Displaying items by tag: Waterways Ireland
Barrow Navigation: Dragon Boat Regatta at Carlow Town Park
Waterways Ireland advises all users of the Barrow Navigation that a Dragon Boat regatta is taking place at Carlow Town Park in Graiguecullen today, Sunday 12 June.
The Barrow Dragon Boat Regatta was scheduled to get under way at 8am and will continue until 6.30pm this afternoon.
Masters of vessels are requested to proceed at slow speed and with minimum wash and note any directions issued by the stewards.
Waterways Ireland and Leave No Trace Ireland Are Asking Visitors to Ireland’s River and Canals to ‘Love This Place’
This summer, Waterways Ireland has partnered with Leave No Trace Ireland to bring the ‘Love This Place’ message to Ireland’s inland waterways.
The Love This Place campaign is a nationwide effort being run by Leave No Trace Ireland in conjunction with nine partner organisations and 80 supporting organisations from the sports, tourism and outdoor activities sectors, sharing the message of responsible outdoor recreation.
Across the island of Ireland there are over 1,000 km of inland navigable waterways for everyone to enjoy — from a walk under the leafy canopies of the River Barrow towpath, to a cycle along the banks of the Grand Canal.
Waterways Ireland says it is committed to the Leave No Trace principles which are integral to its work, including education and training programmes.
“By working together, we can all make a difference and reduce the pressure points on our environment and outdoor spaces from recreation and leisure activities,” it says.
The ‘Love This Place’ initiative calls on the public to help:
- prevent littering and its impact on urban, rural, and marine environments
- protect the many different habitats that make up our wonderful natural environment
- prevent the destruction caused by wildfires
- by being responsible for proper management of our dogs when outdoors
- by avoiding noise pollution and its impacts
As you get out and about this summer, Waterways Ireland have three tips to help everyone Love This Place:
Disinfect: We can all be habitat heroes and play our part to protect our habitats by following the Check - Clean - Dry - Disinfect method. This way, we make sure that we prevent the spread of invasive species between waterways and keep our waters healthy.
Be Considerate of Others: Whether it’s keeping the dog on a lead, cleaning up after them, keeping our music to ourselves or parking so as not to block access roads or driveways, there are many ways we can share our outdoor spaces and recreational areas responsibly.
Dispose of Litter and Waste Properly: Whatever we bring outdoors with us, be prepared to bring it home again. Rubbish or leftover food impacts on the environment, animals, waterways, and other visitors. Whatever your plans for the outdoors, on land or on the water, bring a bag to clean up and Leave No Trace.
Join the Heritage Boat Association’s 21st Anniversary Celebrations in Ballinasloe This Week
A week of events to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the Heritage Boat Association is already under way at Ballinasloe Harbour.
All welcome to come view the barges, some of which date back to back to 1847, and explore the past of Ireland’s inland waterways with the HBA and the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland’s (IWAI) River Suck branch along with Waterways Ireland and Galway County Council.
Highlights include a heritage tour of Ballinasloe guide by local historian Sean Tully from 7pm this Wednesday 1 June. The 90-minute walking tour covers the history of the Grand Canal and River Suck, and meets at the Heron Sculpture in the harbour at 7pm sharp.
Then Saturday 4 June brings Cruinniú, a family friendly event from 1pm-5pm showcasing Ireland’s cultural heritage with arts and crafts, butter making, a flea circus and a talk on the famous Galway Hooker sailing boats.
Take a look at the historic Bolinder engine, the power plant that replaced horses on the Grand Canal barge fleet, and enjoy music in the harbour all afternoon with the Ballinasloe Town band and Bobby Kilkenny & Friends.
Later on the day, join Dr Christy Cunniffe in the marquee at 5.30pm for a historic talk on the Ballinasloe Grand Canal branch from Fannings lock to Ballinasloe, and at 6.30pm Conor Nolan will give a talk about the Heritage Boat Association.
Waterways Ireland wishes to advise masters of vessels on the Shannon Navigation that a diving operation and underwater survey will take place in the vicinity of Ballymacegan Island and Tiranascragh from this Wednesday 1 to Sunday 12 June.
These locations are approximately 8km upstream of Portumna Bridge on the inland waterway.
Safety vessels will be supporting the diving operation and temporary markers will be deployed to mark the dive area.
Masters of vessels are requested to proceed with additional caution in the vicinity of Ballymacegan Island and Tiranascragh during these scheduled works.
Notice of Fish Stock Survey on Lough Ree in June
Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels on the Shannon Navigation that an Inland Fisheries Ireland fish stock survey will take place on Lough Ree from Tuesday 7 to Saturday 25 June.
Survey nets will be set in up to 100 locations on Lough Ree depending on weather and other factors. All nets will be marked with orange buoys and identified with “IFI Survey” markings.
IFI vessels will be operating by day and night on the inland waterway during the survey.
Masters of vessels are requested to maintain a sharp lookout while underway on Lough Ree and to give all marked buoys a wide berth.
Heritage Boat Association’s 21st Anniversary Rally in Ballinasloe Harbour Later This Month
Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels on the Shannon Navigation that the Heritage Boat Association will be celebrating its 21st anniversary with a rally in Ballinasloe Harbour from Saturday 28 May to Monday 6 June.
Masters of vessels are advised that up to 30 heritage vessels will be moored in Ballinasloe during the 10-day rally. For more see the Facebook event page HERE.
Waterways Ireland advises masters and owners of vessels on the Royal Canal that a further canoe polo event will be taking place in Mullingar Harbour this weekend, Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 May.
A subsequent event will be held on the weekend of Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 June, with competition scheduled between 10am and 4pm each day.
Masters of craft are requested to proceed at slow speed and with minimum wash and note any directions issued by the stewards. The harbour should be kept clear of moored vessels during this time, adds the cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways.
Waterways Ireland wishes to advise masters and owners of vessels on the Grand Canal that Lock 3 on the main line is temporarily closed for essential maintenance and repairs until next Friday 20 May. Passage through the lock will not be possible until these works are completed.
Waterways Ireland advises all masters of vessels and water users on the Shannon Navigation that Tarmonbarry Bridge and Lock in Co Longford will be closed from Tuesday 10 to Friday 13 May for further emergency repair works.
An alternative route via the Camlin River is available. Masters of vessels and water users are advised to check their airdraft prior to undertaking the passage on this inland waterway due to the low bridge on the N5 road.
Update 11/5: Waterways Ireland says Tarmonbarry Bridge and Lock have now been reopened to navigation. Essential maintenance works are continuing at Tarmonbarry Bridge and some minor delays may be experienced.
Erne System: Temporary Closure of Enniskillen Jetties for Erne Classic Coarse Angling Event
Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels and waterway users on the Erne System that the Castle and Henry St jetties in Enniskillen will be closed for three periods in the upcoming week to facilitate the Erne Classic coarse angling competition in the Co Fermanagh town.
Mooring will not be permitted at these jetties on Monday 9 May between 7am and 7pm, Wednesday 11 May between 7am and 7pm, and Friday 13 May between 7am and 5pm.