Waterways Ireland advises users of the Royal Canal in Dublin city between Locks 1 and 5 (North Strand Road to Phibsborough) that cycleway upgrade works have recently commenced on this stretch of the canal.

This work will require closures of the canal towpaths in the area over the upcoming period throughout the year, in order to facilitate the upgrading works. Diversion signage will be erected on site where applicable.

Any effects on planned navigation passage will be advised but navigation passage will continue to be possible to arrange during works, though some additional restrictions may apply.

The cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways will issue further updates if appropriate, and says it thanks its users for their understanding in this matter.

Waterways Ireland advises arrangements have been made for Iarnród Éireann to open the lifting bridge at Newcomen Bridge on the Royal Canal in Dublin on the following dates and times, if there is demand:

• Sunday 5 May, 9am-1pm (Low water 16:00)
• Saturday 25 May, 9am-1pm (Low water 06:47)
• Tuesday 18 June, 11am-1pm (Low water 15:38)
• Tuesday 16 July, 11am-1pm (Low water 13:58)
• Friday 16 August, 11am-1pm (Low water 15:26)
• Friday 27 September, 11am-1pm (Low water 14:26)

Waterways Ireland’s Eastern Regional Office requires two weeks’ notice from boaters for use of these lifts (Tel: +353 1 868 0148 or [email protected]). Should there not be a demand (minimum two boats) for a particular date, Iarnród Éireann will be notified that the scheduled lift is cancelled.

A maximum number of boats passing will be implemented to keep to the times given above for the planned lifts (16 for the Saturday/Sunday lifts and eight for the weekday lifts). Priority will be given on a first come, first served basis.

On day of lift, boaters and passengers must follow guidance from Waterways Ireland staff about sequence of passage under the bridge and through Lock 1, the cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways adds.

Waterways Ireland advises masters of craft wishing to make passage on the Royal Canal in Dublin that a navigation restriction is to be applied to use of Lock 10 for boat passage.

The maximum beam of craft that will be permitted to pass through this lock in Ashtown, west Dublin will now be restricted to 3.5 metres.

This restriction is necessary due to structural checks recently undertaken on the lock, which identified a need for limiting the size of craft that could pass through it.

The cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways says it thanks its users for their understanding in this matter.

Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels and waterway users on the Royal Canal that the lifting bridge at The Downs in Co Westmeath will be closed for canal traffic effective immediately.

This closure is to facilitate emergency repairs due to vandalism. The cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways says the bridge will return to normal operations on Thursday 12 October.

Waterways Ireland wishes to advises all masters of vessels on and users of the Royal Canal that a canoe polo event will be taking place in Kilcock Harbour this Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September.

In order to facilitate the event, navigation in this area will be very restricted from 3pm on Friday 15 September to 7pm on Sunday 17 September.

Vessels should move away from any of the moorings in the harbour area for the duration of the event, and will only be able to navigate past the event if allowed to proceed by the event organisers between event activities through a prior arrangement.

Masters of vessels are therefore requested to proceed with additional caution in the vicinity of the event and to obey any instructions given by event stewards, the cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways adds.

This story was updated on Friday 15 September to reflect the updated dates of the canoe polo event.

Waterways Ireland wishes to advises all masters of vessels on and users of the Royal Canal that a canoe polo event will be taking place in Kilcock Harbour this Sunday 18 June.

In order to facilitate the event, navigation in this area will be very restricted from 3pm on Saturday 17 June to 7pm on Sunday 18 June.

Vessels should move away from any of the moorings in the harbour area for the duration of the event, and will only be able to navigate past the event if allowed to proceed by the event organisers between event activities through a prior arrangement.

Masters of vessels are therefore requested to proceed with additional caution in the vicinity of the event and to obey any instructions given by event stewards, the cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways adds.

Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels and waterways users on the Royal Canal that the following canoe polo events will take place in Mullingar Harbour during the summer months of 2023:

• Junior Canoe Polo Competition - Sunday 21 May
• National Club Championships – 8-9 July
• Overload Canoe Polo Camp – 25-27 August

Masters of vessels are requested to moor outside the harbour area on these dates in order to facilitate the canoe polo events, the cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways adds.

Waterways Ireland advises masters of craft wishing to make passage on the Royal Canal in Dublin that a navigation restriction is to be applied to use of the 10th Lock in Ashtown for boat passage.

The maximum beam of craft that will be permitted to pass through this lock will now be restricted to 3.5 metres, the cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways says.

This restriction is necessary due to structural checks recently undertaken on the lock, which identified a need for limiting the size of craft that could pass through the lock, it adds.

Waterways Ireland reminds all masters and owners of vessels on the Grand Canal, Royal Canal, Barrow Line and Barrow Navigation that all canal permits expired on 1 November 2022 and must be renewed for 2023.

Permits can be renewed online at the Waterways Ireland website HERE.

The cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways emphasises that vessels with no permit, as required by Bye Law 6(8) of the Canals Act, will be “removed as operationally convenient”.

This year, Waterways Ireland’s partnership with the St Patrick’s Festival will celebrate the beloved Dublin canals as one of 10 showpiece performances in the capital’s St Patrick’s Day Parade on Friday 17 March.

With half a million spectators expected to line this year’s route, the cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways says it’s proud to showcase and celebrate the history, heritage and recreational vibrancy of the Dublin canals as integral parts of Ireland’s culture.

As the parade passes by look out for ‘Uiscebhéal’, a performance inspired by the values of sustainability and community that will highlight the role of the Grand Canal and Royal Canal in the life of the city.

John McDonagh, Waterways Ireland chief executive said: “Our treasured historic canals are familiar welcoming places for generations, spaces for recreation, inspiration for artists and a sanctuary where nature can survive and thrive.

“It is a pleasure to have worked with the St Patrick’s Festival team to recognise the significance of the Royal and Grand canals in Dublin through this wonderful performance.”

Richard Tierney, St Patrick’s Festival CEO added: “Our partnership with Waterways Ireland celebrates some of the most intrinsic and loved parts of Dublin and Ireland, we are thrilled to shine a light on the usage of the canals and the many ways we can all enjoy these great amenities.”

The St Patrick’s Festival takes place in Dublin and nationwide from Thursday 16 to Sunday 19 March.