


Tosaíodh ar obair a dhéanamh le Loc Clarendon a dhéanamh uathoibríoch, an t-aon loc 

amháin ar Abhainn Mhainistir na Búille idir an chomair leis an tSionainn agus Loch Cia. 

Bhí dambaí le forbairt agus le déanamh lena n-úsáid ar Sheomraí Loic mar ullmhúchán le 

geataí nua a chur isteach in 2008. Rinneadh athchóiriú fosta ar Theach Loic Thearmann 

Barra agus cuirfear críoch leis na hoibreacha sin in 2008. Fágfaidh an t-athchóiriú seo 

gur sofheicthe an seomra loic ag an fheighlí loic nuair a bhíonn soithigh ag dul tríd, agus 

déanfaidh sé uasghrádú ar na háiseanna leasa atá ann. 

Rinneadh dreideáil ar an chuid íochtair d’Abhainn na Camlinne, Co Longfoirt, d’fhonn 

gluaiseacht a éascú isteach agus amach as an Chanáil Ríoga. I Scairbh, Co an Chláir, 

cuireadh isteach stáisiún asphumpála báid ag Cuan Scairbh, rud a fhágann go bhfuil 

21 stáisiún mar sin ag 14 áit éagsúla ar Loingseoireacht na Sionainne. 

Réigiún an Oirthir 

4.1.6 An Chanáil Ríoga 

I gCo Longfoirt, cuireadh críoch leis an obair ar an droichead nua tógála ag Boigneach. 

Tosaíodh fosta ar obair leis an droichead a athnuachan ag Caonach. 

Rinneadh 600m de bhruach a atógáil agus a líniú idir Droichead Bhaile an Droma agus 

an 44ú Loc gar do Chill a tSí. Críochnaíodh oibreacha fiosraithe ag Duga Tirim Chuan 

Richmond, rinneadh athchóiriú mór ar an 45ú Loc agus athchóiríodh tóchar Chluain 

tSíoráin. Leanadh de na comhchainteanna le Comhairle Chontae na hIarmhí soláthar cuí 

uisce a chur ar fáil don Chanáil Ríoga. 

24 


Caibidil 4 


4.1.4 Uiscebhealach na hÉirne/na Sionainne 

Tosaíodh in 2007 ar áis nua Patrólaithe Uiscebhealaigh ag Loc 16, Co Liatroma, d’fhonn 

cur leis an leibhéal seirbhíse don chustaiméir atá san áit sin. 

Réigiún an Iarthair 

4.1.5 Loingseoireacht na Sionainne 

Leanadh de na feistithe úra poiblí a chur isteach, fad 250m d’fheistithe ar snámh ar 

fad Loingseoireacht na Sionainne in 2007. I gCo na Gaillimhe, cuireadh isteach fad 50m 

d’fheistiú ar snámh taobh thíos de Dhroichead Phort Omna, agus tógadh clord rochtana 

leis an ché a cheangal le bruach na habhann. Cuireadh isteach fad 100m d’fheistiú breise 

ar snámh ag Béal an Átha, taobh thíos den droichead ar bhóthar Chill Dá Lua/Béal an 

Atha i gCo Thiobraid Árann, agus cuireadh barraí sábháilteachta ar áirse inseolta an 

droichid. I gCo Ros Comáin, cuireadh feistiú fad 100m isteach ag an Chill Ghlas mar aon 

le carrchlós agus ionad áiseanna. 

In 2007, thug Comhairle Chontae Liatroma cead pleanála Loingseoireacht na Sionainne 

a shíneadh chomh fada le hEanach Uachtair, Damhshraith. I ndiaidh an cead a 

thabhairt, rinneadh achomhairc leis an Bhord Pleanála. Táthar ag fanacht le toradh na 

hachomhairce sin. 


23

Caibidil 4 


4.1 Clár Oibreacha Caipitil 

4.1.1 Réamhrá 

Chaith Uiscebhealaí Éireann san iomlán €15.5 mhilliún ar oibreacha caipitil in 2007, rud 

a chur áiseanna breise agus níos fearr ar fáil le rochtain chun na n-uiscebhealaí a chur 

chun cinn. Tá mioneolas thíos ar na hoibreacha a rinneadh ar gach ceann de na seacht 

loingseoireachtaí. 

An Réigiún Thuaidh 

4.1.2 Loingseoireacht Íochtar na Banna 

Tá méadú tagtha ar úsáid ag báid fóillíochta ar Loingseoireacht Íochtar na Banna i 

ndiaidh go ndearna Uiscebhealaí Éireann infheistíocht i bhfeistithe breise poiblí agus i 

bhfeabhsúcháin ar an bhonneagar loingseoireachta. 

Cuireadh isteach fad 36m d’fheistithe isteach le linn 2007 i gCill Santail, Co Dhoire. 

Rinneadh réamhoibreacha fosta le cé nua a chur ar fáil i gCamas, Co Dhoire, tionscnamh 

a chríochnófar i 2008. 

4.1.3 Córas na hÉirne 

Rinneadh uasghrádú ar áiseanna poiblí feistithe ag roinnt ionad fóillíochta de chuid 

Uiscebhealaí Éireann ar chóras na hÉirne in 2007; san iomlán, cuireadh isteach 346m 

d’fheistiú nua. Rinneadh cé adhmaid nua ag Páirc Foraoise Chaisleán Caldwell ar Íochtar 

Loch Éirne; rinneadh amhlaidh ag Mucros. Ag Oileán Chraobh Inseachaidh i gceantar 

Chaisleán Archdale an Locha Íochtair, cuireadh struchtúr níos mó in áit na cé adhmaid a 

bhí ann, struchtúr (saorbhord mar chuid de) a dhéanfaidh riar ar na spóirt uisce, a bhfuil 

tóir orthu sa cheantar sin. Ag an Ghéag Lom, gar do Dhoire Loinn, cuireadh isteach feistiú 

ar snámh in ionad na cé a bhí ann, agus sin mar chuid de scéim ionad áiseanna a chur 

ar fáil do lucht úsáide na n-uiscebhealaí agus do chuairteoirí eile ar bhruach Loch Éirne 

Uachtair. 

Tosaíodh ar oibreacha ag an ‘O’ Cruinn, Inis Ceithleann in 2007; feabhsú atá sa chuid 

tosaigh ar an ché mar chuid de thionscadal mór leis an áis fóillíochta uisce seo a 

uasghrádú agus a fheabhsú. 

Leanadh de bheith ag aithint ionad le haghaidh forbairt infrastruchtúir amach anseo, 

agus rinneadh measúnú imlíne ar roinnt áiteanna féideartha. Tionóladh cruinnithe le 

forais rialtais eile agus le páirtithe leasmhar le hionaid a phlé. 

22 


Caibidil 3 

Na hUiscebhealaí a Chothabháil agus a Bhainistiú 

a laghdú mar chuid den mhonatóireacht leanúnach ar lorg carbóin fheithiclí 

Uiscebhealaí Éireann. Fuarthas feithiclí nua díosail in áit sé cinn de veaineanna ag 

caomhnóirí loc, feithiclí a laghdóidh eisfhearadh CO2 agus a fheabhsóidh caiteachas 

breosla. 

3.3.3 Creat-Treoir Uisce (WFD) 

Sa bhliain 2007, lean an eagraíocht den chomhoibriú leis an Áisínteacht Chostanta 

Timpeallachta (EPA) agus leis an Bhord Iascaigh Láir ar na riachtanais mhonatóireachta 

ar chaighdeán uisce sna canálacha atá faoinár gcúram. Tá freagracht ar Uiscebhealaí 

Éireann as an chlár monatóireachta seo a chur i bhfeidhm, a gcuirfidh an EPA a chuid 

torthaí ar fáil don AE. 

Mar chuid den phróiseas seo lean Uiscebhealaí Éireann de bheith ag comhoibriú 

le British Waterways, leis na húdaráis rialacháin in Éirinn, in Albain agus sa Ríocht 

Aontaithe, le Fóraim na hAlban agus Thuaisceart Éireann um Thaighde Imshaoil, 

d’fhonn gléas rangaithe canála a fhorbairt a bheadh ag teacht leis an Chreat-Treoir 

Uisce. San áireamh ansin bhí anailís ar shamplaí ón ghort, cumaisc mhacraifíteacha 

agus mhacrainveirteabracha san áireamh, agus ceimic uisce ó na canálacha. 

Ullmhaíodh mionphlean le haghaidh Cuid III den bheartas seo a thionscnamh. Mar 

thoradh air seo, beidh forbairt déanta ar ghléas éiceolaíoch Éireannach lena chinntiú 

go n-aithnítear a gcuid riachtanas oibriúcháin agus chothabhála agus nach dtiocfaidh 

siad sin salach ar chur chun cinn an dea-chleachtais éiceolaíochta faoi réir ag an WFD. 

Tá Uiscebhealaí Éireann páirteach i mBord Stiúrtha na bhForas Uisce Shaorga agus 

Ard-Mhodhnaithe, ar foras náisiúnta WFD é a reachtálann an EPA. Tá Uiscebhealaí 

Éireann páirteach fosta i nGrúpaí Bainistíochta Abhantrach le riachtanais an WFD a 

chomhlíonadh mar gheall ar phleanáil don dobharcheantar agus stádas éiceolaíochta 

na n-uiscebhealaí intíre a chosaint, agus lena chinntiú go gcuirtear spéiseanna 

loingseoireachta ar áireamh na mBeartas Bainistíochta do na hAbhantraigh. 


21

Caibidil 3 


na dreideála le riachtanas lucht iascaigh agus na Seirbhíse Imhshaoil agus Oidhreachta 

a shásamh. Rinneadh cuairteanna suímh ag Magh Bheannchair agus ag Droichead Uí 

Thuama d’fhonn stráitéis bhainistithe plandaí uisce a cheapadh don Bhanna Íochtar. 

In 2007 chríochnaigh Uiscebhealaí Éireann Measúnú Airteagail 6 le haghaidh stráitéise 

trí bliana do ghníomhaíochtaí cothabhála ar an Bhearú i gcomhairle leis an tSeirbhís 

Pháirceanna agus Fhiadhúlra, Bord Iascaigh Réigiúnach an Deiscirt agus an Bord Iascaigh 

Láir. San áireamh anseo bhí trialacha goirt le measúnú a dhéanamh ar an tionchar a 

d’fhéadfadh a bheith ag na hoibreacha ar an loimpré, speiceas éisc atá faoi chosaint agus 

suirbhé a dhéanfadh measúnú ar ghnáthóg chosanta ina bhfuil lustán ar snámh. 

Leanadh den dreideáil logánta ar an Chanáil Mhór i ndiaidh tástáil a dhéanamh lena 

chinntiú go bhféadfaí an chré iarmhartach a athúsáid san áit chéanna, rud a bheadh 

ag teacht leis an cheangaltas atá ag Uiscebhealaí Éireann i leith acmhainní nádúrtha a 

athúsáid leis an líonadh talún a laghdú. D’aistrigh Uiscebhealaí Éireann eiseamail den 

Groenlandia densa (planda uisce atá annamh agus faoi chosaint) go Garraí na Lus, agus 

sin i gcomhar le NPWS. Tá có-mhaoiniú á dhéanamh fosta ag Uiscebhealaí Éireann ar 

mheasúnú ar Myxas glutinosa, speiceas annamh seilide a fhaightear ar an Chanáil Mhór 

le measúnú a dhéanamh ar na beartais a d’fhéadfaí a chur i gcrích lena chaomhnú slán. 

Ar chóras na hÉirne, rinneadh scópáil le haghaidh feistithe nua ag Geaglam ar Loch 

Éirne Uachtair, rud a d’éiligh measúnú Airteagal 6 chomh maith, agus ag an O in Inis 

Ceithleann. 

Chuir Uiscebhealaí Éireann tús le liostú a dhéanamh ar na struchtúir oidhreachta in 2007 

ar Uiscebhealach na Sionainne / na hÉirne, ar an Chanáil Mhór agus ar abhainn na Bearú. 

Rinneadh seo le cuidiú le caomhnú agus le bainistiú a dhéanamh ar na huiscebhealaí mar 

áiseanna oidhreachta a bhfuil tábhacht réigiúnach agus idirnáisiúnta leo. San áireamh 

sna liostaí so bhí oidhreacht ailtireachta, inealltóireachta agus tionsclaíochta agus 

rinneadh iad lena chinntiú go mbeidh na riachtanais oidhreachta san áireamh i ndearadh, 

i dtógáil agus i gcothabháil gach cuid de thionscadail Uiscebhealaí Éireann. Beidh níos 

fusa ina dhiaidh measúnú a dhéanamh ar na riachtanais chaomhnaithe lena chinntiú go 

gcaomhnófar oidhreacht eisceachtúil na n-uiscebhealaí agus go slánófar iad le haghaidh 

a n-úsáide agus a bhforbartha amach anseo. 

Lena chois sin choimisiúnaigh Uiscebhealaí Éireann suirbhé seandálaíochta fo-thoinn 

ar an chora i gCill Dá Lua ar Loingseoireacht na Sionainne agus suirbhé geofisiceach ag 

Mainistir Eimhín ar Líne na Canála Móire / An Bhearú d’fhonn oidhreacht a chaomhnú. 

Aistríodh líon mór doiciméad oidhreachta ó na seanstórais i bPort Omna isteach i stóras 

nua-aimseartha lena gcaomhnú slán. 

Mar aitheantas don ghá tabhairt faoi athrú aeráide amach anseo, tá an Rannóg 

Mheicniúil d’Uiscebhelaí Éireannn i ndiaidh gníomhú go hairiciseach le heisfhearadh Gáis 

Cheaptha Teasa a laghdú. Níor ceannaíodh le blianta beaga anuas ach báid ghearrtha 

lustán a dearadh agus a tógadh le hinnill dhúnta agus córais fhuaraithe ola. Chomh 

maith leis sin, úsáideann na soithigh ola in-bhithmhillte sna córais ghiaranna / thiomána 

acu. Is lú go mór an dóchúlacht go ndéanfaí damáiste amach anseo don timpeallacht 

mar gheall ar shileadh ola ó inneallra. Tionscnaíodh roinnt beartas fosta le heisfhearadh 

20 


Caibidil 3 


Le cois na hoibre éiceolaíochta a rinneadh don fhorbairt NDP atá molta do 

Dhamhshraith, Co Liatroma, chuaigh Uiscebhealaí Éireann i bpáirt le Bord Iascaigh 

Réigiúnach na Sionainne le staidéar a choimisiúnú ar an Phollán, speiceas atá faoi 

chosaint, le measúnú a dhéanamh ar an dóchúlacht go gcuirfeadh na hoibreacha 

isteach ar sceathrach an éisc seo. Rinneadh measúnuithe éiceolaíochta fosta do 

Dhroichead Mosstown agus Droichead a Bhoignigh ar an Chanáil Ríoga agus do na 

céanna nua agus na feistithe a tógadh i mBéal an Átha, Co Thiobraid Árann agus i bPort 

Omna, Co na Gaillimhe. Coimisiúnaíodh tumstaidéar breise i bPort Omna lena fháil 

amach an gcuirfeadh an tionscadal isteach ar gairbhéal sceathraí an Pholláin. 

Le cois an eolais a chuireann siad ar fáil le haghaidh measúnú a dhéanamh ar 

inmharthanacht na dtionscadal a mholtar, cuireann na measúnuithe imshaoil a 

thionscnaíonn Uiscebhealaí Éireann leis an eolas éiceolaíochta atá ar fáil lena chinntiú 

go gcosnaítear na hionaid áirithe. Mar shampla, tá na staidéir ag an Ghlasán i ndiaidh 

mapáil éan a chur ar fáil a chuideos leis an chaomhnú sa tearmann éin sin, agus 

cabhróidh an staidéar ar an phollán ag Damhshraith leis an speiceas annamh éisc 

seo a chaomhnú sa tSionainn Thuaidh. Cuirfear eolas a chruinneofar sna staidéir 

seo faoi bhráid an phobail i gcoitinne i bhfoirmeacha éagsúla a chuirfeas le tábhacht 

éiceolaíochta na n-áiteanna seo agus a fhágfas níos tarraingtí iad ag lucht na 

turasóireachta éiceolaíochta. 

Cuireadh críoch in Earrach 2007 le dreideáil ar an Bhanna Íochtar ag na Gearracha, ag 

Magh Bheannchair, ag Port an Átha agus ag Droichead Uí Thuama, obair éigeandála 

ag Loch Beag san áireamh. D’éiligh an obair ag na suímh sin go bhfaighfí cead ó na 

ranna rialtais cuí, agus bhíothas ag obair go dlúth leis an tSeirbhís Imshaoil agus 

Oidhreachta, an Roinn Chultúir, Ealaíon agus Fóillíochta agus páirtithe leasmhara eile. 

Rinneadh sampláil agus monatóireacht ar sholadaigh san uisce ag roinnt suíomh le linn 


19

Caibidil 3 


In 2007, cuireadh isteach tuairim is 1200kg d’iasc le linn oibreacha feabhsúcháin a 

rinneadh ag naoi n-áit feadh na n-uiscebhealaí. San áireamh ansin bhí an 11ú loc de 

chuid na Canála Móire ag Leamhcán roimh an chomórtas bhliantúil iascaireachta ag 

Cumann Otharchathaoir na hÉireann, a reachtáladh ar an 13ú Meán Fómhair 2007. 

Bhí gá le hiasc a tharrtháil mar gheall ar dhreideáil agus oibreacha cothabhála, go 

háirithe ar Líne na Canála Móire / an Bhearú. D’éascaigh na hoibreacha seo trialacha a 

thosú a fhiosróidh cur i bhfeidhm praiticiúil na mbeartas cosanta gnáthóige. 

Ba fhoinse thábhachtach eolais bhainistithe i gcónaí í éicolaíocht spáis speiceas 

áirithe iasc, a fuarthas amach trí theileaméadracht raidió agus fuaime. Cuireadh 

síneadh leis an chlár seo in 2007 le go gcuimseodh sé an 25ú loc de Líne na Canála 

Móire / an Bhearú, áit a bhfuil dreideáil ar siúl, le heolas a fháil ar phatrúin úsáide iasc 

sna gnáthóga atá athraithe go nua. De réir na dtorthaí atá ann go dtí seo, gluaiseann 

éisc gan bac feadh na coda sin den chanáil atá 22km ar fad. 

Rinneadh monatóireacht ar chaighdeán an uisce trí huaire ar a laghad in 2007 sna 

príomhchainéil agus i sruthanna friothálacha de chuid na Canála Moire agus na 

Canála Ríoga, ar Uiscebhealach na Sionainne/na hÉirne agus ar Loingseoireacht 

na Bearú. Rinneadh sampláil ceithre huaire ar dhaichead áit, ag teacht leis an 

Treoir Creat Uisce (WFD). Rinneadh measúnú fosta ar fhásra plandaí uisce agus 

bruachphlandaí ag gach ceann de na háiteanna sin in 2007. Rinneadh suirbhé ar 

inveirteabraigh ag na háiteanna céanna uair amháin le linn 2006 agus 2007, agus 

cuireadh cuid de na sonraí isteach chuig Fóram na hÉireann agus na hAlban um 

Thaighde Imshaoil (SNIFFER), mar chuid de ghléas measúnaithe éiceolaíochta a 

dearadh le monatóireacht a dhéanamh ar chomhlíonadh an WFD. 

Ba chuid lárnach de phlean cothabhála Uiscebhealaí Éireann é clár Bainistithe Lustán 

Uisce a chur i bhfeidhm. Tá de chuspóir ag an phlean seo plandaí uisce a bhainistiú go 

ciallmhar lena chinntiú go mbeidh cainéil chanála ar oscailt le haghaidh na fóillíochta 

ach gan teacht salach ar an éagsúlacht agus ar an luach éiceolaíochta. 

3.3.2 Obair Imshaoil 

Tá ról tábhachtach ag Uiscebhealaí Éireann bainistíocht d’ardchaighdeán a chur i 

bhfeidhm ar na huiscebhealaí, leochaileacht an imshaoil san áireamh, go háirithe 

de bhrí go bhfuil rathúnas fadtéarmach na sócmhainní seo i dtuilleamaí an stádais 

timpeallachta. 

Leanadh le linn 2007 den mheasúnú ar inmharthanacht thionscnaimh Uiscebhealaí 

Éireann faoin Phlean Forbartha Náisiúnta. Cuireadh measúnuithe éiceolaíochta i 

gcrích don chanáil atá molta do Ghlasán, Co na hIarmhí, lena chinntiu go bhfuil na 

hoibreacha ag teacht leis na cuspóirí atá ag an Treoir Ghnáthóg. San áireamh anseo 

tá suirbhéanna ar phlandaí uisce agus talún, mapáil gnáthóg, mapáil éaneolaíochta, 

measúnú mamach agus staidéar iasc. Rinneadh staidéar mion hidreolaíochta do 

Ghlasán chomh maith lena chinntiú nach gcuirfeadh tógáil na canála isteach ar 

ghnáthóg bhogaigh in aice léi. 

18 


Caibidil 3 


3.2 Cigireacht agus Fodhlithe 

Tá ról tábhachtach ag an Chigireacht i gcur i bhfeidhm na bhfodhlithe loingseoireachta ar 

fud na loingseoireachtaí, seachas Loingseoireacht Íochtar na Banna. Ar Loingseoireacht 

Íochtar na Banna níl ag an Chigireacht ach ról comhairliucháin. Tá tacar amháin fodhlithe 

á dhréachtú do na seacht loingseoireachtaí. 

Is lena leithéid seo thíos is mó a bhain na na scéalta ón phobal a thuill aird na gCigirí i 

2007:- 

■ Luas 

■ Corraíl Uisce 

■ Feistiú gan chead 

■ Trealamh Cuidithe le Loingseoireacht 

■ Soithigh Phearsanta Uisce 

■ Páirceáil 

■ Iompar Neamhshóisialta 

■ Callán 

■ Níochán Capall 

Rinne an Chigireacht cigireacht fosta ar na gléasanna cuidithe loingseoireachta; cásanna 

snámha agus baoithe baraille, lóchrainn agus cairn chloiche. Cuireadh an fhoireann 

oibriúcháin ar an eolas ansin faoi aon obair dheisiúcháin agus chothabhála a bhí ag 

teastáil. 

Is í an Chigireacht a dhéanann bainistiú ar chlárú na soitheach, agus ba mhó an líon 

soitheach nua a cláraíodh in 2007 ná bliain ar bith eile. Cláraíodh 1,360 soitheach nua in 

2007, 638 ar loingseoireacht na Sionainne agus 722 ar Chóras na hÉirne. Ar na canálacha, 

íocann lucht báid as dul tríd na loic ar bhonn aonair, sin nó íocann siad as ceadúnas 

míosúil feistithe. Sa bhliain 2007, ceannaíodh 343 ceadúnas bliantúil le haghaidh bheith 

ag loingseoireacht feadh na gcanálacha. 

3.3 Oidhreacht Thógtha agus Nadúrtha 

3.3.1 Stocáil Éisc 

Tá conradh ag an Bhord Láir Iascaigh ó Uiscebhealaí Éireann i leith stocáil éisc, lus uisce 

a bhainistiú agus faireachán a dhéanamh ar chaighdeán uisce ar an Chanáil Ríoga, 

ar an Chanáil Mhór (Líne Mhór agus Líne na Bearú), Loingseoireacht na Bearú agus 

Uiscebhealach na hÉirne/na Sionainne. 


17

Caibidil 3 


den Daingean. Cuireadh bail fosta ar 70m eile de shaorchlár ar bhruach theas na 

canála taobh thiar d’uiscerian Blundell ar an bhóthar ó Éadan Doire go Ráth Angain. 

Cuireadh bail ar chuid 300m ar fad de chlaífort chainéal soláthair chanála Dhoire 

Chualaigh, taobh thiar den 31ú loc agus rinneadh dreideáil ar chainéal soláthair na 

Súile Báine gar do Bhaile Roibeard, Co Chill Dara, agus ar chainéal soláthair Bhaile 

an Phlocaire gar do Ghleann a’ Rí, Co Chill Dara. Leanadh den dreideáil gheimhridh 

ar Líne na Bearú; tosaíodh uirthi i mí na Samhna i mBaile Bhiocáire, Co Laoise, agus 

leanfar de sin go dtí tús an tséasúir bhádóireachta i 2008. 

I gceantar Átha Cliath, tugadh faoi obair chóirithe agus dheisithe ar bhallaí 

ag an 1ú agus ag an 3ú loc i gcomhar le Comhairle Átha Cliath mar chuid de 

chomhthionscnamh feabhsaithe cosán tarraingthe. Cuireadh isteach sreanga úra 

tógála ag Loc Shráid Mount agus ag Loc Shráid Charlemont, ar an Chruinnlíne. 

Rinneadh obair fheabhsúcháin ar an bhruach idir Droichead Digby agus Baile Landún 

i gCo Chill Dara, rud a chuir leis an rochtain chuig an bhruach ag coisithe agus ag 

innealra cothabhála Uiscebhealaí Éireann araon. 

Loingseoireacht na Bearú 

Tá Loingseoireacht na Bearú 65km ar fad, idir comair na Bearú agus Líne na Bearú/na 

Canála Móire ag Baile Átha Í, Co Chill Dara, go dtí na réimsí taoide ag Tigh Moling Co 

Cheatharlaigh. Tá 23 loc uirthi. 

Tugadh ‘Bliain na Bearú’ ar 2007. An tUachtarán Mhic Giolla Íosa a sheol an bhliain sa 

Ros Nua, Co Loch Garman. Eagraíodh imeachtaí feadh Loingseoireacht na Bearú leis 

an bhliain a cheiliúradh, bádchruinniú mór san áireamh a d’eagraigh Cumann na mBád 

Oidhreachta (HBA). 

Tá iarratas ag Loingseoireacht na Bearú ar stádas mar Achar Speisialta Caomhnaithe, 

mar sin, bhí gach obair le comhaontú roimhré leis an tSeirbhís um Pháirceanna 

Náisiúnta agus Fiadhúlra chun bheith ag teacht leis an Treoir um Ghnáthóga ón 

AE. Ceadaíodh dreideáil agus obair chosanta bruaigh ag Grág na Manach, Co Chill 

Chainnigh. Le gurbh éasca an próiseas comhairle agus ceadaithe rinneadh ‘measúnú 

cuí’ ar an tionchar a bheadh ag an chlár saothar a beartaíodh ar na speicis agus ar na 

gnáthóga atá faoi chosaint na Treorach um Ghnáthóga. 

Le cois na n-oibreacha siúd i 2007, cuireadh bail ar bhalla cé ag Droichead Ghuaire i 

gCo Chill Chainnigh agus rinneadh obair chosanta ar an bhruach taobh thíos de Chlog 

Reanáin i gCo Laoise. 

16 


Caibidil 3 


gar don 7ú agus don 8ú loc. Ag an 11ú loc gar don M50, tosaíodh ar obair le fad 300m 

de bhruach canála a leathnú. Ag Droichead Binn i mBaile Átha Cliath, atógadh balla a 

bhí i ndiaidh titim, rud a d’fhág go bhféadfaí an cosán tarraingthe a athoscailt i ndiaidh 

oibreacha feabhsúcháin ar an chosán a rinneadh i gcomhar le Comhairle Chathair Átha 

Cliath. 

Rinneadh obair dheisithe i gCo Longfoirt ar an Chanáil Ríoga idir Droichead an Fhaiche 

agus Portach Chluain Bréan. 

An Chanáil Mhór 

Síneann an Chanáil Mhór leithead mhachaire láir na hÉireann, ó dhuga na Canála Móire 

i Rinn na Séad, Baile Átha Cliath, tríd Chill Dara agus Cho Uíbh Fhailí go hAbhainn na 

Sionainne ag Cuan na Sionainne, gar do Bheannchar, Co Uíbh Fhailí. Áiríonn sí an Líne 

Mhór a shíneann fad 131km ó Bhaile Átha Cliath chun na Sionainne le 43 loc; líne na 

Bearú, fad 45km ó Lowtown go Baile Átha Í le 9 loc; agus Brainse Nás, fad 4km ón Líne 

Mhór go Baile Nás le 5 loc. 

Ar na tionscadail chothabhála a rinneadh ar an Chanáil Mhór i 2007, bhí 25 marcálaí 

iascaireachta agus carrchlós a chur isteach in aice le Droichead Thobar Uí Dhálaigh, 

gar do Ród i gCo Uíbh Fhailí. Rinneadh obair mhór i gceantar an Tulaigh Mhóir roimh 

an Fhleadh Cheoil a bhí ar siúl ar an Tulaigh Mhór. Rinneadh dreideáil ar fhad 1000m 

de chanáil ón 27ú loc go dtí an cuan sa bhaile, cuireadh bail ar chuid de bhalla na 

cé agus cuireadh isteach dhá cheann déag d’fheistithe breise poiblí. Leanadh den 

obair athchóirithe ar struchtúr na canála; deisíodh sileadh ar bhruach na canála i 11 

áit. Cuireadh bail ar fad 250m éigin de shaorchláir ar bhruach theas na canála, idir 

Droichead Thobar Uí Dhálaigh agus Droichead Bord na Móna ag an Chillín, taobh thoir 


15

Caibidil 3 


An tSionnainn Thuaidh 

Rinneadh obair réasúnta mór feabhsúcháin ar an tSionainn Thuaidh ar Bhóthár 

Rochtana Loc Clarendon, Loch Cé, Co Ros Comáin, áit ar cuireadh isteach tóchar le 

rochtain a fheabhsú. Tosaíodh fosta ar obair athchóirithe ar Theach Loic Thearmann 

Bharra, rud a chuirfear i gcrích i 2008. Ag Teach Loic An Rúscaigh agus ag Loc Chluain 

Trá, Co Longfoirt, cuireadh síos ducht faoin bhóthar rochtana le nascanna teileafóin, 

leictreachais agus uisce a chur ar fáil. Cuireadh sciortaí leis na barraí sábháilteachta ar 

na droichid thógála ag Tearmann Bharra agus i Rúscaigh, agus cuireadh suas tomhsairí 

aeir ag droichead tógála Thearmann Bharra agus ar an droichead bóthair ar an N55 

thar abhainn an Chaimlín ag Cluain Trá, Co Longfoirt. 

Ar chanáil Loch Ailin, Co Liatroma, cuireadh síneadh leis an chosán chuig an ché 

uachtair ag Loc Dhroim Liag agus tógadh balla coinneála. Lena chois sin, rinneadh obair 

chothabhála ar gheataí loic agus ar chomhlaí ag Loc Dhroichead an Chatha, agus ar 

chomhla Bhaile Shéamais agus mórbhearradh crann. 

An tSionainn Theas 

Ar an obair chothabhála a rinneadh ar an tSionainn Theas, rinneadh feabhsúcháin 

loingseoireachta ag Creagacha Benjamin gar do Chuan Bhaile Liam ar Loch Deirg. Bhí 

athdhíriú an chainéil loingseoireachta i gceist leis an obair sin, agus cuireadh isteach 

marcálaithe breise. I Luimneach, baineadh dhá dhroichead coise agus athnuadh iad, ag 

Loc Gully agus ag Loc Haicéad, ar Chanáil Errina Plassey. Ag Loc Riain, cuireadh isteach 

rampa rochtana ar an droichead coise lena dhéanamh níos sábháilte. 

Rinneadh líon mór suirbhéanna, idir thopagrafach agus hidrighrafach, suirbhéanna 

teorann fearannais, suirbhéanna talún agus droichead i rith na bliana. 

3.1.3 An Réigiún Thoir 

Is iad an Chanáil Ríoga, an Chanáil Mhór agus Loingseoireacht na Bearú na 

loingseoireachtaí sa Réigiún Thoir. 

An Chanáil Ríoga 

Faoi láthair, tá an Chanáil Ríoga inloingseoireachta ó Dhuga Spencer i mBaile Átha 

Cliath chomh fada le Cuan Bhaile Uí Bhrannagáin i gCo Longfoirt, fad 122km. 

Nuair a chríochnófar an clár athchóirithe i 2009, beidh lucht bádóireachta in ann 

loingseoireacht go dtí Loingseoireacht na Sionainne ag Cuan Richmond, gar do Chluain 

Trá, Co Longfoirt, fad 146km agus 46 loc. 

Ar na tionscadail chothabhála a rinneadh i 2007, bhí geataí úra loic a dhéanamh don 

13ú, don 14ú agus don 15ú loc gar do Mhá Nuadhat, Co Chill Dara, agus cuireadh 

sconsaí úra ag teach Bád Confey agus ag Cuan Dhroichead Pike os comhair Theach 

Carton, Má Nuadhat, Co Chill Dara. I gCill Choca, baineadh an ché adhmaid sa chuan 

agus cuireadh isteach cé 110m ar fad de dhéantús adhmaid chrua. Cuireadh isteach 

sreanga úra tógála ar na geataí loic ag an 17ú loc gar do Chill Choca agus ar an 10ú loc 

gar do stáisiún Ashtown i mBaile Átha Cliath, agus rinneadh obair le sileadh a stopadh 

14 


Caibidil 3 


Uiscebhealach na Sionainne-na hÉirne 

Déanann Uiscebhealach na Sionainne-na hÉirne nasc idir an dá mhórloingseoireacht 

intíre úd a bhfuil sé baiste astu, ó Shráidbhaile Liatroma go Béal Toirbirt, Co an Chabháin. 

Tá fad 63km de chainéal inloingseoireachta ann, agus 16 loc. 

Leanadh de na tionscadail chothabhála i 2007 gur cuireadh críoch le hoibreacha 

feabhsaithe ar ionaid áiseanna fóillíochta ag Loc 2, Baile Uí Chonaill, Co an Chabháin, 

agus ag Loc 4, Áth Dubh, Co Liatroma. Ba usaghrádú áiseanna ar ardchaighdeán an obair 

seo. Bhí gá le bail a chur ar chonair an éisc ag Loc 7, Baile Dubh, Co Liatroma le deireadh 

a chur le sileadh inti. Rinneadh grútáil agus coincréit a chur ar chonair an éisc. 

Rinneadh crainn agus claíocha a bhearradh feadh codanna éagsúla den chainéal 

loingseoireachta le línte radhairc a choinneáil agus a fheabhsú. Críochnaíodh oibreacha 

cothabhála ar mharcálaithe loingseoireachta Abhainn na hÉirne ag Béal Toirbirt, Co 

an Chabháin, rud a chuir le sainaithint an chainéil loingseoireachta. Leanadh den chlár 

sconsála i rith na bliana agus cuireadh críoch fosta le dromchlaí úra a chur ar lánaí 

rochtana. 

3.1.2 An Réigiún Thiar 

Is ionann an Réigiún Thiar agus Loingseoireacht na Sionainne ó Loch Ailin tríd Loch Riach 

agus Loch Deirg go dtí an tInbhear ag Loc an tSairséalaigh i Luimneach, fad 215 km 

agus 11 loc. Tá feidhm ag an Réigiún Thiar leibhéil uisce a bhainistiú ar Loingseoireacht 

na Sionainne agus is mó an tábhacht atá leis seo mar gheall ar na hathruithe san 

aeráid agus an méadú atá tagtha ar mhéid na soitheach atá ag baint úsáide as an 

loingseoireacht. 


13

Caibidil 3 


3.1.1 An Réigiún Thuaidh 

Is ionann An Réigiún Thuaidh agus Loingseoireacht Íochtar na Banna, Córas na hÉirne 

agus Uiscebhealach na hÉirne-na Sionainne. 

Loingseoireacht Íochtar na Banna 

Tá freagracht ag Uiscebhealaí Éireann ar Loingseoireacht Íochtar na Banna ón droichead 

i mbaile Chúil Raithin chomh fada le béal Loch nEathach, achar atá 52km ar fad agus 5 

loc air. 

Cuireadh isteach cuaillí marcála breise idir Droichead Uí Thuama agus Port Shnámha, 

rud a chuirfeas le sábháilteacht na soitheach trí shainaithint an chainéil loingseoireacha 

a fheabhsú. Rinneadh dreideáil ar na cainéil loingseoireachta ag Canáil Dhroichead 

Uí Thuama, Loch Beag agus Canáil Phort Shnámha, agus sin i gcomhar le páirtithe 

leasmhara agus na forais reachtúla. Cuireadh isteach comharthaíocht nua ag gach 

ceann de na cúig loic agus cuireadh isteach comharthaíocht loingseoireachta ag roinnt 

áiteanna idir Droichead Uí Thuama agus Port Shnámha. 

Leanadh den chlár oibreacha athchóirithe ag na geataí loic ar fud na loingseoireachta; 

rinneadh geataí nua do na Gearracha, do Chúil Raithin agus do Dhroichead Uí Thuama, 

agus dromchla neamhsciorrach a chur síos ar gach siúlán ar gheataí loic. 

Córas na hÉirne 

Is ionann córas na hÉirne agus achar níos mó ná 140km cearnógach d’uisce idir Béal 

Toirbirt i gCo an Chabháin agus Béal Leice i gCo Fhear Manach. 

Leanadh den athbhreithniú agus nuashonrú ar an trealamh sábháilteachta uisce atá 

ar áiseanna poiblí fóillíochta ar chóras na hÉirne, agus cuireadh isteach dréimirí breise 

sábháilteachta ag go leor áiteanna. Rinneadh monatóireacht agus athbhreithniú 

leanúnach ar chóras marcála na loingseoireachta lena chinntiú go raibh sé ag teacht 

le riachtanais lucht bádóireachta. I rith 2007 cuireadh isteach roinnt marcálaithe in 

Íochtar Loch Éirne chun gur fearr a d’aithneodh lucht úsáide an chontúirt a d’fhéadfaí a 

bheith ann. 

Bhí dúshlán ann i gcónaí le fás na lustán uisce, go háirithe speicis araiciseacha, agus bhí 

gá le monatóireacht i rith ama lena chinntiú nár cuireadh bac le loingseoireacht feadh 

na bpríomhchainéal. 

12 


Caibidil 3 


3.1 Cláir Chothabhála na nUiscebhealaí 

Sa bhliain 2007, leanadh den chigireacht agus den chothabháil struchtúrtha ar na 

háiseanna poiblí uilig agus ar bhonneagar na loingseoireachtaí, lena chinntiú go mbeadh 

scoth na seirbhíse ar fáil do lucht úsáidte na n-uiscebhealaí agus do chuairteoirí eile ar 

fhearannas Uiscebhealaí Éireann. 

Caitear airgead nach beag ar an ghréasán uiscebhealaí a ullmhú don fhóllíocht gach 

bliain, agus ar na loingseoireachtaí a chothabháil le linn shéasúr na bádóireachta. 

Ar an obair chothabhála a beartaíodh, 

bhí glanadh na gcéanna, feabhsú 

agus cothabháil an chórais mharcála 

loingseoireachta, bacanna do shoithigh a 

ghlanadh as na huiscbhealaí, cothabháil 

an trealaimh tharrthála, comhlaí, loic agus 

tithe loic. Ar na hoibreacha cothabhála 

eile a rinneadh, bhí féar a lomadh ag 

na hionaid áiseanna, spréáil lustán agus 

bearradh crann feadh na loingseoireachtaí, 

bail a chur ar na cosáin tarraingthe, geataí 

loic a phéinteáil, lustáin a bhaint thart 

timpeall na loc agus bruscar a thógáil. 

Bhí foireann oibrithe agus chigireachta 

Uiscebhealaí Éireann páirteach i 2007 

in éascú imeachtaí uisce a eagraíodh. 

Gearradh spásanna ar feadh na 

loingseoireachtaí do na comórtais éagsúla 

iascaireachta agus rinneadh cúrsa snámha 

gona mharcálaithe agus bharraí don 

TriAthlone ar loingseoireacht na Sionainne. 

Bhí baill foirne páirteach fosta in imeachtaí 

ar nós Chorn an Domhain sa sciáil uisce ar 

Loch Éirne, Riverfest ar Íochtar na Banna, 

agus cruinnithe bád ar loingseoireacht na 

Sionainne agus na Bearú, ar an Chanáil 

Ríoga agus ar an Chanáil Mhór. 

Rinneadh oibreacha tábhachtacha fosta ar 

gach ceann de na seacht loingseoireachtaí. 


11

Caibidil 2 

Cur i gCrích Chuspóirí na Bliana 

Achoimre ar an Dul Chun Cinn 

Forbairt na 

heagraíochta 

Cúrsaí Airgeadais 

• Cúig fhoilseachán agus 

threoirleabhar a chur ar fáil 

a chuirfeadh le húsáid na 

n-uiscebhealaí. 

• Clár taighde margaíochta a chur 

ar fáil, ag teacht leis an straitéis 

margaíochta. 

• Tabhairt faoi earcaíocht a 

dhéanamh ar 95% den líon foirne 

faofa don eagraíocht faoi Mheán 

Fómhair 2007. 

• Leanúint de chlár traenála foirne le 

ligean don eagraíocht a chuspóirí a 

bhaint amach. 

• Teacht le gach riachtanas reachtúil 

tuarascála. 

• Dréacht-Chuntais a chur ar fáil 

don Chuntasóir Ghinearálta faoi 

Aibreán 2007. 

• Leanúint de chur i bhfeidhm 

an dea-rialachais agus gach 

riachtanas iniúchta inmheánaigh. 

• An Coiste Iniúchta teacht le chéile 

3 huaire. 

6 iniúchadh inmheánach a 

• 

dhéanamh. 

An clár riosca a nuashonrú faoi 

• 

Dheireadh Fómhair 2007. 

• Clóbhuaileadh cúig fhoilseachán, 

ceithre threoirleabhar 

iascaireachta san áireamh. 

Rinneadh forbairt ar shraith 

foilseachán saor a dáileadh ar 

gach úinéir cláraithe bád, agus ar 

gach oifig Eolais Turasóireachta 

ó thuaidh agus ó dheas in Éirinn, 

agus ar fud na hEorpa. 

• Cuireadh an clár taighde 2007 

chun tairiscinte. Ní bhfuarthas aon 

tairiscint. 

• Leanadh de na gníomhaíochtaí 

earcaíochta do na gráid oibrithe, 

theicniúla agus riaracháin i rith na 

bliana. Leanadh den obair ar an 

Athbhreithniú Eagrúcháin, agus 

cuireadh moltaí faoi bhráid na 

foirne i nDeireadh Fómhair. 

• Leanadh de chlár traenála na 

foirne, agus tacaíocht dó sin ag an 

Chóras Bainistithe Feidhmíochta. 

Fuair baill foirne a bhí ag staidéar 

tacaíocht ón eagraíocht. 

• Riar an eagraíocht ar gach 

riachtanas reachtúil tuarascála. 

Tugadh isteach na Dréacht- 

• 

Chuntais mar ba ghá. 

• Leanadh den obair na cleachtais 

dea-rialachais uilig a chur i 

bhfeidhm. 

• Tionóladh an Coiste Iniúchta 3 

huaire in 2007 agus faomhadh na 

Beartais Iniúchta Inmheánaigh 

Bhliantúla do 2007 agus 2008 

agus comhaontaíodh an Beartas 

Iniúchta Inmheánaigh Straitéiseach 

2008-2010. 

• Ar na codanna a iniúchadh, 

bhí; Ceannach, Sócmhainní 

Seasmhacha, Comhlíonadh 

an Mheamraim Airgeadais, 

Bainistíocht Tionscnamh 

TE, Bainistíocht Riosca agus 

athbhreithniú ar thuarascálacha 

iniúchta inmheánaigh. 

• Nuashonraíodh an Clár Riosca gach 

ráithe agus rinneadh nuashonrú 

iomlán i nDeireadh Fómhair 2007. 

10 


Caibidil 2 

Cur i gCrích Chuspóirí na Bliana 

Seirbhísí Uisce a 

chothabháil agus 

a chur ar fáil 

• Leanúint den chlár cothabhála 

le 98% de na huiscebhealaí a 

choinneáil inseolta ó Aibreán go 

Deireadh Fómhair. 

Achoimre ar an Dul Chun Cinn 

Coinníodh gach uiscebhealach ar 

• 

oscailt mar a beartaíodh. 

Leanadh go sásúil den chlár 

• 

cothabhála i rith na bliana. 

Uiscebhealaí 

a fhorbairt – 

áiseanna agus 

seirbhísí 

An gréasán 

uiscebhealaí a 

imeascadh 

• 432m d’fheistiú a chur ar fáil ar na 


• Dhá dhroichead a chríochnú 

agus dhá cheann eile a chur chun 

tosaigh go mór le hathoscailt na 

Canála Ríoga a chur chun cinn. 

• Loc 45 a athchóiriú le hathoscailt 

na Canála Ríoga a chur chun cinn. 

• Críochnaíodh fad 770m de 

chéanna i rith na bliana ar na 


• Críochnaíodh Droichead 

an Longfoirt, agus dearadh 

tírdhreacha agus airgead 

coinneála a dhíol réitithe in 2007. 

• Críochnaíodh obair atógála ar 

Dhroichead a Bhoignigh. Tosaíodh 

ar obair thógála ar Dhroichead 

an Chaonaigh in 2007 agus tá 

dearadh an droichid nua an 

Laighnín faoi athbhreithniú. 

• Rinneadh athchóiriú iomlán le linn 

2007 ar Loc 45. 

Úsáid na 

nUiscebhealaí a 

chur chun cinn 

• Athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar 

an Straitéis Margaíochta faoi 

Shamhain 2007. 

• 20 comhartha eolais a chur ar fáil 

ag áiteanna ar na huiscebhealaí, 

10 gcinn faoi Lúnasa 2007 agus an 

10 eile faoi Nollaig 2007. 

• Cláir urraíochta, fógraíochta, 

caidrimh phoiblí agus margaíochta 

a fhorbairt le cur le feasacht faoi 

na huiscebhealaí. Clár urraíochta a 

chríochnú faoi Aibreán 2007. 

• Rinne an Grúpa Comhairliúcháin 

Margaíochta athbhreithniú ar an 

Straitéis i mí Mheán Fómhair agus 

socraíodh leanacht ar aghaidh léi 

go ceann bliana eile. 

• Fuarthas comharthaí do 61 áit ar 

chóras na hÉirne, Uiscebhealach 

an Sionainne-na hÉirne agus don 

tSionainn in 2007. 

Tá na cláir urraíochta, 

• 

margaíochta agus fógraíochta 

ag cur go leanúnach le feasacht 

ar na huiscebhealaí. Fuair 40 

imeachtaí urraíocht agus rinneadh 

comhthionscadail le páirtithe 

éagsúla. 


9

Caibidil 1 

Intreoir 

1.3 Freagracht 

Freagraíonn Uiscebhealaí Éireann don Chomhairle Airí Thuaidh / Theas, a cheadaíonn 

an maoiniú, agus tá sé freagrach mar sin do Thionól Thuaisceart Éireann / Parlaimint na 

Breataine agus Oireachtas na hÉireann. 

Le RCEF ó thuaidh agus leis an Roinn Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta ó dheas a 

luíonn freagracht Roinne. 

1.4 Suímh 

In Inis Ceithleann, Co. Fhear Manach, atá ceannáras Uiscebhealaí Éireann. Tá an córas 

uiscebhealaí roinnte ina thrí chuid – an réigiún thuaidh, an réigiún thiar agus an réigiún 

thoir. Tá oifigí réigiúnacha ann chomh maith; i mBaile Átha Cliath don réigiún thoir, i 

Scairbh, Co. an Chláir don réigiúin thiar agus i gCora Droma Rúisc don réigiún thuaidh. 

Lena chois sin tá ionaid oibreacha agus stórais éagsúla ar fud an chórais uiscebhealaí. 

8 


Caibidil 1 

Intreoir 

1.1 Cúlra 

Tá Uiscebhealaí Éireann, an Foras Trasteorann Thuaidh / Theas is mó, freagrach as córas 

uiscebhealaí ar fud an oileáin a chothabháil, a fhorbairt, a dheisiú agus a bhainistiú, 

agus sin a dhéanamh chun críche na fóillíochta, den chuid is mó. Faoi láthair, tá sé 

freagrach as na huiscebhealaí seo a leanas: 

■ Loingseoireachta na Bearú; 

■ An Éirne; 

■ An Chanáil Mhór; 

■ Loingseoireacht Íochtar na Banna; 

■ An Chanáil Ríoga; 

■ Uiscebhealach na hÉirne-na Sionainne; agus 

■ Loingseoireacht na Sionainne. 

Lena chois sin, iarradh ar Uiscebhealaí Éireann taighde agus measúnú a thionscnamh i 

leith athchóiriú a dhéanamh ar Chanáil Uladh. 

Ag cruinniú de chuid na Comhairle Airí Thuaidh Theas i mí Iúil 2007, thoiligh an 

chomhairle dul ar aghaidh leis an athchóiriú a dhéanamh ar an chuid de Chanáil Uladh 

idir Cluain Eois agus Uachtar Loch Éirne; thoiligh Rialtas na hÉireann costas caipitil 

iomlán an tionscnaimh a chlúdach. Cuireadh le cúraimí Uiscebhealaí Éireann ina leith 

seo; tá freagracht anois air as an athchóiriú, agus ina dhiaidh sin as an bhainistiú, an 

chothabháil agus í a fhorbairt chun críche na fóillíochta. 

1.2 Maoiniú 

Faigheann Uiscebhealaí Éireann có-mhaoiniú ón dá cheantar dlínse; mar gheall ar 

dháileadh na n-uiscebhealaí a bheith mar atá, is ón Deisceart a thagann 85% den 

airgead, agus 15% ón Tuaisceart. 

Tugann an dá cheantar dlínse maoiniú fao leith do thionscnaimh forbartha caipitil. Ar 

leanúint ón Phlean Forbartha Náisiúnta 2000-2006 thosaigh Uiscebhealaí Éireann ar 

chlár uiscebhealaí seacht mbliana faoin Phlean Forbartha Náisiúnta 2007-2013. Chuir 

sé i gcrích fosta clár faoi leith forbartha caipitil i dTuaisceart Éireann, arna mhaoiniú ag 

An Roinn Cultúir, Ealaíon agus Fóillíochta (RCEF). 

Is é €35.6 milliún (£24.3 milliún) an caiteachas iomlán a bhí ag an Fhoras le linn 2007, 

agus caitheadh €17.6 milliún (£12 milliún) ar thionscadail chaipitil. 

Fuarthas €47.5 milliún (£32.4 milliún) ó na Ranna urraithe. Ghearr RCEF €0.4 milliún 

(£0.3 milliún) de tháillí pinsin ar an Roinn Airgeadais agus Pearsanra. 


7

Twarthy words bae tha heid yin 

Am gled tae pit forrit this Annual Report an Accoonts o’ 

Wattherweys Irelan. Tha report ootlines tha progress an 

achievements o’ tha organisation this twal months bak. 

Tha use o’ tha wattherweys unnther is continues tae 

gro’w an spread oot, as tha various navigations play 

host tae a range o’ traditional an new heppenins an 

ectivities, frae fishin tae wakeboording an frae boatin tae 

watther skiin. Aroon aboot 1500 yins tane pert in tha 

Wattherweys Irelan tri Athlone on tha Shannon in July, 

in whut wus tha biggest triathlon heppenin in Europe in 


Tae help oot an mak betther tha experience o’ 

aa wattherweys users in 2007, wae unnthertuk 

refurbishment programmes aa ower tha hale navigations network, includin tha upgradin 

o’ recreational amenities, tow pads, futbrigs an tha provision o’ 770m o’ mair jetties. Wae 

forby lead-by gret resources tae improvin tha navigation experience, lukin at an revisin 

navigation markin systems, clearin an realignin navigation channels an maintainin tha richt 

watther levels. 

Tha year jest by proved tae bae an extraordinary an excitin year for Wattherweys Irelan. 

In July tha North Sooth Ministerial Cooncil (NSMC) agreed tae gae forrit wi’ tha fixin o’ tha 

section o’ tha Ulster Canal atween Clones an Upper Lough Erne an cherged Wattherweys 

Irelan wi’ responsibility for this restoration. Coupled wi’ tha ongoing work tae reopen 

tha Royal Canal, this project moves forrit tha vision o’ a fully integrated, navigable, inlan 

wattherweys network throughoot tha islan o’ Irelan. Wae forby saa work stert on oor new 

Heidquerters biggin in Enniskillen, a mich luked forrit tae an needed facility for oor staff. 

Wae continue, hooiver, tae bae minefa’ that tha success o’ Wattherweys Irelan’s hepenins 

ir depended on quelity wattherway environments. Wae hae a sayerus unnthertakin tae 

facilitate tha conservation an management o’ tha wattherweys as resoorces o’ regional 

an international heritage significance. Wae commenced tha development o’ inventories 

o’ heritage structures in 2007 tae inform tha design an management o’ aa o’ oor future 

projects. 

Tha staff an management o’ Wattherweys Irelan hae worked closely wi’ oor sponsor 

Depertments tae meet delivery o’ oor agreed programme for 2007 an I wud lake tae thenk 

oor sponsor Depertments, tha Depertment o’ Culture, Airts an Laisure an tha Depertment o’ 

Community, Rural an Gaeltacht Affairs an their Ministers for their support. I wud forby lake 

tae pit doon mae thenks tae tha Joint Secretariat o’ tha North/Sooth Ministerial Cooncil, 

tha Depertment o’ Finance an Personnel an tha Depertment o’ Finance an their officers, for 

their commitment an support. As iver, I wud lake tae express mae gretitude tae tha staff o’ 

Wattherweys Irelan for their continued commitment, dedication an hard work which haes 

bane key tae tha success o’ tha organisation tae date. 

I hae nae doot that 2008 wull bring mony challenges an opportunities for Wattherweys 

Irelan. Wae remain committed tae achievin tha heicht standerds o management an 

maintenance for tha wattherways unnther oor keepin’. 

John Martin 

Heid Fector 

6 


Réamhrá leis an Phríomhfheidhmeannach 

Is cúis áthais agam Tuarscáil Bhliantúil agus Cuntais 

Uiscebhealaí Éireann a chur i bhur láthair. Tugann an 

tuarascáil seo tuairisc ar dhul chun cinn na heagraíochta le 

linn 2007. 

Tá borradh agus fás i gcónaí faoi úsáid agus faoi éagsúlacht 

úsáide na n-uiscebhealaí, agus an iomad imeachtaí, idir 

thraidisiúnta agus nua, ar siúl ar na loingeseoireachtaí, 

leithéidí na hiascaireachta agus na clárseoltóireachta, 

bádóireacht agus sciáil uisce. Bhí tuairim is 1500 iomaitheoir 

páirteach i mí Iúil i triAthlone Uiscebhealaí Éireann, an tríatlan 

is mó san Eoraip i 2007. 

Tugadh faoi chláir deisithe ar fud an ghréasáin 

loingseoireachta le heispéireas lucht úsáidte na 

n-uiscebhealaí a fheabhsú. Ina measc sin bhí nuashonrú áiseanna fóillíochta, cosáin tarraingthe, 

droichid choise agus fad 770m sa bhreis de chéanna nua. Caitheadh airgead nach beag chomh 

maith ar chur leis an eispéireas loingseoireachta; rinneadh athbhreithniú agus atomhas ar na 

córais mhárcála loingseoireachta, glanadh agus díríodh cainéil loingseoireachta agus coinníodh 

an t-uisce ag an leibhéal cuí. 

Bliain spreagúil eisceachtúil a bhí ann do Uiscebhealaí Éireann. Thoiligh An Chomhairle Airí 

Thuaidh Theas dul ar aghaidh leis an obair athchothabhála ar an chuid sin de Chanáil Uladh idir 

Cluain Eois agus Uachtar Loch Éirne, agus do Uiscebhealaí Éireann a tugadh freagracht as an 

athchothabháil sin. Idir sin agus an obair leanúnach ar an Chanáil Ríoga a athoscailt, is mór a 

chuireann an tionscnamh leis an chuspóir gréasán imeasctha, inloingseoireachta uiscebhealaí 

intíre fud oileán na hÉireann a bheith ann. Cuireadh tús chomh maith leis an obair thógála ar ár 

gCeannáras nua in Inis Ceithleann, áis a bhfuil an fhoireann ag súil go mór leis. 

Tuigimid i dtólamh, mar sin féin, gurb é an rud is tábhachtaí againn ná timpeallacht an 

uiscebhealaigh féin a bheith go maith. Tá dualgas mór orainn caomhnú agus bainistiú a 

dhéanamh ar na huiscebhealaí mar acmhainní a bhfuil tábhacht náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta 

oidhreachta leo. Chuir muid tús i 2007 le liosta a fhorbairt de na struchtúir oidhreachta, rud a 

chuideos linn gach tionscnamh amach anseo a bhainistiú agus a dhearadh. 

D’oibir foireann agus bainistíocht Uiscebhealaí Éireann go dlúth leis na Ranna urraithe lenár 

gclár comhaontaithe do 2007 a chur i gcrích. Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil leis na Ranna 

urraithe sin, an Roinn Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta agus An Roinn Chultúir, Ealaíon 

agus Fóillíochta agus a nAirí siúd as a tacaíocht. Ba mhaith liom buíochas a chur in iúl fosta do 

Chomhrúnaíocht Chomhairle na nAirí Thuaidh Theas agus a cuid oifigeach as a gcuid tiomantais 

agus tacaíochta siúd. Mar is gnách, tá mo bhuíochas ag gabháil le foireann Uiscebhealaí Éireann 

as a dtiomantas leanúnach, a ndíograis agus as an obair chrua a bhí mar bhunchloch ag gach 

rud atá bainte amach ag an eagraíocht go dtí seo. 

Níl aon amhras agam ach gurb iomaí dúshlán agus deis a bheas romhainn i 2008. Táimid i 

gcónaí dírithe ar na caighdeáin is airde a bhaint amach do na huiscebhealaí atá faoinár gcúram. 

John Martin 



5

Clár Ábhair 


Réamhrá leis an Phríomhfheidhmeannach 5 

Caibidil 1 Intreoir 7 

Caibidil 2 Cur i gcrích chuspóirí na Bliana 9 

Caibidil 3 Na hUiscebhealaí a Bhainistiú agus a Chothabháil 11 

Caibidil 4 An Gréasán Uiscebhealaí a Fhorbairt agus a Athchóiriú 19 

Caibidil 5 Margaíocht agus Cur Chun Cinn na nUiscebhealaí 25 

Caibidil 6 

Sócmhainní Uiscebhealaí Éireann a Bhainistiú 

agus a Chothabháil 31 

Caibidil 7 Sáreagraíocht a Fhorbairt 32 

Aguisín 1 Uiscebhealaí Éireann – Cairt Eagrúcháin 40 

Aguisín 2 Sonraí Teagmhála 41 

Cuntais 45-72 



agus Cuntais 


Tá an foilseachán seo ar fáil i leaganacha eile ar nós cló mór, 

Braille, caiséad fuaime, diosca ríomhaire agus Béarla 

na hAlban trí iarratas a chur chuig 

Uiscebhealaí Éireann, Fón +44 28 6634 6205 nó 

ríomhphost info@waterwaysireland.org

NIA 90/08-09 


agus Cuntais 




NIA 90/08-09 



2007

Annual Accounts for the year ending 31st December 2007

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