Waterways Ireland wishes to advise masters of vessels navigating the Grand Canal, Royal Canal and Barrow Navigation that a number of locks and associated sluices are secured and may only be operated by authorised Waterways Ireland personnel.
Following a significant incident in which the Royal Canal 14th Level was unintentionally drained, measures have been introduced to:
- Protect water levels during the current prolonged period of dry weather.
- Reduce the risk of water loss resulting from the misuse or unauthorised operation of locks and sluices.
- Prevent anti-social behaviour affecting the safe operation of the navigation.
The following locks require Waterways Ireland Water Patrollers / Lock-Keepers to be contacted to enable passage:
Barrow Navigation
- Ballyteague - Locks 20 and Lock 21
- Rathangan - Lock 23
Royal Canal - Lock 17
Grand Canal - Lock 19 and Lock 20
Boaters requiring passage through any of the above locks should contact the appropriate Waterways Ireland Water Patroller using the published contact details for their navigation our website, linked below:
- Boater information for the Grand Canal
- Boater information for the Royal Canal
- Boater information for the Barrow Navigation
This arrangement is separate from, and in addition to, the existing operational practice whereby the Lock 12 on both the Grand Canal and Royal Canal are secured to manage water levels and vessel access within the Dublin Metropolitan Area.
Waterways Ireland appreciates the cooperation and understanding of all waterway users. These measures are intended to conserve water resources, maintain navigable water levels across the canal network and help ensure the continued safe operation of the navigation during the current period of exceptionally dry weather.
Peter Harty
Inspector of Navigation
Inspectorate.Athlone@waterwaysireland.org