Tarmonbarry’s lifting bridge on the Shannon Navigaton has finally reopened after an extended closure for essential maintenance, Waterways Ireland has confirmed.

Diversions had been in place since early February when the bridge in Co Roscommon was closed for works that eventually required procuring specialist parts from abroad.

The news will come as a relief to southern Shannon boaters who say they have been prevented from participating in rallies in northern reaches due to the closure.

“This has had disastrous consequences for boating on the Shannon so far this season,” one boater told Afloat.ie in recent days. “To date [there has been] very little activity on Lough Ree as boats cannot get down from Carrick, etc, nor can the southern boats make it up north.”

Elsewhere on the inland waterways, Levitstown lifting bridge in Co Kildare on the Barrow Navigation has also reopened following maintenance works.

Waterways Ireland advises all masters of vessels using the Grand Canal from Lowtown in Co Kildare to Shannon Harbour that water patrollers will assist with the operation of locks daily from 9.30am to 6pm during the boating season.

Safe passage through locks outside these hours will be the responsibility of the master of the vessel, and they must ensure the lock gates are left as found, with the water pressure on the breast gates.

The cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways says it thanks its customers for their cooperation in relation to this matter.

Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels on the Erne System that the 2024 Erne Boat Rally will be taking place from Friday 24 to Monday 27 May.

Boaters taking part with gather at Lisnaskea Boat Club on Friday evening for the Commodore’s Dinner and entertainment.

On Saturday morning (25 May), the rally will leave Lisnaskea Boat Club at 10.30am for an afternoon stop at the Round ‘O’ Jetty Enniskillen. All other boaters are advised that the outside front jetty section will be reserved for the rally boats.

At 4.30pm on Saturday the rally departs for an overnight stop at Lough Erne Yacht Club.

Then on Sunday (26 May), the boats will depart at 4pm for an overnight stop and entertainment at Rossharbour Resort.

On Monday morning (27 May). the rally will depart at 11am for a lunch stop at the Round ‘O’ and then move onwards to The Moorings restaurant for the prize-giving and closing entertainment.

The cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways says it thanks its customers for their cooperation in relation to this matter.

Waterways Ireland advises that the Carlow Regatta rowing event will take place on Sunday 2 June on the Barrow Navigation.

Masters of vessels are requested to proceed with additional caution in the vicinity of the event and obey safety boat instructions.

The cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways says it thanks its customers for their cooperation in relation to this matter.

Waterways Ireland advises users of the Royal Canal between Leixlip and Maynooth that cycleway upgrade works have recently restarted along this stretch of the canal in Co Kildare.

These works will require periodic closures of the canal towpaths in the area over the upcoming period. Signage giving more details of ongoing and upcoming closures will be erected at applicable sites along the route when appropriate.

Navigation passage will generally continue to be possible throughout works though some additional restrictions may apply, the cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways adds.

Upgrade works recently commenced at the Dublin city end of the canal, between the North Strand and Phibsborough, as previously reported on Afloat.ie.

Waterways Ireland advises all masters of vessels on and users of the Barrow Navigation that Levitstown lifting bridge in Co Kildare is closed with immediate effect (as of Friday 17 May) to facilitate maintenance works.

It is anticipated that the bridge will be closed until Friday 24 May. The cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways says it will issue an update for boaters in due course.

Waterways Ireland advises all masters of vessels and users of the Shannon Navigation that that the Spencer Harbour public jetty and amenity area, and the areas of Lough Allen immediately upstream and downstream of the harbour, will be closed from Monday 20 to Friday 24 May due to planned site preparation works for the construction of the new slipway.

The cross-border body of Ireland’s inland waterways regrets any inconvenience that this may cause and thanks its customers for their cooperation in relation to this matter.

Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels on the Barrow Navigation that events will be taking place on the waterway in Carlow town over the next two weekends.

The Kerala House Boat Race will take place this Sunday 19 May.

And the National Series for sprint distance swimming is scheduled for Sunday 26 May. This event will have 10 kayaks on the water for swimmers’ safety as well as a Civil Defence boat.

Masters of vessels are requested to proceed with additional caution in the vicinity of the events and obey all safety boat instructions, the cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways adds.

Waterways Ireland advises all masters of vessels on the Grand Canal that the 14th Lock at Devonshire Bridge in Co Kildare has been closed with immediate effect.

Navigation through the lock is not possible at this time. Further notices in relation to this closure will be issued as required.

The cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways says it regrets any inconvenience that this may cause and thanks its customers for their cooperation in relation to this matter.

Waterways Ireland advises masters and owners of vessels on the Shannon Navigation that water levels in all areas north of Lough Ree are now at Ordinary Summer Level.

Water levels on the Shannon Navigation south of Lough Ree are approaching Ordinary Summer Level.

Levels are expected to continue to lower in the coming weeks, the cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways adds.

Masters of vessels, particularly those with deep drafts, are advised to navigate with additional caution and to remain within the navigation at all times.