Glimmer of hope as waterways reopen

WITH the Northern Ireland Executive announcing the easing of some restrictions as part of its five-step roadway to recovery, Waterways Ireland has been planning the phased reopening of the Erne system, the Shannon Erne waterway and the Lower Bann Navigation.

Waterways Ireland has now finalised its own roadmap and phased return of its workforce in line with the introduction of new Covid-19 procedures and protocols for compliance with health and safety legislation. This has involved the management and mitigation of risk, training of staff and provision of resources for the protection of both staff and waterway users.

The first phase of waterways in Northern Ireland opened on May 29. However, those opting to use them will need to take heed of new rules and regulations, and maintain social distancing at all times. A comprehensive list of these can be found on the Waterways Ireland website, www.waterwaysireland.org

Waterway users are requested to remain fully aware of the constantly changing situation surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic and make regular checks on the relevant social media sites for any updates.

In the second phase, locks on the River Shannon reopened on Monday, June 8 between the times 9am-5pm until Monday, June 29 but Waterways Ireland service blocks remain closed. Towpaths remain open and accessible for local exercise; however, users are asked to limit their use and only use those in close vicinity (5km in the Republic of Ireland) of their home.

The reopening of these waterways provides a welcomed glimmer of hope that others throughout Ireland will soon follow suit.

In the meantime boat owners in the Republic of Ireland can only travel within 5km of their home to check on vessels moored on the navigation. Winter mooring facilities have been extended until July 20 to ease the pressure on the boating community.