Update on the Royal Canal Restoration

The third and final phase of the Royal Canal Restoration Programme is currently underway on its Western Section. This phase will see the Royal Canal restored to the Shannon Navigation at Clondra and involves dredging the Navigation, restoring lock chambers and installing lock gates, bog restoration work and a bridge replacement programme for culverted bridges. After the closure of the Royal Canal to navigation in 1961, sections of the Canal were filled with pipes and concrete and were built on. To restore the Canal as a waterway, it is necessary to remove these culverts and re-establish the navigation route. The third phase of the bridge replacement Programme involves the following restoration works, which are currently underway or have recently been completed:

- Waterways Ireland completed a new lifting rail bridge and a fixed road bridge with Bord na Móna, to replace two low level fixed crossings over the Canal.

- In the village of Abbeyshrule, the low level culvert which was used to carry the road across the Canal has been removed. The road was realigned to approach the existing masonry arch bridge (Webb's Bridge) which was then re-opened to allow traffic cross the Canal. The removal of this culvert opened up an additional 10km of the Canal and allows navigation of the Canal to Ballybrannigan Harbour (near Ballymahon).

- In Ballymahon, the existing Longford Bridge and the road leading to it was nearly at water level and prevented the passage of boats. A new road bridge was constructed and has been opened for traffic. Work is continuing on ancilliary works along the Canal and this added a further 8km stretch of restored waterway to the Royal Canal.

- At Begnagh, a fully automated lifting bridge has been installed to replace the existing low level culvert. This is the first fully automated lifting bridge of its kind in Ireland and the UK and it opens and closes based on scanning the canal for the movement of boats.

- At Mosstown Bridge, construction is underway for a new fixed bridge. Work started in December 2007 and is due to be completed by the summer of 2008.

- At Lyneen Bridge, design is underway for a fixed bridge which is due to be completed by the end of 2008. The Planning application was submitted to Longford County Council in April 2008 and if approval is granted work will start this summer on its construction.

- At Lock 45 the stonework was rebuilt in sections and restored throughout to its original condition. The gates have also been restored and it is now fully operational.

The Restoration of the Royal Canal will create a triangular route which will enable boats from the Shannon Navigation to travel to Dublin via the Royal Canal, and back to the Shannon via the Grand Canal. In doing so, the Royal Canal will provide new and attractive recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Waterways Ireland held an open meeting in Mullingar on 22 April with relevant organisations based along the Royal Canal and with the canal user groups to discuss the re-opening of the canal in 2009. The meeting, attended by some 40 representatives, was addressed by Martin Dennany with an entertaining and informative presentation by John McKeown. A lively debate and questions and answers session was facilitated by Éanna Rowe with significant and substantive progress being made on the framework for the Royal Canal celebrations.

A consultative committee will shortly be formed to co-ordinate the celebrations and we can all look forward to 2009 being the "Royal Year".