Annual Accounts for the year ending 31st December 2007

Chapter 4
Developing and Restoring the Waterways Network
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.
Waterways Ireland Annual Report and Accounts 2007
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