Waterways Ireland advises all masters of vessels on the Shannon Navigation and Lower Bann Navigation that routine dive inspections are being carried out on all locks and waiting jetties until this Friday 24 September.

All vessels are asked to take additional care while approaching and departing locks during this time. Flag Alpha will be flown during diving operations and a safety boat will be in attendance.

Waterways Ireland advises users of the Shannon Navigation that a number of locations throughout the Shannon, in particular harbours and bays, have experienced or are likely to experience algal blooms.

This seasonal phenomenon is evident as a light pea-green and/or green, blue or blue-green colour in the water column on or near the water’s surface.

Information from the HSE’s Interim Fresh Water Algal Bloom Guidance is as follows:

• Affected waters may contain high levels of blue-green algae which may cause illness in humans and animals including pets.
• Avoid contact with scum, visible algae and surrounding water.
• Do not swim or partake in immersive watersport activities in water near visible algae.
• Do not touch scum on the shore.
• Wash hands if you touch the algal material.
• Keep children and pets away from the water’s edge.
• Do not let pets drink the water.
• Wash pets if they come into contact with water.

Waterways Ireland advises all masters of vessels and users of the Shannon-Erne Waterway that tree trimming and hedge cutting will be carried out at various locations on these inland waterways during the autumn/winter period from this month until next February.

During this operation, floating pontoons will be located on the water with mechanical plant operating. Plant machinery will also be in operation along the banks of the waterway.

Masters of vessels will be advised by Waterways Ireland staff when making a passage.

In addition to this, Waterways Ireland says it anticipates DfI Rivers in Northern Ireland will advise that from 1 October, in keeping with water level management protocols, users of the Erne System can expect reducing water levels throughout the navigation.

Water levels on Lower Lough Erne are drawn down annually, weather permitting, to a minimum of 149 feet (above Poolbeg Ordnance Datum) in anticipation of increased precipitation during autumn and winter.

If water levels do fall, masters should be aware of the following:

• Navigation — To reduce the risk of grounding, masters should navigate on or near the centreline of the channel, avoid short-cutting in dog-legged channels and navigating too close to navigation markers.
• Mooring of Vessels — Masters should be aware that water levels may change rapidly and that mooring lines will require adjustment. Therefore mooring lines should be checked regularly.

Low water levels continue to be experienced on the Grand Canal’s Main Line and Barrow Line as well as on the Royal Canal, Waterways Ireland has warned.

Some levels are currently 450mm down on normal levels, the cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways says, as the sources that supply water to the navigations have been affected by the recent warm and dry spell as well as unfavourable rainfall patterns.

Masters of vessels are advised to proceed with additional caution and to contact the relevant water patroller for latest advice and assistance.

Waterways Ireland advises users of the Lower Bann that navigation at the Movanagher Canal may be restricted due to essential aquatic weed cutting operations this week.

Cutting is scheduled to take place on the Northern Ireland inland waterway from today, Monday 23 to Friday 27 August.

Masters of vessels should contact the lock keeper at Movanagher in advance of travel and approach the canal with caution allowing sufficient time for weed cutting craft to pull into the side of the navigation channel.

Waterways Ireland has issued a number of updates for inland waterways users on the Erne System, Grand and Royal Canals and Barrow Navigation.

On the Erne System, the Galloon Bridge refurbishment project southwest of Newtownbutler will commence next Monday 23 August.

Vessels will not be permitted to navigate under the bridge at Galloon due to these works, which are expected to continue for 16 weeks.

In addition, the Carrybridge jetty and slipway will be closed for five days from Monday 23 to Friday 27 August for the realignment of jetty fingers. The electrical supply to bollards and pump-out will be turned off during this period.

On the Grand Canal, low water levels are being experienced on both the main line and Barrow Line, which are currently 300mm down on normal levels.

Masters of vessels are advised to proceed with additional caution and to contact the relevant water patroller for latest advice and assistance.

On the Royal Canal, canoe polo events will take place in the Kilcock Harbour area this Friday 20 August.

Waterways Ireland requests that the polo pitch areas and harbour be kept clear of all vessels to facilitate the events, and that masters of vessels comply with instructions from marshals.

Meanwhile, on the Barrow Navigation masters and owners are advised that Clashganny Lock is now fully operational following its temporary closure for essential repairs.

Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels that low water levels and fast flows exist between Banagher and Meelick on the Shannon Navigation.

Water levels are currently at or below odinary summer levels in this area. All are requested to observe the 5km speed limits in the Meelick area to prevent squat in shallower areas.

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

Elsewhere, on the Barrow Navigation, masters and owners on the inland waterway are advised that Clashganny Lock in Co Carlow is temporarily closed for essential repairs.

Waterways Ireland advises masters and owners of vessels that high water levels exist in all areas of the Shannon-Erne Waterway.

The lower jetties at Locks 2, 3, 5 and 7 are currently submerged. In addition, the current across the navigation at Lock 15 is strong and could affect low-powered vessels.

Air draft under bridges has been reduced as a result of the high-water levels. As a result, masters of high vessels are advised to navigate with additional caution in the vicinity of bridges on the inland waterway.

Masters should consult with the relevant water patrollers prior to undertaking a passage on the Shannon-Erne Waterway today and tomorrow, Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 August.

Waterways Ireland advises masters and owners of vessels that low water levels are being experienced throughout the Grand Canal. This follows a recent advisory over low waters on the 26th level of the Barrow Line.

Masters of vessels are advised to proceed with additional caution along the inland waterway and to contact the relevant water patroller for latest advice and assistance.

Waterways Ireland advises masters and owners of vessels that instream work will commence on the new slipway south of the Athlone Lock from tomorrow, Wednesday 4 August.

Works will also take place on the East Bank some 200m south of the weir on the Shannon Navigation. Temporary green navigation aids will be placed on the western extremities of the works area.

Masters of vessels are advised to proceed with additional caution at slow speed and keep to the West Bank while navigating in this area of the inland waterway.