Tag Archives: Waterways Ireland

The stretch of waterway from Limerick city to Parteen Weir has been closed to navigation due to continuing infrastructural deficiencies as a result of the winter storms and subsequent flooding. The navigation remains closed and users are advised to stay clear of the damaged facilities in the area. Waterways Ireland has limited resources and has had to prioritise its interventions in those areas of greatest need and use. Following inspections of the floating breakwater and the waiting jetties a number of design solutions have been advanced to repair and re-instate the infrastructure. Works are commencing this week and it is expected that navigation in Limerick will be re-opened in three to four weeks.

As the fine, warm weather looks set to continue, Waterways Ireland has issued some timely advice about  hidden dangers. It has warned that operating docks, harbours and marinas are not appropriate areas for swimming and those wishing take a dip in the Shannon should do so in the designated local authority swim areas. Dock, harbours and marinas are busy with boats, barges and cruisers and it is near impossible for captains of these vessels to navigate safely when swimmers are in the water. Éanna Rowe of Waterways Ireland said, “Swimming is prohibited in these areas for very good reason and recently we witnessed a couple of near misses in a number of different harbours right along the Shannon. “Those wishing to cool down in this hot balmy weather should go to the designated local authority bathing areas and the dangerous practice of swimming at marinas and harbours should cease immediately.”