Waterways Ireland advises all masters of vessels and inland waterways users of the Shannon Navigation, Shannon-Erne Waterway, Grand Canal, Royal Canal, Barrow Line and Barrow Navigation that these waterways will reopen from Monday 10 May in line with the latest relaxation in pandemic restrictions.
On the Shannon Navigation and Shannon-Erne Waterway, the winter mooring period will end on this date and the five-day mooring rule will be in force.
Locks on will be open normal summer hours (9am to 8.30pm on weekdays, 9am to 6pm on Sundays on the Shannon Navigation; 9am to 8pm daily on the Shannon-Erne) and service blocks will also reopen.
An exception applies to the lock gates at Tarmonbarry on the Shannon Navigation, which remain closed for continued emergency repair works until Friday 28 May. Passage through the lock will not be possible during this period but an alternative route via the Camlin River is available.
No lock passage tolls will be collected in order to facilitate social distancing. Note that a smart card is required to operate locks on the Shannon-Erne Waterway and these can be purchased from Waterways Ireland’s online shop or from designated retails outlets along the waterway.
Shannon Navigation lock-keepers are available at the following phone numbers:
- Lough Allen Canal - 071 964 1552
- Clarendon Lock - 071 966 7011
- Albert Lock - 071 963 7715
- Rooskey Lock - 071 963 8018
- Tarmonbarry Lock - 043 332 6117
- Athlone Lock - 090 649 2026
- Poolboy Lock - 090 964 4938
- Victoria Lock - 057 915 1359
- Portumna Bridge - 090 974 1011
- Ardnacrusha - 061 344 515
- Sarsfield Lock - 087 797 2998
Anyone who require assistance along the Shannon-Erne Waterway, meanwhile, is directed to contact the following:
- Ballyconnell Waterway Patroller - 087 260 3662
- Kilclare Waterway Patroller - 087 260 3663
Normal summer hours will also apply to locks on the Grand Canal, Royal Cabal, Barrow Line and Barrow Navigation.
Electricity and water services have been reconnected at all Waterways Navigations in the Republic, and normal pump-out facilities are available for boaters.
Visitors to the waterways are urged to be aware of other users and continue to observe social distancing protocols, keen a distance of at least two metres from others.
Waterways Ireland also notes that water levels are becoming low due to the recent period of low rainfall. In addition, normal maintenance weed-cutting of navigation channels has been late in starting due to the ongoing restrictions, so additional weed growth can be expected in the navigation channels.
Masters are asked to contact the local waterway patroller for updated information if wishing to navigate a particular area.
