Plans to develop new lock gates at Staleen lower

IWAI Boyne Navigation are planning to continue their development of the Boyne Canal project, after applying to Meath CC for permission to commence permanent renovation works to the existing masonry lock chamber at Staleen Lower and the provision of new timber and steel Lock Gates at each end of the lock.

The works will include enabling works to facilitate access to and a working platform for machinery at the lock, the construction of temporary timber stop-board dams and the pumping of standing water and dredging of accumulated silt from the bed of the lock.

This silt will be stored and dried out on site, in a lined bunded storage area, adjacent to the north side of the lock.

The works will also include the repair and re-pointing of the 100 metre long masonry wash wall to the west of the lock. Altogether the permanent renovation works at the lock and wash wall will extend over a length of about 150 metres.

An Appropriate Assessment Environmental Screening and Natura Impact Statement (NIS) report was prepared as well as a Habitat Map, Plant Species List, Bat Survey and Archaeological Assessment.

However, Meath CC has declared their application invalid due to a lack of site layout maps and they are expected to re-apply.