Minister opens €2m waterway development

A NEW €2 million moorings and walkway on the Shannon Navigation in Killaloe will be officially opened by Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan this Thursday.
Developed by Waterways Ireland and jointly funded by Fáilte Ireland the project involved the installation of 775m of moorings, the underpinning of the old canal wall, the installation of flood control gates and the completion of a looped walk along the shore and canal wall.
Water polo and kayaking regularly take place upstream of a new lock being constructed by Waterways Ireland and there are indications that Fáilte Ireland will provide finance for a new shower and toilet block nearby.
Waterways Ireland senior engineer, Theron Robson told The Clare Champion that a new service facility could be built near the lock with funding expected to be provided by Failte Ireland.
Waterways Ireland have constructed a new wall as well as providing a 420m walkway.
Three access points will be provided to the floating moorings. West Clare construction company L and M Keating were awarded the main contract worth €1.5 million.
The new moorings provide space for about 30 vessels and will be card reader operated, with water service bollards, as well as an upgraded boat pump out facility adjacent to the Killaloe library.
Most of the vessels using the new facility would tie up at Ballina side outside Molly’s licensed premises. Hired boats are not allowed under the bridge.
The main addition is a major new lock chamber to control the flow running into the canal, reduce erosion potential and include fish passes. An old disused boathouse was also demolished.
When the boats want to come up to the Scariff side of the river, the lock will be card reader operated with electric sensors, which will open allowing the vessels to pass through before automatically closing.
The provision of a more accessible walkway, clad with hardwood timber over the gates, facilitates a looped walk for pedestrians along the canal and on to the canal footpath on the existing wall. Drainage was also improved with no water run-off from the footpath.
During the summer season, boats will be able to use the new moorings for five days before they will be required under bylaws to move on. In winter, registered vessels can moor for a few months free of charge.
The development at Killaloe is just one example of facilities for boaters, tourists and the local community identified in the Product Development Studies completed by Waterways Ireland with its partners, Shannon Development, Fáilte Ireland and local authorities.
John Martin, chief executive of Waterways Ireland stated, “Killaloe/Ballina is a key destination and gateway in the lakelands and inland waterways area for domestic and international visitors. The development here in Killaloe is part of our strategy in Waterways Ireland and is key in encouraging further economic activity in the town and indeed the wider Lough Derg and the lakelands and inland waterways area”.
Fiona Monaghan, Fáilte Ireland, explained the development of the Killaloe Canal signified Fáilte Ireland’s commitment to ensuring that there are plenty of reasons for visitors to come, and indeed return, to Clare.