Captain's Handbook ©

MARINE NOTICE No.108 of 2026

Lough Derg

Blue-Green Algal Bloom

Issued: 25 September 2026

Waterways Ireland advises users of Lough Derg that Tipperary County Council, in consultation with the HSE, has issued a public health advisory following the identification of significant blue-green algal blooms in areas of Lough Derg.
Users are advised to avoid contact with affected water, and to keep children and animals, particularly dogs, away from visible blooms and from drinking lake water.
Members of the public who identify a suspected algal bloom are asked to report it to the respective County Council’s Environment & Climate Action Section.
The advisory is currently in place until Monday, 28 September 2026, pending further advice from Tipperary County Council and the HSE.
Waterways Ireland asks all users to remain vigilant and follow any further public health advice issued by the relevant authorities.

Peter Harty, Inspector of Navigation
Inspectorate.Athlone@waterwaysireland.org

Lough Derg, Blaualgenblüte, Veröffentlicht: 25. September 2026
Waterways Ireland weist die Nutzer des Lough Derg darauf hin, dass der Tipperary County Council in Absprache mit der HSE eine Gesundheitswarnung herausgegeben hat, nachdem in Teilen des Lough Derg erhebliche Blaualgenblüten festgestellt wurden.
Den Nutzern wird empfohlen, den Kontakt mit dem betroffenen Wasser zu vermeiden und Kinder sowie Tiere, insbesondere Hunde, von sichtbaren Blüten fernzuhalten und sie davon abzuhalten, Seewasser zu trinken.
Bürger, die eine vermutete Algenblüte feststellen, werden gebeten, dies der Abteilung für Umwelt und Klimaschutz des jeweiligen County Council zu melden.
Die Warnung gilt derzeit bis Montag, den 28. September 2026, vorbehaltlich weiterer Empfehlungen des Tipperary County Council und der HSE.
Waterways Ireland bittet alle Nutzer, wachsam zu bleiben und alle weiteren Gesundheitsempfehlungen der zuständigen Behörden zu befolgen.

Marine Notice No.107 of 2026

Shannon & Shannon-Erne Waterway

Winter Mooring 2026–2027

Issued: 25 September 2026

The winter mooring period for public harbours on the Shannon and Shannon-Erne Waterway runs from 1 November 2026 to 31 March 2027, in accordance with Shannon Bye-law 30(1).
Boaters wishing to avail of winter mooring should note:

• • • Applications and payment must be made online through the Waterways Ireland Winter Mooring portal.
    • The portal opens 1 October 2026.
    • The winter mooring fee of €63.50 must be paid in full by 1 November 2026.
    • Where possible, applicants will be allocated their preferred location. Where this is not possible, an appropriate alternative will be offered.
    • Electricity and water supplies at public moorings will be disconnected from November to March and reinstated before the 2027 boating season.
    • Vessels are moored at the owner’s risk.
    • Owners are advised to check their vessels periodically throughout the winter, particularly following periods of high winds or flooding.
    • The waterways remain active year-round. Masters may therefore be asked to allow space for visiting craft at specific locations.

Bye-Law 17 (5-Day Rule) remains in force for masters who do not avail of winter mooring, or for those not approved due to repeated breaches of the Bye-Laws during 2026.
Waterways Ireland appreciates the cooperation of all masters and thanks the boating community for its continued support throughout the winter months. We look forward to welcoming you back on the waterways in Spring 2027.

Peter Harty, Inspector of Navigation
Inspectorate.Athlone@waterwaysireland.org