Waterways Ireland given green light for River Barrow dredging in Laois

Waterways Ireland has secured planning permission to carry out dredging and maintenance on the River Barrow in Laois over the next five years. 

The dredging work along a three hectare stretch of the Barrow Navigation in the townlands of Clogrenan, Crossneen and Ballyhide was approved subject to 17 conditions.

In its application to Laois County Council, Waterways Ireland requested permission for  

“(i)Maintenance and repair works to the Barrow Navigation comprising post-flood spot dredging and maintenance dredging, (ii) A new temporary access road providing access to the Barrow trackway from Leighlin Road to facilitate the proposed works, (iii) Temporary mobile welfare units and , (iv) All works ancillary and incidental to the maintenance and repair works referred to above. 

Waterways Ireland provided a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) as part of the planning application. 

Documents supporting the application explained that planned “post-flood spot dredging involves the removal of silt and gravel, which has been carried downstream in the winter floods and is typically deposited at the heads and tails of canals, locks and the confluences of rivers and streams, to restore navigation to design levels.” 

The dredging can be carried out through the use of a Watermaster, a water based machine or a long-reach excavator on the river bank. 

“All extraneous material will be reused, transferred by licensed haulier to a licensed landfill or the Applicant’s own disposal site,” the documents stated. 

A report on behalf of Waterways Ireland said: “The proposed Scheduled Maintenance Works encompass a range of site-specific works which will be undertaken on a phased basis and in line with established best practice concerning seasonality. Waterways Ireland is responsible for managing the site area of c. 3.0 ha comprising the Barrow Navigation within Co. Laois,” it states.  

The proposed Scheduled Maintenance Works are to be undertaken over a period of five years. 

“The Barrow River is a waterway corridor of National and International importance, with spectacular recreation and leisure amenities. Both the river and canal support a myriad of activities and sustain a rich and diverse built and natural heritage. The picturesque nature of the waterway combined with both canal and river navigation make it a unique experience,”  a planning report from Waterways Ireland stated. 

"The existence of a trackway along the route of the navigation makes it an experience to be enjoyed by a wide diversity of recreational users. Given the importance of these waterways, maintenance works are required to ensure the integrity of the Barrow Navigation system and associated infrastructure. It is important to mention that the proposed works are for maintenance purposes only for boating and trackway use. As such these works are essential to ensure the continued safe operation, enjoyment and navigation of the Barrow Navigation system,” it stated.  

The planning application attracted a number of submissions including one from Philip Crean of Barrowline Cruisers which are based on the Grand Canal at Vicarstown. 

“We are the longest operating business on the Barrow/Grand/Royal systems. Our customers come from all over the world to navigate the beautiful scenic canals and River Barrow, contributing to the tourism economy by eating and drinking in the pubs and restaurants along the way, and purchasing groceries and souvenirs," he explained. 

“In recent years our boats have had a lot of difficulties getting further than Clashganny due to silting and lack of maintenance along the navigation. If the navigation is not maintained, we will have no choice but to advise our customers to stay on the canal and head north from our base,” he stated. 

“Barrowline Cruisers support the works outlined by Waterways Ireland within this planning application. The works are essential in order to allow its hire boats to travel on the Barrow Navigation,” he continued. 

“Over the last number of years WI has fallen back on navigation maintenance on the Barrow River and Grand Canal which has caused a lot of boating tourists to choose other waterways. It is very important for boat tourism that this maintenance goes ahead while taking account of the heritage, flora and fauna,” said Mr Crean.

In conclusion, he said: “Barrowline Cruisers fully support the proposed maintenance works by Waterways Ireland on the Barrow River navigation and the preservation of its navigation route for barges, boats/river tourism now and in the future.”

Peter Sweetment made a 93 page submission highlighting the legal obligations on Waterways Ireland to protect the environment and it highlighted the importance of endangered freshwater Pearl Mussel. 

Dublin resident Shane Sheehy asked the council to refuse the application. 

“Over many many years however I have witnessed Waterways Ireland treat the River Barrow in the most careless and cavalier manner. Waterways Ireland through its actions show absolutely zero regard for the flora and fauna present and have little regard to the area's designation as a Special Area of Conservation designation,” he said. 

Another Dublin resident,  Markie Becker, Secretary of the Heritage Boat Association(HBA) endorsed the planning application. “The HBA therefore fully support and endorse this application and the completion of these works as quickly as is feasible,” he wrote.  

Niall O’Dowda from the Kildare branch of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland(IWAI) said“IWAI have been highlighting the need for these maintenance works to be undertaken for some time now and believe some of these works are overdue and are now critical in nature. The maintenance of the Barrow Navigation, which commenced in the 1750s,should be supported and encouraged.” 

Rosalind Murray and Art Mooney of the CBUG, Carlow Barrow Users Group Besfield, Athy Road, Carlow made a 56 page submission on the plan.

“We ask the Councils and Planning Authorities to demand that Waterways Ireland develop a sustainable plan for works on the River Barrow Navigation, which meet the Qualifying Interests of the Special Area of Conservation and Natura 2000 and to protect and sustain the river habitats and historic structures of the navigation for generations to come, “ they stated. 

“We are hugely concerned that if Waterways Ireland implements its plans, in part or in full, the damage to our waterway system and the SAC will be significant and beyond repair,” they stated. 

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“The Planning Authority must refuse this application as by not doing so will permit the continuing destruction of the Barrow towpath beyond repair resulting in a grave and unacceptable loss of our heritage for future generations: human generations, and generations of It is important to remember that fair and sustainable decisions for future generations of Orange Tip, Common Blue, Otter, Salmon, Kingfisher, Bat and Bee to name a few,” the group stated.

Laois County Council approved the plan subject to 17 conditions on Tuesday, March 25.