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On Thursday 22 May 2003 The Friends of The Coalisland Canal formed a Branch of The Inland Waterways Association of Ireland At a well attended meeting in the Coalisland Enterprise Centre presided over by Brian Cassells Vice President of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland a branch of IWAI was formed. Branch officers were elected and it was decided that the new branch would be known as The Coalisland Canal Branch.
Jim Canning was elected Branch Chairman, James Walshe Vice Chairman, Jack Corr Branch Treasurer and Johnny Cavanagh elected Branch Secretary with Tommy O'Neill elected Assistant Secretary.
Brian Cassells welcomed the new branch and its members to the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland and Victor Hamill chairman of the River Bann and Lough Neagh Association presented Jim Canning with an IWAI burgee on behalf of the RBLNA.
Following a collision at 12 noon on the 14.08.02 between the Sand Barges Norman and Tramp, the Tramp sank immediately at position 54°40.1'N, 006°29.W approximately 1.25 nautical miles west of the Ballinderry River in five metres of water. After several salvage attempts the Tramp has now been raised and towed to Sandy Bay for possible refurbishment.
Lough Neagh Rescue were quickly on the scene to assist and removed floating debris from the area. Pollution Control from the EHS Water Management Unit are monitoring the spillage of fuel oil and have reported that there is no major pollution problem as the South westerly gale on Wednesday night dispersed the oil slick. The crew of the two vessels were uninjured and the Norman was beached near the Curran Quay. The Norman 165' was subsequently refloated and returned to Derryadd Sand Quay for repairs. Marine Surveyors are inspecting the Tramp 190' to mount a possible salvage operation. Both vessels were capable of carrying in the region of 500 tons of sand. The Tramp which is the largest vessel on Lough Neagh came to Lough Neagh in the 1970's after trading on the continent. The Tramp was skippered by George McGarry an IWIA member until his retirement last year. The late Jim McGarry also skippered the Tramp from time to time. The Norman arrived on Lough Neagh in 2000 also after trading on the continent. Both vessels arrived by road as they are too large to navigate the Lower Bann.
TRAMP click on thumbnails to enlarge NORMAN ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LOUGH NEAGH MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Official Launch June 19th 2002 The Lough Neagh Management Strategy was Officially launched by Dermot Nesbitt MLA, Minister for the Environment in the Long Gallery at Stormont. IWAI was well represented at the launch by members of both Northern Ireland Branches. The Strategy is very positive to the rewatering of the Canals of the Lough Neagh Hub and calls for the establishment of a Lough Neagh Navigation Authority.
To view the Management Strategy click below (long download)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ulster Waterways Group Conference
Theme: Coleraine to Clones: Linking Ireland's Waterways. Date: Friday 27 September 2002. Venue: Town Hall, Coleraine. Includes progress reports from WI and DCAL, Caroline Marshall on "A Sustainable Development Strategy for the Lower Bann", Erskine Holmes on reopening the Ulster Canal, Derek Cochrane of British Waterways on "Community Benefits of Waterway Restoration", Mike Smith of Laganside Corporation on "Belfast Harbour/Lagan Canal Interface". Coach tour of locks and river developments, More information from Ulster Waterways Group, 88 Clifton Street, Belfast BT13 1AB. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Safety British Waterways (BW) has put its boater's Toolkit online at ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Tuesday 12 March the Inland Waterways Association in conjunction with the Ulster Waterways Group organised a public forum in the Hillgrove Hotel in Monaghan. Ruth Delany, the noted author and expert on Irish waterways, chaired the conference. The aim of the meeting was to raise public awareness of the proposal to re-open the Ulster Canal. Invitations had been sent out to politicians, civil servants, local councilors, community groups, landowners and to anyone who was interested in this project. Some 160 invitations were issued, 80 South of the Border and 80 to representatives in Northern Ireland. The organisers expected 80 to 100 people to attend and were astounded when over 200 arrived.
Colin Becker, the President of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland, set the scene with a presentation showing the proposed line of the canal and illustrated the present condition of the waterway. He also referred to the facilities that people want along waterways and the opportunities these present. Erskine Holmes, the co-chairman of the Ulster Waterways Group outlined recommendations contained in the feasibility report submitted for consideration of the two Governments and the concluding speaker was the well known broadcaster and naturalist, Dick Warner, who illustrated the economic benefits of the restored waterway. After the presentations there was a lively discussion session and all in attendance were quick to recognise the benefits such inward investment would generate. Landowners and farmers alike realised the enhanced property and land values that would ensue, and the potential for farm diversification and small business creation. The potential for rural tourism initiatives was particularly exciting as were the job opportunities, full-time and part-time, that would result. Environmental issues were addressed and all present were assured of sensitive treatment for wildlife and fauna. Comparisons were made to the Shannon/Erne link and to the dramatic revitalisation of communities along the waterway route. Examples of inward investment and the resulting prosperity of Leitrim village, Ballinamore and Ballyconnell were highlighted. One other notable factor was the civic pride taken by such communities and their endeavors to welcome the traveler to their area. Many had organised local festivals, competitions etc. and were anxious to show off notable features in their locality. Dr. Ian Bath, the writer and waterway enthusiast pointed out that regarding the restoration of the Royal Canal, all the negotiations with local landowners and communities had been settled amiably and to the benefit of all concerned. All who attended were supportative and enthusiastic about the project and questioned the speakers as to how they might further the venture. I think it is fair to conclude that those present felt this project had been discussed for long enough and that now was the time for action. All were urged to seek the support of politicians, both at local and National level, to lobby by every available means and at every opportunity, and hopeful all could return in one year’s time to discuss progress.
Brian Cassells. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- La Vague a vessel in need of T.L.C. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Work Has Commenced on Toome Bypass click on bridge for further details
Air draft at new bridge to be higher than existing Bridges by .5m Disruption to navigation to be minimal -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IWAI NEWS
click on these thumbnails to enlarge
Roads Service has confirmed Navigation Reopened as of 27/06/02 Airdraft remains as before at 3.05metres assuming Lough Neagh level of 12.5M O.D.
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