Waterways Ireland has issued a notice to users of the Grand Canal of its intention to carry out new inland waterways works by way of provision of house boat berths at Shannon Harbour, Co.Offaly.

The work site will be from Griffith Bridge to a point approximately 200m eastwards of the bridge. A temporary dam will be constructed in the vicinity of this site which will close the canal to navigation at this location.

The work is expected to commence in Oct 2010 and be completed by Mar 2011. Any owners planning to transit the canal at this time should take into account this closure, say the Waterways body.

 

A video clip of youths wakeboarding on the Grand Canal on Ireland's inland waterways while being towed behind a car on the tow path has drawn the ire of water safety experts who say the actions are 'foolhardy' and 'irresponsible'. The youtube stunt is below with comments from viewers that includes one from a David Kilty who says: 'Good stuff lads at least someone is making use of our waterways'. The video has been forwarded to the Inspector of Navigation as Lt Cdr John Leech of Irish Water Safety believes the activity is in breach of the Grand Canal Act. 

The 15th Lock on the Grand Canal has been closed to navigation until Tuesday, 13th July in order to carry out emergency repairs to the lock gate. Every effort is being made to restore the lock to service as soon as possible.

A route that follows the Grand Canal on the inland waterways being opened today provides access for walkers and cyclists from West Dublin right into Dublin centre. Details of the new route – that cost Euro 25 million – is in this morning's Irish Times by Paul Cullen here.

Waterways Ireland have reminded users of the Grand Canal that as part of ongoing developments at Shannon Harbour, the provisions of S.I No. 24/1988: Canals Act, 1986 Bye-law (25, 1 (d)) will be applied on all hard edged moorings in the harbour area with effect from 08 May 2010.  This area is deemed to be between 35th Lock and Griffith Bridge. 

This will ensure that there is a clear channel for navigation at all times and will make for easy access to berthage by visiting vessels wishing to avail of the refurbished facilitates.

Vessels should only moor directly onto quay walls and not double or triple berth.  Alternative berthing is available east of Griffith Bridge.

Vessels should only be moored singly on either side of the canal to permit the safe passage of craft.  Bye-law (25, 1 (b) states that sufficient space must remain so that two vessels can pass at the same time.  Berthage is also available on the north bank between 35th and 36th Lock.

Vessels in contravention of this bye-law will be moved off the area as space becomes available. Vessels without a valid permit will also be moved.