Q. Can you please tell me if there is 24hr access to the slipway at Toomebridge? I noticed that there is a gateway at the entrance to the slipway / pontoon and I was wondering if it is left open all the time? If it is locked at certain times, what are these times and is it possible to gain access to the slipway outside of these times and if so, how do I make arrangements?

A. There is round the clock pedestrian access to the slipway at Toomebridge. Vehicular access to the slipway area is permitted daily from 8 a.m. to dusk. Access to the slipway area may be permitted outside these times. Prior arrangements should be made with the Lock keeper at Toome (tel. +44 (0)28 79650640). A. Access to the slipway area may be permitted outside these times. Prior arrangements should be made with the Lock keeper at Toome (tel. 028 79650640).
Areas(s) : Lower Bann Navigation

Q. What is the largest size boat that can safely navigate from the sea to Lough Neagh?

A. The largest boat that can safely navigate from the sea to Lough Neagh is of length 35 m , Beam 5.5m, Draft 1.0m, with an Airdraft of 1.5m at High Water in Coleraine and 4.2m at Low Water in Coleraine.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland Activities Lower Bann Navigation Navigation

Q. My son is 13 and has expressed an interest in fresh water fishing. Sadly I know nothing about the subject - and would like advice in where to go and who to contact for lessons please. We live in Holywood COunty Down. Many Thanks

A. The Ulster Coarse Fishing Federation, 29 Georgian Villas, Omagh, Co Tyrone BT79 OAT. Tel no +44 (0)28 8222 5202, Email: vrefausse@omagh.ac.uk may be able to advise you on local courses in your area. Bann System Ltd, Cutts House, 54 Castleroe Road, Coleraine, Co Londonderry BT51 3RL. Tel no +44 (0)28 7034 4796, Fax no +44 (0)28 7035 6527, Web: www.bannsystem.com and Northern Regional Fisheries Board, Station Road, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal should also have useful information for you. Tel no +353 (0)71 9851435, Fax no +353 (0)71 9851816, Email: info@nrfb.ie Web: www.nrfb.ie
Areas(s) : General Activities Lower Bann Navigation Erne System Angling

Q. Hello we want to go canoeing in Northern Ireland. Can you tell me where I find someone from whom we could hire canoes. Thank you

A. If you go to http://www.landwaterair.co.uk/dsp_SearchResults.cfm/ACTIVITIES_KEY/20/Canoeing.htm you will find lots of information on and contacts for canoeing in Northern Ireland including the following: The Ark Activity Centre, Castle Island, Enniskillen. Tel no +44 (0)6632 4250, Email: info@arkoutdoor.com; Share Holiday Village, Smith’s Strand, Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh. Tel no +44 (0)28 6772 2122, Email: celia@sharevillage.org Web: www.sharevillage.org; Canoe Trails, Countryside Access and Activities Network, The Stableyard, Barnett’s Demesne, Belfast BT9 5PB. Tel no +44 (0)28 9030 3930, Email: info@countrysiderecreation.com Web: www.countrysiderecreation.com; and Canoe Association of Northern Ireland, Western Region, John O Neill, Roscor, Belleek, Co Fermanagh. Tel no +44 (0)79 68623384.
Areas(s) : General Activities Lower Bann Navigation Erne System Canoeing

Q. Hi. I would like to know why there is no control of speeds and behaviour on the Lower Bann. Skiers regularly ski right through Portglenone Marina and one of these almost put my child in danger as she was getting into our boat. I have never seen a warden near here. Why not?

A. Issues such as speeding and inappropriate behaviour are addressed by the implementation of bye-laws. There are currently no navigational bye-laws applicable on the Lower Bann Navigation. However Waterways Ireland is currently reviewing and redrafting generic bye-laws across all the navigations under the management of Waterways Ireland. These bye-laws will be issued for public consultation at the end of the year and input from users will be most welcome.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland Activities Lower Bann Navigation Cruising Powerboat Sports

Q. How advanced are the plans to connect the Lower Bann and the Erne System via the Ulster canal?

A. Over the past 5 years Waterways Ireland has been asked (by its sponsoring Departments and Ministers) to carry out technical and economic studies regarding the works, costs and benefits associated with the reopening of the Ulster Canal. The studies requested to date have been completed and have been forwarded to both the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure. At the moment both Governments are considering the reports.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland Lower Bann Navigation Erne System