Waterways Ireland plans to dredge section of Shannon
Waterways Ireland is proposing to dredge a section of the navigational channel of the Shannon, south of Meelick Lock.
The project envisages the removal of 710 cubic metres of silt build-up.
The authority is to seek planning permission for the maintenance work, downstream of what is officially known as Victoria Lock, in the townland of Clonaheenogue, on the Offaly/Galway border.
Dredging is scheduled where the River Shannon/New Cut and the Brosna River meet, to remove deposits from the navigation channel.
Waterways Ireland says the dredged material will be placed on its lands to the rear of the lock house at Victoria lock, in a manner to ensure no impacts to the river; An Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) and Natura Impact Statement (NIS) have been undertaken for the works and will be submitted to the local authority through the planning process.
Waterways Ireland is the navigational authority responsible for maintaining navigability on the Shannon. This includes maintaining navigation depth along the defined navigation channels and at Waterways Ireland amenities including jetties, slipways and harbours. Waterways Ireland’s remit does not permit the removal of materials outside of defined navigation channels.
Waterways Ireland is a member of The Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group, chaired by the OPW.
The organisation said further information would be available on the local authority planning portal once the planning submission is made.