Waterways Ireland from a personal view of a hire boater
MARINE NOTICE, No 128 of 2014
Shannon Navigation
Drumshanbo Lock
Temporary Closure
Waterways Ireland wishes to advise masters and owners of vessels that Drumshanbo Lock is closed for essential lock gate repair until Friday 24th October 2014.
Waterways Ireland regrets any inconvenience that this may cause and thanks its customers for their cooperation in this matter.
C.J.Lawn, Inspector of Navigation, 15 Oct 2014
MARINE NOTICE, No 126 of 2014
Shannon Navigation
Ardnacrusha
Bridge Investigation Works
Waterways Ireland has been advised by the ESB of the following:
„ESB Ardnacrusha are carrying out investigation works on the Ardnacrusha Headrace Bridges – O’Brien’s Bridge, Clonlara Bridge and Blackwater bridge and the tailrace bridge at Parteen over the next three weeks. There will be a pontoon at each bridge to provide access. Masters are requested to be vigilant on approach to the bridges and proceed at an appropriate speed with minimum wash“
Charles Lawn, Inspector of Navigation, Athlone, 7 Oct 2014
Shannon Navigation
Carrick-on-Shannon
Colleges Sailing Regatta
Waterways Ireland wishes to advise masters and owners that the above event will take place in Carrick-on-Shannon from Fri 10th to Sun 12th Oct 2014. Course preparation will take place on Fri 10th while racing will take place from 0900hrs to 1800hrs on Sat 11th and Sun 12th.
The course will be marked by yellow buoys and the transition area will be at Waterways Ireland’s floating mooring. Masters should note that a number of the mooring spaces at this mooring will be temporarily reserved for the event.
Masters should proceed at slow speed when approaching this stretch of waterway during the event and note any directions issued by the organisers and safety marshals controlling the event.
Further information may be had from Mr Scott Flanigan 087 8263194.
Waterways Ireland thanks its customers for their co-operation.
Charles Lawn, Inspector of Navigation, 30 Sep 2014
MARINE NOTICE, No 120 of 2014
Shannon Navigation
Portumna- Connaught Harbour
Refurbishment Works
Waterways Ireland wishes to advise masters and owners that Connaught Harbour, Portumna will be closed to both road and river traffic from Monday, September 29th until Wednesday 31st December 2014 to facilitate upgrading of the harbour infrastructure.
Waterways Ireland thanks its customers for their co-operation and regrets any inconvenience that this may cause.
Charles Lawn, Inspector of Navigation, Athlone, Co.Westmeath, 25 Sep 2014
MARINE NOTICE, No 119 of 2014
Shannon Navigation
Lough Ree – Lanesborough
Asian Clam
Waterways Ireland has been advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) that angling at the ‘hotwater’ stretch in Lanesborough, Co. Longford is prohibited. See enclosure attached.
This is an emergency response due to confirmation of the presence of the invasive species“ Asian Clam“ downstream of the ESB electricity generation powerplant located on the eastern side of the navigation .
Anglers and boat users should be aware of the dangers posed to other bodies of water as the „Asian Clam“ can spread on fishing equipment such as keep nets, landing nets, boats, rods and clothing.
Reporting of a sighting of an invasive species can be made to the IFI 24 hour hotline on 1890 34 74 24.
Waterways Ireland thanks its customers for their co-operation.
Charles Lawn, Inspector of Navigation, The Docks, Athlone, Co.Westmeath, 24 Sep 2014
Enclosure to Marine Notice No. 119 of 2014.
Asian Clam invasive species found in Longford – Angling prohibited until further notice
Inland Fisheries Ireland has prohibited angling at the‘hotwater’stretch in Lanesborough, Co. Longford. This emergency response is due to the confirmation of the presence of Asian Clam, Corbilcula fluminea, downstream of the ESB powerplant at the top of Lough Ree. Asian Clam has the ability to aggressively expand ranges and to rapidly invade areas in a short period of time, outcompeting native invertebrate communities and altering benthic habitats. This species can also cause severe problems for the maintenance operations of navigation authorities.
Anglers and boat users must be aware of the dangers posed to other waters. Asian clam can spread on fishing equipment such as keep nets, landing nets, boats, rods and clothing. A decision has been made to close this section of the fishery as a temporary measure to avoid the accidental spread of Asian Clam to other waters.
Inland Fisheries Ireland is working closely with all the relevant agencies, NPWS, Waterways Ireland, ESB, Bord Na Mona, OPW, Roscommon and Longford County Councils and the local community and angling groups to put immediate measures in place to re-open the Lanesboro fishery to angling.
Disinfection stations will be provided by Inland Fisheries Ireland, funded by the ESB, and managed within the local community over the next two weeks. This will, combined with a responsible attitude by all water users, facilitate the resumption of angling activity in the community.
The agencies unanimously agreed that a detailed scientific survey will be carried out within the next 7-10 days. This survey will inform decisions on the collaborative actions required for the medium and long term interventions and strategies.
Continued awareness and responsible behaviour by all water users is paramount to ensuring the work of the agencies involved has the best chance for success and the prevention of any further spread. In this regard all of the agencies appeal to the respective stakeholders to continue to observe bio-security measures, seek advice on any planned activity and assist in the efforts to manage a very difficult situation.
Inland Fisheries Ireland would also like to advise water users that they can report a sighting of any invasive species to the 24 hour hotline on 1890 34 74 24.
