Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels and users of the Erne System in Northern Ireland that the St Patrick’s Illuminated Flotilla will take place in Enniskillen this Saturday evening 16 March.

The event runs from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, starting at the Killyhevlin Hotel and passsing through Enniskillen to the Round ‘O’.

There will be around 40 vessels taking part in the event. The Enniskillen Castle/Museums jetty will be closed for the event, the cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways says.

Water-based activities will also take place at the Lakeland Forum area in Broadmeadow on St Patrick’s Day (Sunday 17 March).

Boat trips, canoeing, water bikes and other activities will be taking place in the area. Masters of vessels should keep their wash to a minimum when passing the area of the activities.

Waterways Ireland advises all masters of vessels on and users of the Lower Bann navigation in Northern Ireland that the installation of new lock gates at Movanagher Lock has been completed as of Wednesday 13 March and the navigation is now reopened.

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

Waterways Ireland advises arrangements have been made for Iarnród Éireann to open the lifting bridge at Newcomen Bridge on the Royal Canal in Dublin on the following dates and times, if there is demand:

• Sunday 5 May, 9am-1pm (Low water 16:00)
• Saturday 25 May, 9am-1pm (Low water 06:47)
• Tuesday 18 June, 11am-1pm (Low water 15:38)
• Tuesday 16 July, 11am-1pm (Low water 13:58)
• Friday 16 August, 11am-1pm (Low water 15:26)
• Friday 27 September, 11am-1pm (Low water 14:26)

Waterways Ireland’s Eastern Regional Office requires two weeks’ notice from boaters for use of these lifts (Tel: +353 1 868 0148 or [email protected]). Should there not be a demand (minimum two boats) for a particular date, Iarnród Éireann will be notified that the scheduled lift is cancelled.

A maximum number of boats passing will be implemented to keep to the times given above for the planned lifts (16 for the Saturday/Sunday lifts and eight for the weekday lifts). Priority will be given on a first come, first served basis.

On day of lift, boaters and passengers must follow guidance from Waterways Ireland staff about sequence of passage under the bridge and through Lock 1, the cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways adds.

Waterways Ireland advises all masters of vessels on and users of the Shannon Navigation that the lifting bridge at Tarmonbarry in Co Roscommon will remain closed until at least Thursday 18 April to facilitate essential maintenance works.

Works at Tarmonbarry were previously extended twice since beginning in early February, and a diversion route is available via the Camlin River.

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.

This story was updated on Wednesday 3 April to include the latest information.

Waterways Ireland, in partnership with Monaghan County Council and Fáilte Ireland, is inviting individuals, businesses and organisations to tender for contracts to create attractive visitor experiences at the Ulster Canal Marina in Clones, Co Monaghan as part of the redevelopment of the Ulster Canal.

Ulster Canal Marina, and the associated 1km canal that is due to open in 2024, will be a new water-based asset along the inland waterway which is being restored on a phased basis.

The new marina and short section of water at Clones will provide a range of leisure and recreational opportunities for both visitors and the local community.

Two lots are available to tender for: an outdoor activity provision concession and/or a catering concession at Ulster Canal Marina.

Under the outdoor activity provision, Waterways Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Monaghan County Council are looking to encourage a range of activities for the local community and visitors to the site, including but not limited to canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, windsurfing, sailing, open-water swimming, outdoor play, bushcraft and a sauna.

Under the catering provision, Waterways Ireland is looking for a high-quality catering unit that will sell a range of sustainably sourced refreshments to enhance the visitor experience. This list is not exhaustive; other activities will be considered subject to suitability.

The tender process will remain open until Monday 8 April, after which an evaluation will take place. Contracts are anticipated to be awarded in early summer 2024.

To receive the tender pack and to submit a completed tender document, contact Waterways Ireland by email at [email protected]. Queries about the tender pack can also be directed to this email address.

Boating enthusiasts converged on Shannon Harbour on Saturday (2 March) to view the 16 boats being auctioned by Waterways Ireland after their removal from the inland waterways.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, offers may be submitted until noon on Friday 15 March for each of the vessels which come in variable size, style and condition.

According to RTÉ News, previous offers have ranged from as low as €50 to as much as €8,000.

And with the growth in popularity of boat restoration projects, these unloved vessels may fetch higher prices than expected.

RTÉ News has more on the story HERE.

Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels and waterways users on the Erne System in Northern Ireland that a section of the navigation channel will be closed between the Killyhevlin Hotel and the Ardhowen for NIE works on the overhead power lines on Tuesday 5 March from 10am to 4pm.

Masters of vessels are advised to adhere to all signage and direction of safety boats, the cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways adds.

Waterways Ireland advises masters and owners of vessels on the Erne System in Northern Ireland that the Erne Eights Head of the River rowing race will take place this Saturday 2 March.

The event will start upstream of the Killyhevlin Hotel and will race through to Enniskillen Royal Boat Club.

Rowing boats and craft will be on the water from 9am to 5pm. There will be around 80 rowing crews participating in the event. The downstream sections of the Round ‘O’ jetty will be closed for the duration.

Masters of vessels should adhere to all instructions given by race marshals on the day and keep the race course clear, especially during racing.

Masters of vessels are also asked to keep wash to minimum when passing rowing crews and race marshals, the cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways says.

Waterways Ireland advises all masters of vessels on and users of the Shannon Navigation that Clarendon Lock in Knockvicar, Co Roscommon will be closed this Wednesday 28 February from 9am to 5pm due to a planned ESB power outage in the area.

Waterways Ireland proposes to dispose, by public tender, of a number of vessels removed from the inland waterways under its purview.

Sixteen vessels are presently stored by Waterways Ireland at Shannon Harbour, Co Offaly on the Grand Canal. All vessels may be inspected (externally only) between 11am and 3pm next Saturday 2 March.

All vessels are sold as seen, intended as obsolete items. Lots will be sold as individual items only, to the highest acceptable tender.

The vessel catalogue and tender submission form are available from the Waterways Ireland website.

Sealed tenders should reach the Assistant Inspector of Navigation at the Inspectorate office, Waterways Ireland, Harbour Street, Tullamore, Co Offaly (Tel 057 932 5019) no later than noon on Friday 15 March. Please note only postal submissions will be accepted.

Only successful tenders will be notified by email from the details supplied.

A condition of sale is that vessels be removed from Waterways Ireland property once purchased.

Waterways Ireland will provide a crane to remove vessels from the impound lot. A small sum will be added to each tender to facilitate the crane hire (€100-€150). Bidders must provide their own suitable transport/trailer to remove vessels from the pound.