MOTORISTS and passers by may have noticed the lack of water in some stretches of the Grand Canal recently.
This is because Waterways Ireland has confirmed that further dredging of the inner city section of the canal is now underway.
The work follows on from previous dredging operations completed on the canal between November 2009 and April 2011 which took place between Grand Canal Basin and Lock C7 at Portobello.
Waterways Ireland said the work is necessary to keep the canal navigable for a large range of boats.
To facilitate the works the Grand Canal will be closed to navigation until March 2013 between Portobello on the Circular Line and Lock 2 at the Davitt Road on the Main Line. The work will be executed under contract by L & M Keating Limited and will involve the use of excavating machinery working within the canal property.
So far the project involves the removal of sediment deposits from the central navigation channel of the canals and the clearance of rubbish. Meanwhile, traffic management plans agreed with Dublin City Council have been drawn up to keep disruption to a minimum.
Extensive discussions have also taken place with the National Parks and Wildlife Service on measures to minimise the impact of these essential maintenance works on the sensitive habitats established within the canals. All material removed from the canals will be transported to licensed disposal facilities.
The work is funded by the Government under the National Development Plan 2007 – 2013.
For further information on the project visit the Waterways Ireland website www.waterwaysireland.org and check out the
‘Navigation Information, Planned Works’ page.