Calls to reopen the Limerick navigation between Parteen Weir and the city have been answered as Waterways Ireland confirmed that the infrastructural repair works needed would begin this week writes Andrew Carey.

As Afloat.ie reported previously, damage to floating pontoons and a breakwater at the Abbey River forced the closure of the navigation until Waterways Ireland identified a number of repair options for the damaged infrastructure along the Abbey and Shannon rivers.

Boaters, local Councillors, sitting TDs and the business community in Limerick issued calls for Ministerial intervention to reopen the waterway after it closed on April 25 last.

A spokesperson for Waterways Ireland said that "the stretch of navigation from Limerick city to Parteen Weir has been closed to navigation due to continuing infrastructural deficiencies as a result of the winter storms and subsequent flooding.

"The navigation remains closed and users are advised to stay clear of the damaged facilities in the area.

With additional funding sought from the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Waterways Ireland said that it had "limited resources and has had to prioritise its' interventions in those areas of greatest need and use."

However, this Wednesday, the agency said that "following inspections of the floating breakwater and the waiting jetties, a number of design solutions have been advanced to repair and re-instate the infrastructure.

"Works are commencing this week and it is expected that navigation in Limerick will be re-opened in three to four weeks."

The news has been broadly welcomed by leisure boat users and the business community who said that an indefinite closure of the navigation would effect tourism revenues and jobs in the area.

Last year, a six point plan to boost marine tourism on the Shannon and in Limerick was launched by then Education Minister Jan O'Sullivan.

The plans, drafted by Limerick marine enthusiasts to benefit local tourism, heritage and education, were submitted to Waterways Ireland.

Waterways Ireland said that they wished to take this opportunity "to apologise for the inconvenience caused to customers by this closure and wish to thank you for your patience and support in this matter."

Waterways Ireland has issued a reminder to users of the inland waterways on the Shannon Navigation that it is advised not to undertake a voyage if more than one turbine is operating, due to increased velocity of flow in the navigation which can be dangerous. The situation may also arise when flood conditions prevail.

Contact the lock keeper at Ardnacrusha (tel: 087-7972998) for information on the number of turbines in operation at Ardnacrusha before commencing transit of this part of the river.