Waterways Ireland is planning to commence extensive refurbishment works to Ballyconnell service block on the Shannon-Erne Waterway on Monday 27 November, with works scheduled to last approximately four months.

During this time the service block will be closed to the public, the cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways.

Alternative service block facilities managed by Waterways Ireland can be found along the Shannon-Erne Waterway at Haughton’s Shore in Co Leitrim and Aghalane, Co Fermanagh.

For further details on the closure, contact the Waterways Ireland Regional Offices on 0719650787 or email [email protected].

Waterways Ireland advises all masters of vessels on and users of the Shannon Navigation that Tarmonbarry Bridge and Lock will be closed this Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 November to facilitate inspection works.

In addition, Rooskey Bridge and Lock will be closed on Thursday 23 and Friday 24 November to facilitate inspection works.

Works at both locations will include diving operations within the vicinity of the bridges, the cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways adds.

Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels on and users of the Shannon Navigation that Clarendon Lock in Knockvicar, Co Roscommon will be closed this Wednesday 15 November due to a planned electricity outage in the area.

Met Éireann has issued a Status Red wind warning for counties Clare, Galway, Roscommon, Offaly, Westmeath for Monday (13 November) with the arrival of Storm Debi.

And a Status Orange warning will be in effect on and off the East Coast from counties Wexford to Down, with a Status Yellow warning for the rest of the island of Ireland’s coastline.

Met Éireann’s weather warning states that conditions will be “extremely gusty on Sunday night and Monday due to Storm Debi with potential danger to life”.

Possible impacts include damage to exposed and vulnerable structures; disruption to services and transport; significant power outages; and fallen trees/branches.

High winds — reaching as much as violent storm Force 11 from Mizen Head to Valentia to Slyne Head — will be accompanied by heavy rain with a chance of embedded thunderstorms and hail.

In addition, a small craft warning is in effect from 11pm on Sunday (11 November) until late on Tuesday (14 November) as south-easterly winds veering south-westerly will reach Force 6 or higher.

Waterways Ireland advises masters and owners of vessels on the inland waterways not to undertake unnecessary journeys and to check mooring lines regularly throughout this period.

Waterways users are advised that jetties and quay walls may be slippery due to the heavy rainfall. Additional precautions should be taken when operating on or near water during Storm Debi.

Waterways Ireland wishes to inform masters of vessels and waterway users on Lower Lough Erne in the Erne System that the East Jetty on Devenish Island will be closed from Wednesday 15 November for a period of around six weeks.

The closure period is to facilitate an upgrade to the existing jetty, the cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways adds.

Waterways Ireland advises masters and owners of vessels that the water level in the Grand Canal between Locks 13 and 14 in north-east Kildare will be reduced by around 18 inches (450mm) with immediate effect.

The reduced water level will be in place until 1 February 2024.

The cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways advises masters of vessels to check mooring lines regularly throughout this period.

Navigation in this section will be restricted and only possible by first contacting the area foreman on 087 359 9072.

An ambitious action plan has been launched to drive forward blueways across the island of Ireland.

Blueways encourage the the use of lakes, canals, rivers and sheltered coastal environments for kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, walking and cycling while connecting with nature and heritage.

They are aimed at the low to no-skilled ‘dabbler’ and therefore activity providers, eateries, accommodation and attractions all perform a key role in animating the experience.

There are currently four accredited blueways in Ireland: the Boyne Blueway, Suir Blueway in Tipperary, Lough Derg Blueway and now the Arranmore-Burtonport Blueway in Donegal.

The three-year Blueway Partnership Action Plan sets out key actions to ensure the successful development, promotion, management and maintenance of additional high-quality blueways so that locals and visitors can consistently and sustainably enjoy animated experiences on or close the water.

Consisting of Fáilte Ireland, Sport Ireland, Waterways Ireland, Sport Northern Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland, the Blueway Partnership has the stated ambition to grow the network of accredited blueways from four to 10 by 2025.

To reflect this, a key initial step has been the establishment of new Blueway Coordinator and Development Advisor roles which will provide the dedicated resource required to support the delivery of the Action Plan and the Blueways Partnership. Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland has been appointed to this role.

Along with a sustained effort to develop more blueways, the Action Plan also highlights the need to also support the management, promotion and animation of existing blueways.

According to its authors, the Action Plan also ensures the Blueway Partnership is well positioned to respond to the growing public demand for quality infrastructure close to water and nature.

Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels on and users of the Erne System in the Enniskillen area that the power bollards at the Round ‘O’ and Carrybridge will be isolated on Wednesday 8 November for the winter period.

Power will be reconnected at the start of the 2024 boating season, the cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways adds.

Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels on and users of the Shannon Navigation that the waiting jetty at the Railway Bridge in Limerick has been relocated to George’s Quay.

The jetty will be reinstated to its original location in March 2024 in time for the end of the winter period on Ireland’s inland waterways.

Boat owners and watersport enthusiasts have expressed concern over proposed new bye-laws for Ireland’s inland waterways, according to RTÉ News.

Afloat.ie previously reported on the public consultation over the proposed bye-law changes for the canals and Shannon Navigation, which closes today (Friday 27 October).

Waterways Ireland says over 600 submissions have been received in this first phase of consultation.

“We’ve had very good feedback from the public and from stakeholders,” said Paddy Harkin, inspector of navigation at Waterways Ireland. "We want to have bye-laws that will be fit for purpose for the next 20 to 30 years.”

But there are fears in some corners over such proposals as changes to mooring times and rules, as well as a €200 registration fee for businesses operating on the Shannon.

RTÉ News has more on the story HERE.