Waterways Ireland from the personal perspective of a boating enthusiast, Open post for questions and comments
MARINE NOTICE, No.100 of 2014
Shannon Navigation
Lough Derg – Scarriff
Harbour Festival
Waterways Ireland wishes to advise masters and owners that this event will take place from Thurs 31st July until Sun 3rd. Aug 2014 in Scarriff Harbour, Co. Clare
Masters are requested to proceed at slow speed and with minimum wash when approaching and departing the harbour.
Waterways Ireland thanks its customers for their cooperation in this matter.
Charles Lawn, Inspector of Navigation, 30 Jul 2014.
MARINE NOTICE, No 99 of 2014
Royal Canal
Dublin
5th and 6th Lock
Canoe Polo Competition
Waterways Ireland wishes to advise all masters and users of the Royal Canal that a canoe polo competition will take place between the 5th and 6th lock on the Royal Canal, Dublin on Sat 9th Aug 2014.
Masters are requested to note any advice issued by safety marshals while the event is in progress.
Waterways Ireland thanks its customers for their cooperation in this matter.
C.J. Lawn, Inspector of Navigation, 30 July 2014
MARINE NOTICE, No 98 of 2014
Lower Bann Navigation
Coleraine
Waterways Ireland Riverfest, Sat 9th and Sun 10th Aug 2014
Waterways Ireland wishes to advise all masters and users of the Lower Bann Navigation that the above event will take place along the stretch of navigation between Coleraine Town Bridge and Mountsandel bridge in the vicinity of Christie Park moorings from 11am until 6.30pm on both days.
Masters are requested to transit this area at slow speed and with minimum wash during the event and to heed the advice and instructions of those marshalling the activities.
Waterways Ireland takes this opportunity to thank its customers for their co-operation in this matter and regrets any inconvenience caused.
C.J.Lawn, Inspector of Navigation, 30 Jul 2014
MARINE NOTICE, No 97 of 2014
Grand Canal
Robertstown
Binns Bridge Wing Wall and Robertstown Quay Wall Repair Works
Waterways Ireland wishes to advise all masters and users of the Grand Canal that maintenance works will be carried out, to the wing wall at Binns Bridge at Robertstown, and to the quay wall at Robertstown, Co. Kildare. Works are scheduled to commence on Tuesday 05 August 2014, with completion of bridge works on Friday 29 August 2014 and quay wall works by Friday 26 September 2014.
The navigation will be restricted at these locations in order to facilitate the works. As part of these works shoring equipment and/or a temporary dam may be placed in the navigation. Users are requested to give these a wide berth and comply with local restrictions and instructions from contractors.
Waterways Ireland thanks its customers for their cooperation in this matter.
C.J. Lawn, Inspector of Navigation, 28 July 2014
MARINE NOTICE, No.96 of 2014
Erne System – Upper Lough Erne
Aquatic Weeds
Waterways Ireland wishes to advise all Masters and users of the Erne System that recent surveys have detected aquatic weed in significant quantities in Upper Lough Erne. Aquatic weed has the potential to impact on the movement of a range of recreational craft. There is also a risk of vessels being disabled due to fouling of propellers and by weed being drawn into the engine intake, causing it to overheat and stop.
Waterways Ireland intends to harvest weed in accordance with its aquatic weed management strategy developed in consultation with Environment Agency. The aim is to ensure that the main navigation route from the Shannon – Erne Waterway to Enniskillen remains passable and that access to and from all Waterways Ireland jetties is maintained where possible.
In order to minimise the risk to their vessel from aquatic weed Masters are hereby advised to:
Masters should take account of any temporary aids to navigation placed by Waterways Ireland. Hazard warning signs highlighting the presence of weed or temporary navigation markers (red/white square) will indicate channels from which weed has been cleared; always pass on the white side.
Prior to departure on a journey Masters of craft should clean intake filters and check propellers and engine cooling.
In the event that a vessel fouls its propeller due to weed, stop the vessel and go astern (reverse) on the engine for a few seconds to see if the propeller clears itself. If, after two or three attempts, this proves unsuccessful Masters are advised to drop anchor to attend to the problem if possible. If unsuccessful call their marina operator or hire base for assistance. Under no circumstances should someone enter the water to attend to a propeller or engine intake fouled by weed .
Masters should be aware of the cumulative effect on their prop and engine of collecting small amounts of weed over a journey and should check their prop periodically.
Masters should allow extra time to make a passage under these environmental conditions
Waterways Ireland thanks its customers for their co-operation in this matter.
For further information please contact the Lough Erne Warden on:
+44 (0)28 6632 2836
C.Lawn, Inspector of Navigation, 24 Jul 2014
