.webp?ext=.webp)
Waterways Ireland is delighted to be part of STEPS Engineers Week 2023. This annual event is coordinated on a national basis by Engineers Ireland and runs from 4th – 10th March this year. The event encourages primary and post-primary students, their teachers and parents to explore the exciting world of engineering as well as highlighting the diverse career opportunities engineering offers.
Waterways Ireland had the pleasure of welcoming Minister Heather Humphreys along with students from St. Tiarnach's NS Clones to the Ulster Canal restoration project currently underway in Clones. Engineering teams from Waterways Ireland, Jons Civil Engineering Ltd and Doran Consulting jointly led site visits at Phase 2 of the canal restoration. This phase of the project involves the development of a new marina, two new access bridges, repairs to an existing masonry arch bridge, a new syphon and aqueduct, and a sustainable water supply. It will also include approximately 1km of restored canal and towpath, with a looped walk and an amenity area on the route of the 180-year-old Ulster Canal in Clones.
We were also thrilled to welcome Minister Anne Rabbitte together with students from St. Brendan's NS Portumna to the new Blueway development project currently under construction in the town. Waterways Ireland Engineers led site visits of the project which will link Connaught Harbour, Portumna Bridge and the swimming area when it opens later this year. Students also had the opportunity to view the swing bridge in operation and learn a little bit about the mechanisms required to make this happen!
Commenting during Engineers Week, Sharon Lavin, Head of Marketing & Communications with Waterways Ireland said: "There are a range of engineering teams working within Waterways Ireland on a variety of projects across all navigations managed by the organisation. Projects include navigation operation, maintenance and development, structural design, project management, fleet management, development and maintenance of electro-hydraulically operated lock gates and accompanying smart card system to name but a few. We are delighted to be part of Engineers Week which is a platform to highlight engineering as a career and recognize the importance of this continually evolving profession. The event provides an opportunity for students and teachers to see first-hand some of the engineering projects undertaken by Waterways Ireland. We have received very positive feedback from schools so the event has certainly inspired the next generation!"
Commenting on the launch of STEPS Engineers Week 2023 and World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development, Damien Owens, Director General of Engineers Ireland, said: "Engineers play a critical role in shaping the world around us and are uniquely placed to help the world meet critical Sustainable Development Goals. As we celebrate World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development and the launch of STEPS Engineers Week 2023, we look forward to providing children, their families and teachers, with the opportunity to dream, invent and create like professional engineers. We are pleased to see so many engineering organisations, libraries, schools and third level institutions getting involved and showcasing the engineering profession to primary and secondary school students nationwide. With lots of free resources, activities and on-demand engineering shows available to download, there is still plenty of time to get involved in this weeklong celebration and to bring the world of engineering to life at home or at school."