Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels and all water users that water levels have risen significantly across all inland navigations due to continued heavy rainfall, with some localised flooding.
Specifically, these conditions are impacting the Erne System, River Barrow, River Shannon, Shannon–Erne Waterway, and Lower Bann Navigations. Hazardous conditions are expected to persist for several days as run-off from the surrounding catchment areas continues to enter river systems.
Masters are reminded that increased flow rates, higher water levels, and inclement weather present additional hazards when navigating, including:
- Reduced Air Draft. Clearance under bridges may be significantly diminished.
- Navigation Hazards. Challenging approaches to and departures from locks due to increased flow rates.
- Submerged Infrastructure. Fixed jetties may have low freeboard or be partially submerged.
- Open Water Conditions. On larger lakes such as Lough Derg, Lough Ree, and Lough Erne, strong winds across wide fetches can create hazardous wave conditions.
Vessel Mooring & Berthing Security. Masters are strongly advised to check their vessel moorings and berths when safe to do so, as rising water levels and increased flow rates may place additional strain on lines and cleats.
Safety Advisory. Waterway users should exercise caution at all times and adopt a risk-averse approach to decision-making. Navigation should be avoided unless necessary until water levels and flow rates return to normal parameters.
Masters are advised to monitor weather forecasts and warnings from official meteorological sources:
• For the Republic of Ireland: Met Éireann - The Irish Meteorological Service
• For Northern Ireland: Weather and climate change - Met Office
Waterways Ireland thanks its customers for their cooperation.
Peter Harty
Inspector of Navigation
Inspectorate.Athlone@waterwaysireland.org