THE navigation on the Shannon River between Parteen Weir and Limerick city will not reopen this weekend as previously indicated by Waterways Ireland as remedial works have been delayed, it has emerged this Thursday.
Last April, the passage of water between the Parteen Weir and Limerick city was closed.
In May, calls for it to reopen were echoed to Waterways Ireland
At the end of June, it was understood that those calls to reopen the weir to stem the loss of marine tourism revenue, had been with answered after confirmation from Waterways Ireland that the infrastructural repair works needed would begin.
Waterways Ireland confirmed the navigation would open within three to for weeks.
However, this week, Waterways Ireland posted a marine notice on its website citing delays.
Further to Marine Notices Nos. 16 and 84 of 2016. Waterways Ireland wishes to advise all users of the Shannon Navigation that the remedial work to effect repairs to the infrastructure has been delayed and the navigation will not open this week as anticipated.
A further Marine Notice will issue when it becomes apparent that repairs have been finalised and Sarsfield Lock is fully operational.
Damage to floating pontoons and a breakwater at the Abbey River forced the closure of the navigation until Waterways Ireland were in a position to identify and prioritise a number of repair options for the damaged infrastructure.
River users, local politicians and the city business community issued calls for Ministerial intervention to reopen the waterway after it closed on April 25.
A spokesperson for Waterways Ireland said that “the stretch of navigation from Limerick city to Parteen Weir was closed to navigation because of damage caused by winter storms and flooding. Because of limited resources, Waterways Ireland has to prioritise its interventions in those areas of greatest need and use.”
Originally, the news of the commencement of the works was been broadly welcomed by boat users who said that an indefinite closure of the navigation would effect tourism revenues and jobs in the area.
According to boating enthusiasts and stakeholders in the area, the developments this Thursday has dampened hopes of a marine tourism boost before the end of the Summer months.
Last year, a six point plan to boost marine tourism on the Shannon and in Limerick was launched by then Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan.
The plans, drafted by Limerick marine enthusiasts to benefit local tourism, heritage and education, were submitted to Waterways Ireland.
Waterways Ireland said that they wanted “to apologise for the inconvenience caused to customers by this closure and wish to thank you for your patience and support in this matter.”
