Forum of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland - IWAI Waterways Discussion Forum

Slipway needed around Celbridge area. (2 replies)

Richard Ellis — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:47:58 +0100

Does anyone know of a open public slipway(freshwater) in or around Celbridge/Nass area. Just need to swap two small craft around between trailers. Can go into the GCD if necessary but easier if somewhere closer. Can be contacted offline at richardellis[at]eircom.net

Ta
R

May I introduce you to... (8 replies)

Alt — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:36:26 +0100

So after months of faffing about, negotiating, "will I, won't I" ..... today I finally shook hands and signed the paperwork.

So with that, may I introduce you to the new member of the alty family:

Cranchi2.jpg

cranchi1.jpg

The only problem now is that I think i'm going to need a bigger lake!

She's a minter; I know this boat well and have used her casually for the past 2 seasons. I guess the only difference now is i'll have to pay all the bills myself!

Jan 1967 Practical Boat Owner (5 replies)

Pas Vite / T 15 — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:15:05 +0100

within here

[www.pbo.co.uk]

.

Recent Rescues (no replies)

OceanFroggie — Wed, 16 May 2012 09:35:31 +0100

Some recent rescues on Lough Derg reported by the media

Grounding yesterday: [www.irishtimes.com]

Dinghy Sailors last month: [afloat.ie]

All safe

Spirit of Ireland - the new Ardnacrusha? (9 replies)

OceanFroggie — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:02:10 +0100

Hi Folks
Waterway related as the "Spirit of Ireland" project has the potential to be the modern day equivalent of the Ardnacrusha scheme and it could create three vast new inland waterways on our west coast.

Spirit of Ireland: [www.spiritofireland.org]

Here's what the Americans think: [newscenter.lbl.gov]

The video is long, but worth watching some evening

When Ardnacrusha was built, it was the biggest civil engineering project in Europe after WW1, also the reason ROI uses 220v instead of 240v. The architecture is classic German of the period, very reminiscent of the Nazi heavy water plant in the classic old war movie "The Heros of Telemark" starring Kirk Douglas. The massive near 1/4 mile long dam at the start of the headrace that is Parteen Wier is equally impressive as it divides the mighty Shannon into two channels, the old river channel that runs down to O'Briens bridge and the newer head race canal. 5000 men 4 years to construct, ground opened only 4 weeks after the Dail voted to proceed as ships arrived in Limerick from Germany. They even built a railway to move the spoil and concrete. It cost 20% of GDP, that was a serious judgement call but it triggered the economic development of the young state, generating 100% of the grid needs from renewalble energy till the late 30s when it handled 83% of the grid. Today it varies between 1% and 2%. But think about it, the entire national grid in the early 30s from renewable energy, no imported oil or coal for electricity.

The "Spirit of Ireland" project could be the modern day equivelant. [www.spiritofireland.org]

100% of the entire national grid from only one single scheme costing only 5% of GDP, but reducing our imported oil and fossel fuels to ZERO in only 5 years from start. Build 3 schemes and ROI becomes an EU "Gulf State" our biggest export being electricity to EU. We could also become a world leader in exporting the skills and technology related to hydro pumped storage from wind with the best wind map on our west coast than anywhere in the entire EU continant.

A no brainer, now politicians with the same vision and courage as the 1924 Dail is all that needed.

Since the recession this project has dimmed on the public and political radars. Lots of debate about the numbers stacking up but, the same was true in 1924 when the fledling state took a calculated leap of faith with Ardnacrusha.

Ironically some renewable energy projects have split the environmental lobby. The primary argument for this project is "economic" self interest, and independance from oil imports, but a secondary byproduct is a hugh environmental and CO2 gain for ROI. ROI is economically a slave to oil imported supply. This is the only "wind" scheme combined with pumped storage that solves the "battery" problem needed to buffer the difference between when wind blows and when electricity is used.

A micro side effect could be three wonderful new inland loughs for leisure use on the west coast. I know SOI is not new, it was flying high in 2007/2008 with extensive media interest, but the possibility hasn't gone away.

Kildare Branch / Corbally Work Party (no replies)

Pa Keogh — Tue, 15 May 2012 23:36:07 +0100

The Kildare Branch will have a work party at Corbally Harbor Naas this Saturday at 11:00.
All welcome to come along and enjoy this lovely stretch of Canal.
Contact:
Pa
0857605437

Zodiac Dingy for sale - incl outboard and road trailer (no replies)

AFFAJA — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:30:56 +0100

[attachment 3404 IMG00277-20120512-1351.jpg]
Hi all, anyone interested in a Zodiac inflatable with solid timber floor, 9.9hp johnston engine and road trailer pics attached €3150 ono see attached pic

Sailing from Clondra to Killaloe (4 replies)

Escape — Tue, 15 May 2012 23:11:54 +0100

We are planning to travel on the Shannon way down to Co Clare in June.
Any words of advise would be greatly appreciated..where to stop off..pay special attention to on the water etc.

"Jazz by the lake at Crom..." (no replies)

Richard Ellis — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:17:24 +0100

When we visited Crom estate yesterday and were very well looked after by the staff we heard of the "Jazz by the lake at Crom" event on the 14th July. The event is billed as "an evening of live Jazz by the lake" and includes a dinner afterwards, all for £15.00.

For anyone who is in the area at that time, it sounds like an enjoyable event and is supporting the very worthy National Trust organisation.

Link to website below
[www.discovernorthernireland.com]

Rgds
R

Rams Island (1 reply)

Michael Savage — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:14:38 +0100

Greetings All,
We now have a broadcast date for Dig WW2, part of which was filmed with Dan Snow last summer on Rams Island. The first episode will air on Monday, May 14, 21:00 on BBC 1 NI. The following two episodes will play the following Mondays. Not sure which episode Rams is featured in but seems an interesting series.

During WW2 USAAF personnel from the American base at Langford Lodge took time off to relax on Rams Island. Made a change from working on Lightnings, Thunderbolts and Liberators etc. Some of the visitors carved their names and home states on the Beech trees. At the start of WW2 a detachment of Belgian Troops were actually stationed on the Island. A television crew from 360 Productions filmed Dan Snow British Television presenter on Friday evening 5th August for a series of historical programmes on WW2 to be aired by the BBC. Surrounded by airfields and with the famous Sandy Bay Flying boat base Lough Neagh and Rams Island played a large background role in the war effort. This was mainly training, servicing and armament production.

[www.bbc.co.uk]

DSCF1632.JPG

IWAI Cruising Club CIC to Limerick 4-7 May 2012 - A PhotoGallery (6 replies)

Paul J Scannell — Mon, 14 May 2012 23:49:47 +0100

At last!

It only took four days to get there and back but it has taken longer to put together the PhotoGallery of 250 photos, with text captions!

Anyway, enjoy!

Link here:

[www.paulscannell.net]

Paul,
"Arthur"

Royal Canal Rally (1 reply)

TOM BAILEY — Sun, 13 May 2012 21:41:43 +0100

I noticed a posting recently about a get together on the Royal at Abbyshrule but cannot locate it now. Its not listed on the events page so does anyone have any info on dates etc. for the event.

Tom
Ida

lady adeline (no replies)

robbio c — Sun, 13 May 2012 13:46:01 +0100

if the owner of this boat reads this they need to check their craft ,looks like its taken on a bit of water.......needs some attn. moored at furys on the royal

Monolingual Irish speaker (no replies)

fergal butler — Sun, 13 May 2012 10:55:08 +0100

Just a nice little video to pass some time, and it's about boats :) [www.youtube.com]

Calling all Dergies - Shannon rally (3 replies)

Dave McCabe — Mon, 14 May 2012 23:21:24 +0100

The premier rally is venturing into forbidden territory this year, running from Athlone to Terryglass. ( with a few stops) . However we're bringing plenty of trade beads and trinkets to keep the natives at bay.

Why not consider joining the rally this year and experiencing the trill of the largest floating "village" about. After all you'll be close to home.

Entry forms online at www.iwai.ie

Newbies especially welcome, we love newbies.

of course boats from north south east and west welcome too.

Competitions, talent shows, fancy dress ( Pirates), sing alongs BBQs, foodie events,Craic agus ceol

Dave McCabe
Commodore
IWAI Shannon Rally

Boyle River Refugees (2 replies)

pjnorris1 — Sat, 12 May 2012 14:43:21 +0100

[attachment 3393 006.JPG]

Came across these dangerous characters in SH today.They claimed they were from Boyle.I have my doubts.Made good tea though! Lovely fire of BNM briquettes!!!!

PJ

Castle Caldwell/Lower L-Erne (10 replies)

Michael Foster — Thu, 10 May 2012 20:15:39 +0100

Heard on news that farmer has blocked slipway at Castle Caldwell extreme north of Lower Lough Erne. Havent heard why yet but could be first salvo in the water level debate.B)-Mick

Riverfest in Limerick (no replies)

John Lundberg — Tue, 08 May 2012 22:58:50 +0100

Big thank you to Paul, Mary and the Cruising Club for a great weekend cruise in company to Limerick Riverfest. We really had a ball. It was a magic weekend with magic company. Even the weather was glorious. They only let it rain during the night.
A huge thank you to:
Pat and his "apprentice" for bringing us safely down the Abbey River.
Andy for organising the moorings in Limerick and generally being Andy (helpful)
Claire for bringing us to the Derg Branch reception in the Shannon Rowing Club.
Archie and Fergeal for working on my charging problems.
Everyone else for making us feel welcome and making the weekend so memorable.
Here is a video my crew made while decending in Ardnacrusha.

[vimeo.com]

Cheers
John
Ashford Star

Fracking in Ireland (no replies)

Mark Healy — Tue, 08 May 2012 20:54:50 +0100

Where is the water gone, are they stock pilling it? Cause I can't get a straight answer off WI

Banagher Community Hall (4 replies)

Dave McCabe — Fri, 11 May 2012 22:48:13 +0100

Would anyone have a contact number for someone involved in the community hall in Banagher ( caretaker, organiser etc)

thanks

PM me etc if you don't want to publish phone now

Dave McCabe

MN#47/12 - SHANNON NAVIGATION - Athlone - Duck Derby (1 reply)

Colin Becker — Tue, 08 May 2012 18:46:44 +0100

Greetings,

The attached message just in from WI

Best Wishes,

Colin Becker
GMY Chang Sha
================begins=============
MARINE NOTICE No. 47 of 2012
SHANNON NAVIGATION
Athlone
Charity Duck Derby

Waterways Ireland wishes to advise masters and users of the Shannon
Navigation that a charity duck derby will take place on Fri 18th May from 7
pm. until 7.30 pm between the Athlone Boat Club and the town bridge, a
distance of approximately 300m.

Masters are requested to delay their passage through the area until this
short event has finished.

Waterways Ireland thanks its customers for their cooperation in this matter.

C.J.Lawn
Lt Cdr (rtd)
Inspector of Navigation
8 May 2012
Tel: 353 90 6494232 Fax: 353 90 6494147
================ends==============

MN#46/12 - SHANNON NAVIGATION - Lough Key - Restrictions - Advance Warning (12 replies)

Colin Becker — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:11:43 +0100

Greetings,

We have just received MN#46/12 from WI warning of restrictions to boating
during the early part of July in and around Lough Key Forest Park because of a
Girl Guide Jamboree.

Full details are at:

[www.iwai.ie]

Best Wishes,

Colin Becker
GMY Chang Sha

Anti Fracking Petition. (no replies)

Giles Byford — Tue, 08 May 2012 12:30:29 +0100

I seem to recall a bit of discussion about fracking on here a few months ago. It might interest those opposed to this practice that Avaaz, an international pressure group, have set up a campaign. I quote:

'Pat Rabbitte TD has the power to stop this process from going ahead. Please let him know that the world will not accept anything less than a ban on hydraulic fracturing in Ireland and sign our petition.

We believe Ireland holds a special place in the hearts of people around the world please help us prevent the destruction of this beautiful island.'

The petition can be found here: [www.avaaz.org]

Hamilton Delargy RIP (no replies)

Colin Becker — Tue, 08 May 2012 10:25:41 +0100

Greetings,

We have just learned of the death over the weekend of Hamilton Delargy, a long time member of Carrick Branch. He cruised the Shannon for many years with his wife Joan in their boat Alexandra.

Hamilton passed away on Saturday morning after a long illness.
His remains will be brought to Booterstown chapel for a brief service at 17.00 this evening and will repose for funeral mass at 10.00 Wed morning to Deansgrange cemetry.

To Joan, their daughter Ilona, son Michael and daughter in law Caryn, we offer our deepest sympathies.

Best Wishes,

Colin Becker
GMY Chang Sha

Colette Cagney RIP (no replies)

Colin Becker — Mon, 07 May 2012 22:45:52 +0100

Greetings,

I've just learned of the death of Collette Cagney, a member of Lough Derg
Branch and Gortmore Boat Club.

Collette died suddenly this morning after a stroke. Colette's husband Peter
is seriously ill in hospital having suffered a heart attack last Friday
night.

May she rest in peace.

Colin Becker
GMY Chang Sha

Fireworks in Limerick.... (3 replies)

Paul J Scannell — Mon, 07 May 2012 21:24:27 +0100

Greetings from the Riverfest in Limerick! A total of fourteen IWAI boats, cruising under the Cruising Club and Lough Derg branch banners, visited Limerick for the Riverfest. A super weekend was enjoyed by all. PhotoGallery to follow....

[attachment 3382 D7K_0276.JPG]

IWAI boats in Custom House Quay

[attachment 3381 D7K_0364.JPG]
Firework Display viewed from Custom House Quay

Regards to all back on the main channel!

Paul,
"Arthur"

Lough Key Marina and increased traffic on lake. (15 replies)

Liam — Fri, 11 May 2012 20:28:07 +0100

Hi All,

Firsrtly let me apologiese if this topic has already been raised, I went through the previous thread on Lough Key but didn't see any mention of it.
I am moored in Lough Key marina which is the one you see to your right after you have locked through into the lake.
There are probably about 25 craft cover ing all types (barges to day boats and everything in between) moored on the outside of the fixed jetties and due to our position we are very exposed to the wake of craft passing through this first section of Lough Key.
My craft along with many others get the full beam on hit due to to our position.

I respectfully ask all current and new users of this fabolus lake to please spare a thought for us and continue at displacment speed for another 5 minutes until they have cleared the Lough Key marina.

I realise how tempting it must be to open the throttles once you have cleared the lock, its a very busy lock with severley limited waiting jetty space prior to the lock so most people can spend an hour plus mid channel down stream waiting to lock through and of course this will only get worse given the increaed use that the extra jetties in Rockingham will generate.
Personaly I think it is this wait that is partly responsible for the behavour of crafts we somtimes see coming through, we will regulary see large twin enginged sports cruisers dig a hole once through the new navigation marks and hold the throttles open unitl they are on the plane.

The Lough Key marina may look way way over to the right but every boat moored on the outside will confirm that distance is no barrier to wake, so please allow yourself 5 more minutes of tranquility, pass the marina and have fun.

Many thanks for reading this,

Liam.

Shannon Harbour Hoggers (55 replies)

pjnorris1 — Tue, 15 May 2012 22:59:50 +0100

I noticed the hoggers,on hard edged moorings were stickered yesterday.This is not before time,considering all the warnings they've had.

I look forward to their involuntary exodus to softer edges.

SP de N

Great lakes (7 replies)

OceanFroggie — Wed, 09 May 2012 09:28:37 +0100

Wow it's wonderful to be back on our great lakes. OF finally out of winter hibernation. On route Killaloe, ETA 21:45. Dust off the winter cobwebs and prepare for the season. Heard IWAI CIC from Cruising and Derg branches have started to arrive in Limerick for the Riverfest. Oh we are so blessed to have such an awesome waterway.

Jet Ski (13 replies)

Mike Kingston — Tue, 08 May 2012 23:33:05 +0100

Latest edition of the Impartial Reporter has an article about a man who intends Skiing on a Stand up Jet Ski from Limerick to Belleek. The photo of him on the ski in the paper shows him going full belt on the water without any form of life jacket. Hope you guys down there on Derg don't let him start until he gets one.