Waterways Ireland: Extensive dredging on Lower Bann

Waterways Ireland is undertaking a significant program of maintenance works on the Lower Bann over the winter period.

The picturesque Lower Bann connects Lough Neagh to the sea at the barmouth, north of Coleraine and the river, its towpaths and banks are used for tourism recreation by a wide range of locals and visitors. 

In fact, the works will focus on maintaining the navigability of the river channel and ensuring safe access for users.

Downstream of the Cutts Lock in Coleraine dredging has already been completed of over 1,000m³ of material, while at Movanagher a similar program to remove 200m³ of material will take place over a number of weeks in November.

Also, Toome Canal mouth will be dredged in early 2021.

Dredging of river-deposited material ensures the locks gates can operate and the channel remains clear enough for boats to pass.

In addition, the lock at Carnroe will have the upstream lock-gates changed – the gates which will be installed by a Waterways Ireland team, were last replaced over 50 years ago.

Waterways Ireland will begin the work to repair the weir at Carnoe and install a fish-pass in 2021 as planning permission has now been granted. Work will take place over a period of two years.

Winter is also the time the Waterways Ireland team undertake the removal of fallen trees and trim bank foliage along the navigation. This work will take place from Carnoe to the Cutts and at Toome.

The Toome Canal Walk which has seen a significant increase in users this year, will also be resurfaced, Waterways Ireland said.