MARINE NOTICE 37/2012

34th and 35th Levels Closed

Waterways Ireland wishes to advise masters and users of the Royal Canal that the 34th. and 35th levels are closed until Fri 20th Apr for emergency repairs and regrets any inconvenience that this may cause its customers.

Charles Lawn
Lt Cdr (rtd)
Inspector of Navigation
5 Apr 2012
Tel: 00 353 (0)90 6494232
 

MARINE NOTICE 36/2012

Summit Level Closed

Waterways Ireland wishes to advise masters and users of the Royal Canal that the summit level is closed until further notice due to low water levels and regrets any inconvenience that this may cause its customers.

Charles Lawn
Lt Cdr (rtd)
Inspector of Navigation
5 Apr 2012
Tel: +353 (0)90 6494232

 

MARINE NOTICE 33/2012

All Navigations - Low Water Levels

Advisory Information
The extended period of unseasonal dry weather has meant that water levels in the navigations are presently lower than normal for this time of year.
As the boating season is about to get underway masters and users are advised of the following:
Navigation
If the dry weather continues and water levels fall below normal summer levels masters should be aware that their vessels may be at risk of grounding, particularly deep drafted vessels. To reduce this risk masters should navigate where possible on or near the centreline of the channel and also avoid short cutting in dog-legged channels and navigating too close to navigation markers. Proceeding at a slow speed will also reduce “squat” effect i.e. where the vessel tends to sit lower in the water as a consequence of higher speed.
Slipways
Low water levels will also impact on slipways with reduced slipway length available under the water surface and the possibility of launching trailers dropping off the end of the concrete apron onto the river /lake bed and causing damage to trailer, outboard motor or boat.  More slipway surface will also be susceptible to weed growth requiring care while engaged in launching boats.
Bank Erosion
Very dry riverbanks are more susceptible to erosion from vessel wash. Please ensure you adhere to the speed limits and maintain a reduced wash.
Lock Share
Where appropriate by maximising on the number of vessels in a lock the total volume of water moving downstream is decreased. This also reduces the volume of water used. Please be patient and wait for other boaters to share the lock with you rather than using locks for sole passages.
Efficient Lock Use
Make sure lock cycles are used for vessels travelling each way. Each lock cycle should take boats both up and down stream. Shut all sluice gates and paddles when leaving a lock.
Service Blocks
You are requested not to leave taps running at watering points or service blocks in the interest of water conservation.

Charles Lawn
Lt Cdr (rtd)
Inspector of Navigation
3 Apr 2012
Tel: +353 (0)90 6494232

 

MARINE NOTICE 19/2012

RICHMOND HARBOUR - 5 DAY RULE

Waterways Ireland wishes to remind all Masters and users of the Royal Canal that it is intended to enforce SI No. 24/1988: Canals Act, 1986 Bye Law (25, 1 (d)) on all hard edged moorings in the harbour area with effect from 17th March 2012. 

This enforcement will facilitate the movement of visiting vessels.  Vessels should only moor directly onto quay walls and not double and triple berth.  Alternative berthing is available either on the River Shannon or further East on the Royal Canal.

Vessels in contravention of this bye-law will be moved out of the harbour.  Non permitted vessels will also be moved. 

Owners and Masters of vessels are requested to assist in this enforcement in order to open the area to more vessels and facilitate the proper use of the harbour. 

Charles Lawn
Lt Cdr (rtd)
Inspector of Navigation
5 March 2012
Tel: + 353(0)90 6494232

MARINE NOTICE 36/2010

Locks 16 and 17

Waterways Ireland wishes to advise all Masters and users of the Royal Canal that due to vandalism issues at Locks 16 & 17 of the Royal Canal (near Kilcock), Waterways Ireland advise that padlocking devices have been installed at these lock gates.  These actions  will not normally affect navigation through the locks, as the padlocks themselves will not usually be fitted on to these devices.

However when there is a high risk that the lock gates will be tampered with and water released from the canal levels, e.g. during hot weather at weekends, padlocks will be fitted on to the devices and Masters and Owners will need to contact the relevant Waterways Ireland staff member to arrange lock passage.  Contact details are below, including times of working at weekends / public holidays:

Dessie Phillips 087 248 5754, Sundays / public holidays 0830 – 1230
PJ Massey 087 985 7019, Saturdays 0800 - 1230

It is advised to make contact in advance of planned passage through Locks 16 or 17 particularly for weekends or public holidays.  If the padlocks have to be fitted, lock passage will generally only be possible during the hours given above.

Waterways Ireland wishes to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.  If you need any clarification on the above please contact the Eastern Regional Office at +353 (0)1 868 0148.

Charles Lawn
Lt Cdr (rtd)
Inspector of Navigation
28 May 2010
Tel: +353 (0)90 649 4232
Fax: +353 (0)90 649 4147

MARINE NOTICE 15/2010

MAYNOOTH

Waterways Ireland wishes to remind all Masters and Users of the Royal Canal in Maynooth that an obstruction exists on the north bank west of Maynooth Harbour (site of old C.I.E. foot bridge). Masters and owners should observe the signs placed on the remaining wooden support columns indicating the safe channel.

Charles Lawn
Lt Cdr (rtd)
Inspector of Navigation
17 February 2010
Tel: +353 (0)90 649 4232
Fax: +353 (0)90 649 4147

MARINE NOTICE 94/09

11th/12th Lock Dublin Area - Temporary Bridge

Masters and Owners are advised that a temporary bridge has been put in place immediately downstream of the M50 aqueduct on the Royal Canal between the 11th and 12th Lock. This bridge is to facilitate pedestrians during ongoing construction works at the M50 / N3 junction and will cause some restrictions to navigation.
Anyone requiring passage through this area should contact Waterways Ireland Eastern Regional Office (353 1 868 0148), giving 24 hours notice (48 hours notice for weekends), and passage will be arranged as required.

Waterways Ireland thanks its customers for their cooperation
in this matter.

C.J.Lawn
Lt Cdr rtd
Inspector of Navigation
28 Aug 2009
Tel: 353 90 6494232
Fax: 353 90 6494147

MARINE NOTICE 52/08

Manual Operations of Canal Locks

Waterways Ireland wishes to advise all masters and users of the waterways that manual lock operations should be undertaken bearing the following in mind.

1. As soon as possible after entry to a lock chamber, secure the boat with a bow and stern line to the posts, bollards or rings provided for that purpose.
2. Do not attempt to open or close the gates of any lock other than by means provided for that purpose.
3. Do not attempt to open or close the gates of any lock before the water level on either side of the gates is level.
4. Do not operate any sluice until the lock gates are closed.
5. Do ensure that, whenever there is more than one boat in a lock at the same time, the engine of each boat is switched off before the lock gates are closed and remains switched off until the lock gates are opened to allow the egress of the boats.
6. Do not leave your lock key on the spindle of the paddle gear when it is not being used. Paddle gear can slip, especially if the gate moves with the change in water pressure, and a heavy metal lock key spinning off of its spindle can cause serious injury or damage.
7. Closely monitor the boat as it rises or falls in the lock to ensure it does not become caught on the gates, cill or other part of the lock.
8. Never leave a boat unattended while a lock fills or empties.

Charles Lawn
Lt Cdr (rtd)
Inspector of Navigation
Tel: +353 (0)90 649 4232
Fax: +353 (0)90 649 4147

HEAVY MACHINERY

Boat owners and all other users of the waterways are reminded that no cranes or heavy machines can be brought onto the banks of the Grand Canal, the Royal Canal or the Barrow Navigation without the written permission of the Eastern Regional Office of Waterways Ireland. This is to protect the banks of these waterways from damage by such machines.

Shane Anderson
Lt Cdr RNS
Assistant Inspector of Navigation

Tel: 00 353 (0) 90 6494232
Fax: 00 353 (0) 87 2865726