Temporary Closure- Extension
Waterways Ireland wishes to advise of an extension to the timeline for works on a Sea Lock Gate replacement project at Grand Canal Dock, until August 2026.
Public access to the walkways over the Sealock Gates between Hanover Quay and City Block 19, and to a section of the South Dock Road which runs parallel to the River Dodder, remains closed for the duration of the works, for health and safety reasons.
Waterways Ireland apologises for any inconvenience the delay may cause and undertakes to complete the works as quickly as possible. Waterways Ireland thanks anyone impacted for their patience and cooperation during this period.
Knock-on delays caused by severe weather have impacted the installation schedule of the bespoke fifteen tonne hard wood timber lock gates, led by a world-class team of specialist traditional craftspeople based in the Netherlands.
The remaining works programme includes completion of specialist handcrafted stone masonry repair works to the 230-year-old granite lock chamber walls, lifting the four lock gates into position and precision customisation of the gates to the lock walls’ contours to ensure watertightness.
Waterways Ireland further advises that shorter access closures may be required for works to power automated operation of the lock gates in autumn 2026; dates will be communicated in advance.
For further information regarding the works please visit waterwaysireland.org or email dublincanals@waterwaysireland.org.
Waterways Ireland appreciates that the closure may cause some inconvenience and undertakes to complete the works as quickly as possible. We would like to thank anyone impacted for their patience and cooperation during this period. Please see below an alternative route that can be used during the closure.
Updates, including any changes to the works schedule will be published here. Please email dublincanals@waterwaysireland.org with specific queries.
Grand Canal Dock was the world’s largest dock when it opened in 1796. A group of three Sea Locks connect the Dock to the River Liffey and onwards to the Irish Sea and the world. The largest, Camden Lock, has not been operational since 2010. Waterways Ireland is undertaking an ambitious restoration project to restore Camden Lock to its former glory, re-opening Grand Canal Dock to Tall Ships and other larger and sea-faring craft, while maintaining, preserving, and protecting a unique heritage asset, further contributing to the regeneration of the Grand Canal Dock area.
More information on the storied history and heritage of the Grand Canal Dock can be found in the “Waterways Through Time” podcast series, available here. In episode 6 of series 4 “Grand Canal Docks and Boland Mills”, historian Turtle Bunbury tells the story of the evolution of the Grand Canal Docks from the pageantry of its opening in 1796 to its present renaissance.