Waterways Ireland advises all masters of vessels and waterways users that the Grand Canal’s Circular Line in Dublin (Lock C1 through to Lock C7) is now reopened.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the Circular Line had been closed to navigation due to fallen trees across the canal in the aftermath of Storm Betty in mid August.

Waterways Ireland advises all masters of vessels and waterways users that the Grand Canal’s Circular Line in Dublin (Lock C1 through to Lock C7) is currently closed to navigation due to fallen trees across the canal in the aftermath of Storm Betty at the weekend.

The cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways did not provide a timeframe for the line’s reopening but said it “apologies for any inconvenience caused”.

The Clontarf Baths have been left “destroyed” by the impact of Storm Betty as it passed over Ireland late on Friday and early Saturday (18-19 August), as RTÉ News reports.

A lifeguard at the baths who joined the clean-up operation on Saturday morning said damage caused is “very upsetting” and it could be up to a fortnight before the baths are returned to normal.

“It’s paradise working here, and to see it like this after the work we’ve put in to keep it clean and safe, and it’s just destroyed,” Anne Miller said.

Boats from nearby Clontarf Yacht & Boat Club were also damaged by the storm, with a wooden Kestrel that’s been in the club for nearly 50 years among three vessels affected.

Across Dublin Bay in Dun Laoghaire, a Cape 31 was blown off its hard-standing cradle and into the water, where it was later retrieved by crane.

RTÉ News has more on the story HERE.

As Storm Betty approaches Ireland, the Irish Coast Guard is issuing important advice for those engaging in water-based or coastal activities. According to Met Éireann, a deepening Atlantic depression is expected to bring very strong winds with heavy rain or showers across the country through this evening and night, and for a time on Saturday.

The strongest winds are predicted to hit southern coastal and midland counties, with severe or damaging gusts possible. Heavy rain or showers may also result in localized flooding, and there is a possibility of coastal flooding, particularly on the south and east coasts.

"Marine warnings have been updated to include a Status Red Storm warning"

Marine warnings have been updated to include a Status Red Storm warning from Carnsore Point, Co. Wexford, to Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, to Mizen Head, Co. Cork. South to southeast winds, veering south-westerly will reach storm force 10 and occasionally violent storm force 11 for a time on Irish coastal waters from Carnsore Point to Dungarvan to Mizen Head. There is also a status yellow Gale warning for all coasts of Ireland.

The Irish Coast Guard strongly advises those planning any water-based or coastal activities to check the weather carefully at www.met.ie and consider if the conditions are suitable. Strong winds can result in relatively rough seas, resulting in perilous sea conditions that could be challenging for water-based activities this weekend.

In stormy conditions, the general advice from the Coast Guard is to stay back from cliffs, exposed coastal areas, and piers where breaking waves can be hazardous. If you see someone in difficulty, call 999 or 112 and request the Coast Guard. Stay safe and stay informed during Storm Betty.