ROYAL CANAL - Whitworth Aqueduct
WI has advised (MN#87 of 27/8/10 that repair work will commence on the Whitworth Aqueduct, Abbeyshrule (between locks 38 & 39)on Monday 30 August 2010 for a period of six weeks. Masters of vessels are advised to navigate with caution and to proceed at slow speed when in this area as construction activities will be close to the canal banks.
ROYAL CANAL - Blackwater Aqueduct
WI has advised (MN#86 of 27/8/10) that a section of the canal will be closed from 1 to 25 Sept for works at the Blackwater Aqueduct on the long level between locks 17 and 18 Enfield.
SHANNON SYSTEM - Limerick - Ardnacrusha Turbine Warning
WI has reminded (MN#85 of 23/8/10) users of the Shannon Navigation that it is inadvisable to undertake a voyage through the Limerick navigation if more than one turbine is operating at Ardnacrusha, due to increased velocity of flow in the navigation which can be dangerous. The situation may also arise in flood conditions. Contact the lock keeper at Ardnacrusha (tel: 087-7972998) for information on the number of turbines in operation before commencing transit.
ERNE SYSTEM - Lough Erne Classic Yachts Race
WI has advised (MN#84 of 20/8/10) that the Lough Erne Classic Yacht Association Race will take place from 26-30 August from Crom Estate. Masters are advised that there will be an increased concentration of sailing vessels in the area. Masters are asked to proceed slowly and obey instructions from race officials.
ERNE SYSTEM - Upper Lough - Weed Warning
WI has advised (MN#83 of 20/8/10) that aquatic weed has reached levels not seen since 2004. Masters should navigate at slow speed in main and secondary channels and keep a sharp look-out in this area.
ERNE SYSTEM - Devenish Island - Underwater Archaeology
WI has advised (MN#82 of 12/8/10) that an underwater geophysical survey around will take place around Devenish Island on Thurs 26 August. From Tue 31 Aug until Fri 3 Sept. further diving will take place mainly in the area between Tully Point and Devenish. Diving operations will be conducted from a highly-visible orange Pioneer boat and the 'Diver Down' flag will be flown.
Further info from +44 2870 24302.
GRAND CANAL - Shannon Harbour - Winter Stoppage
WI have advised (MN#80 of 9/8/10) that works will take place in Shannon Harbour to create new liveaboard berths east of Griffith Bridge. The canal will be blocked with a temporary dam from October '10 to March '11 and through navigation will not be possible.
SHANNON NAVIGATION - Shannon Bridge - Cable Stringing
WI Have advised (MN#79 of 9/8/10) that the ESB will be stringing cables over the Shannon south of the road bridge at Shannonbridge between 10 & 23 August. The navigation will be closed for periods of up to 2 hours while the stringing operations are in progress. Vessels should heed instructions from the safety officers on site.
GRAND CANAL - Locks 31-32 - Low Water Level
WI has advised (MN#78 of 6/8/10) that due to a leak between the 31st and 32nd lock, the water level is approx 200mm below normal. Masters should contact WI in Tullamore on +353-(0)57-9352300 with queries.
SHANNON NAVIGATION - Scarriff River - Floating Hazard
WI have advised (MN#71 of 22/7/10) that a makeshift raft, of wooden construction, floating low in the water has been reported in the vicinity of the entrance to the Scarriff river.
Owners are requested to keep a sharp look-out and proceed at
slow speed when in this area of the navigation.
SHANNON NAVIGATION -Killaoe Canal - Boardwalk Works
WI has advised (MN#69 of 20/7/10) installation work will commence on the Killaloe Canal on Wed 4 Aug.
Owners are requested to remove all craft presently moored between the lock and a point 40m north of the old footbridge / green boat shed, by Wed 28 July to facilitate the mobilisation of floating construction equipment.
SHANNON NAVIGATION - Athlone - Trial Boring
WI has advised (MN#68 of 19/7/10) that a pontoon accompanied by a tug will be engaged in carrying out test borings in the navigation, immediately north and south of Athlone Lock, from 2 Aug until 11 Sep 2010. The pontoon will show an all round white light after dark. Vessels should give this craft a wide berth and proceed at slow speed when passing.
SHANNON NAVIGATION - Lough Derg - Scilly Island/Lushing Rocks
WI has advised (MN#57 of 5/7/10) that the markers on the passage between the Lushing Rocks and the Scilly Island may be off station. Caution is advised.
SHANNON NAVIGATION - River Suck - Low Levels
WI has advised (MN#56 of 5/7/10) user to expect lower than normal water levels in the River Suck within 3km of the Ballinasloe moorings. Deep drafted vessels should proceed with caution.
ALL NAVIGATIONS - Cautionary Warning - Low Water Levels
WI has advised (MN#46 of 16/6/10) that water levels have fallen in recent weeks. Masters of vessels, particularly those with deep drafts, are advised to proceed with due caution and prudence when navigating the waterways.
SHANNON NAVIGATION - Lough Derg Marker A off Station
WI has advised (MN#44 of 11/6/2010) that Black Marker "A" between Scilly Island and the Lushing Rocks is off station. A temporary mark has been placed at its location.
RIVER SUCK - Ballinasloe Harbour Entrance Cleared
WI have advised (MN#42 of 4/6/10) that the obstruction at the entrance to Ballinasloe Harbour has been removed. MN#37 has been withdrawn.
SEW NAVIGATION - Low Water Levels
WI have advised (MN#41 of 3/6/10) that SEW water levels have fallen in recent weeks. Masters of vessels, particularly those with deep drafts, are advised to proceed with caution when navigating the waterway. Further information: Senior Engineer, SEW at +353-(0)71-9650898
SHANNON NAVIGATION - Low Water Levels
WI has advised (MN#40 of 3/6/10) that water levels on the north Shannon have fallen in recent weeks. Masters of vessels, particularly those with deep drafts, are advised to proceed with caution in the area between Roosky Lock and Tarmonbarry Lock. For further information contact the Senior Engineer, North Shannon at +353-(0)71-9650898
ERNE NAVIGATION - Low Water Levels
WI has advised (MN#39 of 3/6/10) that water levels on the Erne have fallen in recent weeks. Masters of vessels, particularly those with deep drafts, are advised to proceed with caution in areas upstream of Enniskillen. For further information contact the Lough Erne Warden's Office on +44 (0)28 6632 2836.
ROYAL CANAL - Locks 16 & 17 Security
WI have advised (MN#36 of 28/5/10) that locking devices have been fitted to locks 16 & 17 for security reasons and will be in use when circumstances demand. Full details here
SHANNON NAVIGATION - Sarsfield Lock Operational
WI has advised (MN#33 of 7/5/10) that Sarsfield Lock in Limerick is again fully operational MN#11 has been withdrawn.
LOWER BANN - Agivey Road Bridge restriction
WI have advised (MN#28 of 14/4/10 & MN#32 of 4/5/10) that maintenance to Agivey Road Bridge will result in a reduction in normal airdraft. Users should approach with caution and observe the signage advising of the navigation channel. Works will continue until end May
ERNE SYSTEM - Lustymore Jetty Closure
WI has advised that the public mooring jetty at Lustymore Island on Lower Lough Erne will be closed to the public for construction works for approximately three weeks from 17 May.
GRAND CANAL - Shannon Harbour - 5 Day Rule
WI has advised (MN#30 of 30/4/10) that from 08 May the 5-day rule will apply between 35th Lock and Griffith Bridge. Vessels should only moor directly onto quay walls and not double or triple berth. Alternative berthing is available east of Griffith Bridge and on the north bank between 35th and 36th Lock. Offending vessels will be moved.
SHANNON NAVIGATION - Limerick Moorings - Restricted draft
WI has advised (MN#29 of 26/4/10) of reduced draft below weir level at moorings in Limerick. Custom House Quay: 0.5m at inside moorings, 1.3m at outside moorings. Arthur Quay: 1.2m
BARROW LINE - Monasterevin Lifting Bridge
WI has advised (MN#27 of 1/4/10) that due to unforseen circumstances the Barrow Line at Monasterevin will not now be re-watered until the week ending April 23rd. MN#24/10 also refers.
SHANNON NAVIGATION - Lough Key - Marker Colour Change
WI has advised (MN#26 of 19/3/10) that the black starboard hand marks in Lough Key upstream of Clarendon Lock are to be changed to the colour green. This will be done on a phased basis commencing shortly. Mariners will be advised accordingly as the work progresses. See also MN#4/10 re marks on Shannon north of Portumna Bridge
ERNE SYSTEM - Navigation Marks
WI has advised (MN#24 of 18/3/10) that work is ongoing to repair damage to navigation marks on the Upper Lough caused by the severe winter weather. Masters are advised to exercise caution when navigating on the Lough. MN#5 also refers.
SHANNON-ERNE WATERWAY - Locks 1 & 2 Closure
WI has advised (MN#23 of 12/3/10) that Lock 1 (Corraquill) and Lock 2 (Ballyconnell) will remain closed until March 29th for essential maintenance.
GRAND CANAL - Sallins obstruction cleared
WI has advised (MN#22 of 12/3/10) that the obstruction 600M east of Sallins has now been cleared and that the canal is open for navigation. MN#130/09 is withdrawn.
ERNE NAVIGATION - Enniskillen Head of the River
WI has advised (MN#21 of 10/3/10) that the Portora Boat Club Erne Head of River Race will take place on Sat 13 Mar 2009 from 10.00 to 17.00 hrs. The course starts at Culkey Jetty, upstream of the Killyhevlin Hotel and finishes at Portora Boat Club House downstream of the Round "O". Masters should proceed with caution in the course area.
SHANNON NAVIGATION - Kylenoe mark back on station
WI has advised (MN#20 of 3/3/10) that the Black Starboard Hand Mark "G" on the Kylenoe Rocks on Lough Derg has been but back in the correct position. MN#12 has been withdrawn.
BARROW LINE - Monasterevin Lifting Bridge Replacement
WI has advised (MN#18 of 24/2/10)that the lifting bridge at Monasterevin on the Barrow Line is being replaced. The line is now closed to navigation and is scheduled to be rewatered during w/c 20 March. The replacement bridge will not be fully operational until April 10 and will have to be lifted manually. Navigation between March 20 and April 10 will therefore be restricted and passage will not normally be possible at weekends or outside working hours. Masters wishing to make a passage should contact the Lock Keeper, Joe Moore, on 353-87- 2473093, for up to date information.
SHANNON-ERNE WATERWAY - Lock 15 Closure
WI has advised (MN#14 of 16/2/10) that the SEW will be closed to navigation at Lock 15 Tirmactiernan from
16 Feb to 16 March for essential maintenance
on the lock gates.
ROYAL CANAL - Maynooth Harbour
WI has reminded Royal Canal users (MN#15 of 17/2/10) that an obstruction exists on the north bank west of Maynooth Harbour at the site of the old CIE foot-bridge) Masters should observe the signs on the remaining supports indicating the safe channel.
SHANNON NAVIGATION - Inchinalee Mark Damaged
WI has advised (MN#13 of 10/2/10) that the red porthand mark at the Southern end of Inchinalee Island, (approximately 10km south of Athlone) is leaning over and showing just above the water surface without its topmark. Masters should navigate with due care when in the vicinity of this mark and remain near the channel centreline to avoid striking it.
CORRIB NAVIGATION - Marker 19 damaged.
A user on the Corrib has reported that Marker 19 is (located NE of Sca Island) a black pole with a triangle on top has been knocked over and now represents a serious hazard to navigation.
LOUGH NEAGH - Marker 35 Damaged
The isolated danger mark number 35 North West from Reedy Flat at 054°31.39 N 006°29.64 W
has been damaged by the ice and has fallen over.
SHANNON NAVIGATION - Killaloe-Ballina Works
WI has advised (MN#8 of 22/1/10) that work in the navigation will take place north and south of Killaloe-Ballina bridge over the next three weeks. Workboats will be encountered in the area and a wide berth is requested.
SHANNON NAVIGATION - Roosky Bridge Closure Extended
WI has advised (MN#6 of 21/1/10) that Roosky Bridge will remain closed to navigation until Friday 5th February. MN #129/09 also refers.
ERNE NAVIGATION - Damage to Markers
WI has advised (MN#5 of 21/1/2010) that the recent extreme weather conditions(both flooding and icing) have had a detrimental affect on the marker posts throughout the Lough Erne system. Extreme care should be taken when navigating. Further information from the Lough Erne Warden on 028[RoI 048]66 323004
SHANNON NAVIGATION - Marker Colour Change
Waterways Ireland has advised (MN#4 of 21/1/10)that the black starboardhand marks on the Shannon Navigation are to be changed to the colour green. This will be done on a phased basis commencing initially on that stretch of the navigation from Portumna Bridge to Meelick Lock. Mariners will be advised accordingly as the work progresses.
SHANNON-ERNE WATERWAY - Lock Closures
WI has advised (MN#3 of 15/1/10) that SEW Lock 3 will closes from 18 Jan to 16 Mar and Lock 5 will close from 15 to 29 Jan for essential repairs.
LOWER BANN - Toome Canal silting
WI have advised (MN#1 dated 11/1/10) That the entrance to the Toome Canal at Toombridge is badly silted with depths reduced to 0.9m. Dredging will take place when the weather improves.
SHANNON NAVIGATION - Jamestown Canal Open
WI has advised (MN#132 of 24/12/09) that the Jamestown Canal and Albert Lock are re-opened for navigation.
ALL NAVIGATIONS - Special Notice to Mariners
WI have issued (5/1/10) a "Special Marine Notice" which summarise many of the regulations for the operation of vessels on Irish inland waterways. The notice can be found here.
ERNE NAVIGATION - Jetty & Pumpout Closures
WI has advised (MN#131 of 22/12/09) of a number of jetty and pumpout station closures on the Erne resulting from damage during the recent floods. Full details here
GRAND CANAL - Bank Repairs - 13/14th lock
WI has advised (MN#127 of 27/11/09) that MN #115 (below) has been extended to Friday 11th December. Water levels in this section of the GC will remain lowered for bank repairs.
ALL NAVIGATIONS - Visits to boats, jetties etc
Waterways Ireland has strongly advised (MN#126 of 24/11/09) against visiting any vessels or boats during the present flood conditions because of the dangers presented by the unpredictable nature of rising water levels and their effect on navigation infrastructure. Members of the general public, especially those intent on taking photographs, are advised also against doing so in the immediate vicinity of locks, weirs, harbours, jetties etc because of flood water dangers.