River Shannon Waterways Corridor Study

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Waterways Corridor Study 2004 A study of the area surrounding Lanesborough to Shannonbridge Colin Buchanan and Partners in association with John Cronin & Associates, Fred Hamond, Dr Amanda Browne

Transcript of River Shannon Waterways Corridor Study

Page 1: River Shannon Waterways Corridor Study

Waterways Corridor Study 2004A study of the area surrounding Lanesborough to Shannonbridge

Colin Buchanan and Partners in association with John Cronin & Associates, Fred Hamond, Dr Amanda Browne

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Waterways Corridor Study 2004

A study of the area surroundingLanesborough to Shannonbridge

Produced by

Colin Buchanan and Partners

in association with John Cronin & Associates,

Fred Hamond, Dr Amanda Browne

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors would like to thank the following for their contribution to this study:

The Steering Group for their commission and direction, ongoing advice and input, and their commitment and enthusiasm to this project:

Colin Becker, Ruth Delany, Dr John Keane and Beatrice Kelly, The Heritage Council;Ray Dunne, Niall Moore, Joe O’Sullivan and Michael McKiernan, Waterways Ireland;Marie Mannion, Galway County CouncilTony McDonnell, Longford County CouncilLisa Henry and Amanda Pedlow, Offaly County CouncilFrank Flanagan, Eve Harrison and Nollaig McKeon, Roscommon County CouncilMark Brindley, Bernie Guest and Muiris Quinn, Westmeath County Council

The Project Team for their professionalism and dedication for the subject throughout this project:

Paul McTernan, Associate Director, Colin Buchanan and PartnersLisa Grainger, Principal Planner, Colin Buchanan and PartnersMary Hughes, Principal Planner, Colin Buchanan and PartnersGuy Bartley, Principal Landscape Architect, Colin Buchanan and PartnersChristina Kelly, Graduate Planner, Colin Buchanan and PartnersAoife Curran, Graphic Designer, Colin Buchanan and PartnersPhil Gray, Senior Technician, Colin Buchanan and PartnersDr Amanda Browne, Consultant EcologistDr Fred Hamond, Consultant Industrial ArchaeologistJohn Cronin, Director, John Cronin & AssociatesKate Robb, Senior Archaeologist, John Cronin & Associates

A special thanks is accorded to Peter and Brian Quigley of Quigley’s Marina and Sven and Anita Neubert of Waveline Cruisers for their support and assistance, taking theproject team out on the water during their busy summer season.

The authors also express their gratitude to all of those who participated in workshops and submitted their views of issues of significance, either verbally or through writtensubmission, within the study area.

February 2004

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INTRODUCTIONBackground 4Project Brief 5Approach and Methodology 5How to use this document 5

PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF INLAND WATERWAYSPolicy Context 6Planning Context 8Consultation 10

DEFINING THE WATERWAY CORRIDORApproach 14

LOUGH REE 16Environmental Setting 17Landscape and Visual Corridor 17Socio-Economic Corridor 20Cultural/Historic Corridor 24Ecological Corridor 27

RIVER SHANNON 32Environmental Setting 33Landscape and Visual Corridor 33Socio-Economic Corridor 35Cultural/Historic Corridor 39Ecological Corridor 43

tableof contentsRIVER SUCK 45Environmental Setting 46Landscape and Visual Corridor 47Socio-Economic Corridor 48Cultural/Historic Corridor 50Ecological Corridor 54

WATERWAYS CORRIDOR - access and user groups 56

ROBUSTNESS AND SENSITIVITYStatement of Heritage Significance 58Threats to Heritage Significance 63

ACHIEVING THE VISIONPolicies and actions 65Indicators and monitoring 83Lough Ree Regional Park? 85

APPENDICES ON DISC:APPENDIX 1: PLANNING AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONTEXTAPPENDIX 2: ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND BUILT HERITAGEAPPENDIX 3: INDUSTRIAL HERITAGEAPPENDIX 4: NATURAL HERITAGEAPPENDIX 5: LOUGH REE REGIONAL PARK - FRENCH MODEL

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Barley Harbour Old Lock House, Shannonbridge Floodplain along River Suck

SECTION ONE INTRODUCTION

The greatest waterway in these islands, the River Shannonattracts thousands of visitors every year. Some are almostpermanent inhabitants, others occasional guests; buteveryone falls under its spell, determined to return and savouronce more its undeniable mystique.Foreword to “By Shannon Shores” - Ruth Delany, 1987

1.1 Background1.1.1 In 2001, the Heritage Council commissioneda Pilot Waterways Corridor Study (Pilot Study) toexamine opportunities for regeneration within aframework of conservation along a stretch of theLower Shannon taking in the Grand Canal. Thecontext for this study was to recognise, and seekways to realise, the potential of the waterways as aheritage, amenity and tourism resource.

1.1.2 Following the successful completion of thePilot Study, the Heritage Council, in partnership withWaterways Ireland and Longford, Roscommon,Westmeath, Galway and Offaly County Councils,has now commissioned two further waterwaysstudies taking in the mid-Shannon fromShannonbridge to Lanesborough (also Lanesboroand Béal Átha Liag) and part of the upper Shannonfrom Lanesborough to Roosky including the RoyalCanal. Colin Buchanan and Partners, in associationwith co-consultants John Cronin, Fred Hamond andDr Amanda Browne have been awarded the studyarea comprising Shannonbridge to Lanesboroughincluding Lough Ree in its entirety and a further sub-study taking in the River Suck from the Shannon toBallinasloe and the line of the old Ballinasloenavigation (formerly part of the Grand Canal, butdisused since 1961).

Fishing south of the bridge at Shannonbridge

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1.3 Approach and Methodology

1.3.1 This study was advanced through a seriesof stages, each forming an independent unit withinthe overall body of the project and enabling thelogical progression of the study from inceptionthrough to completion.

1.3.2 The purpose of the first stage was to gain athorough understanding of the Shannonwaterways systems and their wider zone ofinfluence through desktop research,consultationand both land and water-based field surveys.

1.3.3 The purpose of the second stage was toassimilate the data gathered in Stage 1 with aview to arriving at a fuller understanding of thehistory, heritage and dynamics that influence thecorridor. Building on the research undertaken inthe first stage, a corridor was defined and a notionalline drawn on a map. This is described in section3.

1.3.4 Taking the corridor as three distinct units:Lough Ree, the River Shannon and the River Suckthe heritage has been assessed and a Statementof Significance drawn. This led to identifying avision for the Corridor. The final stage involveddiscussing the vision for the waterway at publicconsultation events and building up policies andactions that can link in with existing initiativeswithin the Waterways Corridor, or alternatively thatcan be taken forward by the appropriateauthorities.

1.2 The Project Brief

1.2.1 The brief sets out the overall aims of thestudy as being:• To identify ways to manage the waterways

corridor environment to the benefit of all, i.e.heritage, land and water-based users;

• To improve understanding of the area, and bythis understanding, ensure retention of thedistinctiveness of a place, while allowing fordevelopment and evolution of use for thefuture.

1.2.2 The study seeks to ensure the identificationand assessment of the significance of thewaterways corridor, and subsequent drafting ofpolicies to retain and enhance such significancewhilst enabling identification of type and locationof projects for the regeneration of the waterwaycorridor. Pragmatic actions are required that canbe realised over a 10 year time scale.

1.4 How to use this document

1.4.1 Section One sets out the project brief andthe overall approach to this study.

1.4.2 Section Two gives an overview of the Policyand Planning contexts, the latter will be explainedin greater detail in the Planning and Socio-economic context report that forms Appendix Oneof the electronic appendices to the final studydocument. This section will also set out theapproach to consultation and highlight the keyissues raised through the consultative process.

1.4.3 The approach to defining the corridor andan illustration of the corridor area is set out inSection Three. This section also provides adescriptive summary of the entire study area fromits past to present day. It sets out the key pointsin relation to built and natural heritage, which aredescribed in greater detail in the respectiveAppendices - Two-Four.

1.4.4 Section Four sets out a thorough statementof significance for the waterway and discussion ofvulnerabilities/threats to that significance.

1.4.5 The final section, sets out a vision for thewaterway corridor and how we can achieve thevision for the corridor through pragmatic policiesand actions that can be carried forward by theidentified authorities/organisations.

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Lecarrow Canal

St Brendan’s Cathedral, Clonfert Reed bed, Shannon Callows Clonfert bridge

SECTION TWO PROTECTIONAND MANAGEMENT OF INLANDWATERWAYS

Heritage is valued by the people of Ireland not only for itsintrinsic value but for its economic benefits throughtourism; the educational benefits of studying monuments,archives, flora and fauna; and the cultural and recreationalbenefits of castles, museums, canals and parks. Forewordto the National Heritage Plan

2.1 Policy Context

2.1.1 There are a number of recent policy documentsthat afford protection to Ireland’s inland waterways,these reflect the volume of statutory bodies that havea remit for protection and/or management of theinland waterways.

2.1.2 As some background to the varying statutorybodies with a measure of jurisdiction over thewaterway corridor environment, the water levels inthe three lakes (Allen, Ree and Derg) are vested inthe State, and is the responsibility of the ElectricitySupply Board (ESB), who have a statutory right tocontrol water levels with Waterways Irelandcontrolling the levels in the riverine sections.Waterways Ireland are the statutory authority formanaging and developing the waterway in terms ofnavigation. The Shannon Fisheries Acts 1935 and1938 charged ESB with responsiblilty for managingand preserving the Shannon Fisheries, however theylease these waters to the Central Fisheries Boardand it is managed by the Shannon RegionalFisheries Board. The respective County Councilsare then responsible for the landward activities

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delegated responsibility for management of theresource and promotion of the waterway forangling to the Shannon Regional Fishery Board.The responsibilities of the Shannon RegionalFishery Board are to protect, develop andresearch the fishery resource throughadministering fishery laws, issuing licenses andparticipating in the development by promotingangling festivals, the provision of fishing standsetc.

2.1.5 The Heritage Service of the Department ofEnvironment, Heritage and Local Government areresponsible under both national and European lawfor the protection, conservation, management andpreservation of Ireland’s natural and built heritage.They have prepared plans for heritage andbiodiversity. The National Heritage Plan 2002recognises that the conservation of heritage is anintegral part of the development of the waterwayssystem. The Plan states that the developmentof a programme for the conservation andenhancement of the inland waterways requiresthe creation of a record of all its heritage elements,including architecture, wildlife, and underwater andindustrial archaeology, to allow a plan for theirfuture management to be put in place. Similarly,an information and education programme for thewaterways can only be effectively developed onthe basis of a record of its heritage and itshistorical context. Therefore it is a priority of theDepartment of Environment, Heritage and LocalGovernment to undertake a full inventory. Whilstthis is outside the remit of this study, theconsultant team are undertaking a cursory studyof these areas and will highlight significant gapsin knowledge.

through implementation of planning policy anddevelopment control.

2.1.3 Waterways Ireland was established in 1999as the North/South Implementation Bodyresponsible for the management, maintenance,development and restoration of approximately1,000 km of the inland navigable system, includingthe Shannon navigation. Whilst the organisationhas come under several different names andauthorities over the past decades, the powersconferred upon them date back to the Act for theImprovement of the Navigation of the RiverShannon, 1839, which transferred powers to theShannon Commissioners to ascertain and carryout necessary works for the improvement of theinland navigation. The subsequent sequence oftransfer of power has occurred through theShannon Navigation Act, 1990; Heritage (Transferof Departmental Administration and MinisterialFunctions) Order, 1996 (S.I. No. 62 of 1996);Heritage (Transfer of Departmental Administrationand Ministerial Functions) Order, 1996 (S.I. No.332 of 1996); Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht(Alteration of Name of Department and Title ofMinister) Order, 1997 (S.I. No. 306 of 1997);Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and theIslands (Powers and Functions) Act, 1998; andthe British-Irish Agreement Act, 1999.

2.1.4 The Central Fisheries Board and its sevenregional boards were established by the FisheriesAct 1980. The main objectives of the 1980 Actare the more effective conservation, developmentand management of every aspect of Ireland’s inlandfishery resource. As stated in paragraph 2.1.2,the ESB have leased the Shannon fisheries tothe Central Fisheries Board who in turn have

The Waterfront at Athlone, including Athlone castle

Residential Development, southwest of Athlone lock

Riverfront development and Athlone Town Marina

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Tullamore and Mullingar has been identified as a“linked gateway” to promote economic and socialdevelopment within the midlands, the idea being to promote significant growth centred on Athloneand the other two towns over the next 20 years.The NSS also seeks to strengthen ruralcommunities through diversification of the localeconomy – developing tourism, enterprise andlocal services. The potential of the waterways fortourism and recreational activity is specificallyreferred to, citing opportunities to develop tourismpossibilities by linking waterways and creatingtourism circuits linking urban settlements andwaterways in the midlands.

2.1.8 The study area falls within an area identifiedfor reinforcing strategic spatial roles. Such areasare characterised by medium to small towns andrural areas where residential development shouldbe encouraged to consolidate the towns andvillages so as to support economic provision ofinfrastructure. Wind power is favoured for cutawaybog areas. Water is viewed as a strongenvironmental component of the area. The NSSstates that the recreational and tourism potentialof the waterways can support reinforcement ofthe area and underpin the attractiveness of theAthlone/Tullamore/Mullingar gateway.

2.1.9 In 1999 the Heritage Council published aPolicy Paper on the Future of Ireland’s InlandWaterways. Consultation for this documenthighlighted the importance of a strategic plan forthe waterways and their corridors, furthermoreemphasis was placed on the importance ofheritage aspects, both built and natural, of thewaterways in light of their role as recreational andtourist amenities. It is these issues in particular

2.1.6 Ireland’s National Biodiversity Plan 2002was prepared in response to the obligationcontained in Article 6 of the Convention onBiological Diversity. The objectives of theconvention are:

• The conservation of biological diversity;• The sustainable use of its components; and• The fair and equitable sharing of benefits

arising from the use of genetic resources.

The plan includes a section devoted to inlandwaters and wetlands, including peatlands as itrecognises that these are important for biologicaldiversity in Ireland. This section refers to theWater Framework Directive which must betransposed into implementation by the end of 2003and presents a major opportunity for strengthenedprotection of aquatic ecosystems. Actionsinclude: establishment by Local Authorities ofcomprehensive projects for river basinmanagement in relation to all inland and coastalwaters; producing guidelines for drainage andwetlands; considering initiatives to enhanceconservation of freshwater fish species andcommunities; drafting a strategy for the use ofmachine cutaway bogs as wetland or woodlandhabitats.

2.1.7 County Councils are required to have regardto any policy produced by the Department ofEnvironment, Heritage and Local Government. Inparticular the National Spatial Strategy (NSS)is critical to the future growth of the study area.It is a 20-year framework designed to deliver morebalanced social, economic and physicaldevelopment between the regions. The corridorarea falls within two regions – the Western andthe Midlands regions. Athlone, together with

that are being addressed by the WaterwaysCorridor Study of Shannonbridge to Lanesboroughand the River Suck navigation to Ballinasloe. The overall aim of the policy paper is that the inlandwaterways and their corridors should be developedin an holistic way, conserving where possible theirbuilt and archaeological heritage features andprotecting their unique ecological systems, toenhance the enjoyment and appreciation of thatheritage now and for future generations. ThePolicy Paper covers a broad ambit of topic areasfrom resource management, development controland heritage conservation through to usermanagement and opportunities for development.

2.1.10 If effective, the Waterway Corridor Studieshave the potential to give effect to many of thepolicy areas highlighted in the paper.

2.2 Planning Context

2.2.1 A full outline of all the relevant PlanningPolicy documents is set out in Appendix 1 to thisdocument.

2.2.2 Under the Planning and Development Act,2000, local authorities are required to prepareDevelopment Plans for their functional area.Within these, the Act specifies mandatoryobjectives for inclusion which include conservationand protection of the environment; preservation ofthe character of the landscape; the preservation,improvement and extension of amenities andrecreational amenities; and the integration of theplanning and sustainable development of the areawith the social, community and culturalrequirements of the area and its population.

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Further to that, local authorities may includeobjectives for the purpose of preserving anyexisting public rights of way, including alonglakeshores and riverbanks.

2.2.3 All of the local authorities within the studyarea have now prepared new Development Plansunder the Act and most of those within the studyarea have included policies for protecting inlandwaterways from inappropriate or unsustainabledevelopment. It is a policy of the three CountyCouncils around Lough Ree to improve access tothe Lough and the River Shannon. Longfordincludes a policy that land adjacent to the riverand lakeshore be reserved for public accessprovision. Roscommon has identified an objectiveto investigate the feasibility of a shoreline pathfrom Hodson Bay to Athlone.

2.2.4 The three Councils also include policies torestrict development in the vicinity of the inlandwaterways so as to protect views and therecreational and ecological integrity of thewaterway. Longford has identified broad zones,Westmeath has identified areas of high amenity,including Lough Ree, and Roscommon has alsoidentified two areas of high amenity value.Roscommon include a policy to ensure the non-proliferation of private, individual jetties andmoorings along the Shannon, requiring thatmarinas normally be required to locate in, or closeto, existing centres.

2.2.5 All three of the County Councils recognisethe largely untapped tourism potential of the Loughand its environs and include policies to promotethe area through the undertaking of tourismproposals.

Fishing stand, Athlone

Bord na Mona Peat train, Clonfert

Boats moored at Galey Bay

2.2.6 The Athlone Town Plan includes a numberof objectives they seek to implement over thelifetime of the Plan (2002-2008) with respect toamenity, open space and recreation. Theseinclude improved access to the Shannon at anumber of locations. They also seek to facilitatemaintenance of the southern section of the canalbelow Mick McQuaid’s bridge as a fishing areaand to improve and enhance the canal as a localamenity feature. The River Shannon and LoughRee are viewed as integral to the promotion ofAthlone as a tourist destination.

2.2.7 The three local authorities with jurisdictionover the River Shannon within our study area areWestmeath, Roscommon and Offaly. The aim ofRoscommon is to conserve the environment ofthe Shannon waterway, including the Suck, andfurther develop it as a tourism resource. Thepolicies and objectives of Roscommon are setout in paragraphs 2.2.3 to 2.2.5 above and inAppendix 1 to this document. Offaly CountyCouncil cite the River Shannon and Clonmacnoisas areas of high amenity. The River Shannon isrecognised as a major tourist and recreationalresource so it is the policy of Offaly County Councilto protect the landscape including the Callowsand to direct development towards the keysettlements, in this case Shannonbridge.

2.2.8 In relation to the River Suck, Galway andRoscommon are the lead authorities withBallinasloe Town Council having a remit for thetown and its immediate hinterland. The policiesof Roscommon have already been discussed.Galway County’s Development Plan includes aspecific reference to the Waterways Corridor Study2002, namely to have due regard to its aims,

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2.3 Consultation

2.3.1 Critical to the success of any plan, strategyor report, is support from the wider community.The Steering Group comprises representativesfrom the Heritage Council, Waterways Ireland,Galway, Longford, Offaly, Roscommon andWestmeath County Councils all of whom have adirect interest in the study area. Regular meetingsbetween the consultant team and the steeringgroup at key stages in the process have ensuredthat the group are kept informed of the progressof the study and are able to input into it.

2.3.2 The consultant team have been consciousof ensuring key stakeholder involvementthroughout the evolution of the study. Meetingshave been held with relevant personnel from eachof the five County Councils and the two townCouncils within the study area (Athlone andBallinasloe). Meetings have also been held withRay Dunne and Niall Moore from WaterwaysIreland and Colin Becker, Ruth Delany and DrJohn Keane from the Heritage Council to gain amore thorough understanding of key issues andprojects underway within the study area.

2.3.3 The first stage of the public consultationprocess entailed identification of keystakeholders. At the inception meeting, theSteering group gave guidance as to some of theindividuals who should be contacted. Others weresubsequently identified through variouspublications, websites and discussions withmembers of the Steering group and other localauthority officers.

2.3.4 Initial contact was made in July/August via

policies and objectives. Like the other CountyCouncils, Galway includes policies to protect andconserve the inland waterways from inappropriatedevelopment and to provide access to them,particularly through the development of walkingand cycling routes.

2.2.9 Ballinasloe Town Plan was made operativethis year. The Development Strategy for the townseeks to promote the town’s setting along theRiver Suck and open up opportunities forwaterfront development in the backland areas ofthe town, and to develop a linear park along thebanks of the River Suck (to Pollboy Lock). Aswith the other local authorities, Ballinasloe TownCouncil sees the value in protecting the naturalenvironment and landscape from inappropriatedevelopment. In relation to tourism, it is a specificobjective to explore the feasibility of providing anature walk, amenity, sculpture or tourism trailas a means of promoting tourism in the town,particularly the area along the disused canal andthe River Suck.

The policies of the Councils are set out in moredetail in Appendix 1.

2.2.10 It is hoped that the aims, policies andactions set out in this study can be adopted bythe respective local authorities for inclusion withintheir plans (by way of variation where necessary).Further, under the NSS, Regional PlanningGuidelines will be prepared for each of the eightregions and will in turn shape the DevelopmentPlans of the Counties. It is considered that, insome instances, the policies identified within thestudy may be able to feed into the relevantRegional Planning Guidelines.

Lanesborough, western bank

Athlone’s Leftbank

Rindown

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a letter, sent to some 130 different national,regional and local organisations and individualswithin the study area, setting out a briefintroduction to the Study and inviting commentson issues of significance of the corridor area tothe group/organisation/individual. Consulteeswere offered the opportunity of responding by post,telephone or arranging a meeting. Several follow-up phone calls were made to ensure as wide arepresentation as possible.

2.3.5 During the month of August and intoSeptember, 53 responses were obtained by letter,fax, telephone interviews and meetings. Formalwritten responses are attached as an Appendix.

2.3.6 During November the team hosted four publicconsultation events in Athlone, Lanesborough,Shannonbridge and Ballinasloe. The event inLanesborough was co-hosted by Cunnane StrattonReynolds. Attendance was varied, but overall agood response was received by those attending.

The key issues raised through consultation are set out below. Where practicable, it is intended thatthese issues be addressed through pragmatic policies and actions that can be taken forward by therelevant party(ies).

Lough Ree – an important resource that suffers from “layers” of authority and subsequent lack of unity.Emerging through consultation and research is the feeling Lough Ree should receive the status ofsomething akin to a National Park, taking in the wetlands and peatlands surrounding it, to conserve it asa national treasure.

Islands in Lough Ree - the islands in Lough Ree are particularly rich in both natural and built heritageand suffer from neglect. These islands could individually benefit from conservation and managementplans. Access to the islands was discussed and is considered to be a double-edged sword, although insome locations this is well managed such as Devonish Island in Lough Erne.

Rural development – with the exception of Athlone, overall the study area is predominantly rural incharacter. However, the level of development, particularly on western shore of Lough Ree and aroundAthlone, exceeds the capacity of the current infrastructure (in particular wastewater treatment systems)and the landscape to absorb it. There is a need for design guidance for location of dwellings in highlyvisible and sensitive locations within the waterway corridor.

Consistency in decision making - it was voiced by many consultees that there is a lack ofconsistency in planning control, particularly amongst the different Councils adjoining Lough Ree

Intensification of farming - this is viewed as problematic on the islands within Lough Ree and withinthe Callows as byproducts can impact on sensitive ecosystems. At the same time, farming, in particulargrazing is essential to maintenance of the Callows habitat.

Increase in waterway traffic – some consultees consider that high boat usage within the corridor ishaving negative impacts on wildlife due to pollution and wash. There was some comment that fastdisplacement cruisers increase erosion, no proof of this has been brought forward.

Movement of foreign wildlife – zebra mussels have been a threat in recent years due to movement ofboats into and out of area.

Conflicts of use – problems with high-speed craft disturbing wildlife habitat. Impacts on angling, sailingand other lower-impact water-based activities, and also on underwater archaeology. It is considered thata recognised and enforced code of conduct could help, as would enforcement of speed restrictions.

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Overall lack of safe public harbours/mooring places on eastern shore of Lough Ree – where would suitable locations be? This corresponds with aperceived lack of public moorings throughout the study area. Some areas that were suggested for possible harbours/public moorings were Portanure within InnyBay, Killeenmore and Portlick. Lack of facilities for launching small boats along the Suck has also been highlighted.

Future expansion of Barley Harbour – mixed feelings about expansion of harbour. The place is currently well-used in summer as a local amenity area (forswimming and picnics) and by local fishermen for mooring their boats.

Private unlicensed jetties/harbours – current lack of enforcement and no charge for private encroachments. Particularly problematic around Athlone.Proliferation of jetties is causing habitat fragmentation.

Water quality – it must be highlighted that this affects almost all uses of the waterway and is critical to the continued viability of the waterways for angling inparticular. Issues include location and operation of pump-out facilities, sewerage systems, drainage from septic tanks etc. These issues must be addressedthrough the Water Framework Directive.

Building in floodplain – this is particularly problematic around Athlone where pressure for development is greatest.

Public access to the waterways – most of the Development Plans include an objective to create linear paths adjoining the waterways. This is also emergingas an issue through stakeholder consultation. Fragmentation of land ownership presents a barrier to access for walking and picnicing. However it is felt thatpassive access along the shoreline could help to control development.

View to the lake - it is felt that there are a number of views to Lough Ree that could be further developed (many of these are mentioned in the WestmeathCounty Development Plan), in particular it was felt that there should be an effort to create scenic viewing areas, with safe vehicle access and egress, at Kiltoomand Pigeons.

Re-use of old canals - whilst unlikely to be re-used for navigation, the old canals in Athlone and, in the future, Ballinasloe offer opportunities for a multitude ofrecreational activities including Greenways (joint walking and cycling routes) and self-guided nature and history walks and are also important wildlife corridors.

Access from water - specific issues have been raised about creating access to Glasson and Clonfert. Both would benefit from traffic from the water, throughappropriately located mooring facilities and well-signed paths.

Access to and presentation of historical sites – many consultees expressed interest in guided, interpretative tours to historic sites within the WaterwaysCorridor area. Many sites are poorly presented and would benefit from conservation and management regimes.

Rindoon - the management plan as prepared by the Heritage Council should be updated and the state should be encouraged to investigate taking themonuments into public care.

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Visitor interpretation – there is a lack of co-ordinated visitor information available at landing spots along the waterways about both features of interest and localfacilities. Harbours, locks and weirs provide the ideal opportunity for local information such as that posted at Barley Harbour and to a lesser extent at Ballinasloe,that could encourage people to explore the area in greater depth.

Tourism/recreational centres – the waterways bring many visitors to the area, however this could be better organised by linking activities to public harbourlocations. Hodson Bay is one example of an existing centre that is currently well-used. This is likely to be further exploited with the proposed (albeit contentious)Aquatic Centre.

Heritage education – building on the successful work of locally based education programmes such as the Lough Ree Summer and Winter Schools.

Rehabilitation of cutaway bogs – there is a need to address the future of the peatlands surrounding the waterways, particularly the Suck, in advance of Bord naMona completing peat extraction at these locations.

Extension of bog rail – residents within County Galway would like to see the bog rail tour extended to take in Clonfert and the surrounding countryside.

Underwater archaeology – potential for sites around Clonmacnois, Rindown, Lanesborough and Athlone and also along the River Suck. It needs to be recognisedthat the archaeology of lakes and rivers is generally poorly recorded and will require further investigation (in the form of archaeological survey work).

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Hodson Bay

Entry to the Shannon, Athlone Shannon from Clonmacnois Ruins of Rindown

SECTION THREE DEFINING THEWATERWAY CORRIDOR

One fifth of the land area of Ireland drains inwardthrough various lakes, small streams and rivers, reachingthe system known as the Shannon.

3.1 Approach

3.1.1 The approach and methodology adopted forthe corridor definition was based on that developedby Cunnane Stratton Reynolds in the Pilot Study.The rivers and the lough are natural features of thelandscape, therefore defining the corridor requires acombination of disciplines – taking into considerationlandscape character, built and natural heritage andpatterns of ownership and settlement.

3.1.2 The waterway corridor is not defined as a setdistance on either side of the waterway, but as thearea, which impacts on, or is impacted on by, thewaterway. In the case of the river this incorporatesthe permanent natural and constructed channel andthe floodplain or callows and any built infrastructurewithin these components, e.g. locks, bridges, powerlines, fortifications, jetties and land-based facilities.

3.1.3 Each of the specialist teams have looked atthe corridor in terms of different aspects; e.g. froman ecological perspective the corridor extends asfar as the relevant designated area; the landscapeassessment looks for distinctive features for aboundary; from a planning perspective, majorsettlements (towns and villages) that may impactupon or be impacted by their proximity to thewaterway are taken in their entirety; in terms of

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archaeology a broad distance of 500m from meanhigh water has been taken; in terms of industrialarchaeology the entire area has been surveyedfor features of note, taking in a broader area thanthe 500m used for archaeology; and built heritagelooks at the major influences that have shapedthe character and morphology of the keysettlements within the study area.

3.1.4 Desktop study of the relevant maps of thearea combined with visual survey and analysisstudy have been used to gain an understandingof the landscape and visual aspects and then usedto define the boundary of the area of influence.For the purposes of this study, in general, theouter boundary of the rivers’ and lough’s area ofinfluence is drawn along the crest of the nearestraised topographical feature. However, becausethe land is so low-lying, in some instances wherethere are distinctive ecological, archaeological orarchitectural features, or villages within the vicinity,these are taken in their entirety and included withinthe zone of influence of the corridor, which mayextend beyond the defined boundary of thecorridor.

3.1.5 On two separate days in August, theconsultant team undertook a reconnaissancesurvey of the corridor from the water courtesy ofWaveline Cruisers and Quigley’s marina atKillinure Point in August 2003. Ordnance SurveyIreland Maps at 1:50,000 (nos 40, 41 and 47) wereused as reference and for annotation. A videoand photographic survey of the study area werecarried out, providing valuable reference at a laterstage.

3.1.6 Further survey work was carried out by footof much of the study area, in particular the oldBallinasloe canal, the Suck from Ballinasloe toPollboy Lock, the towns and villages within thestudy area, the end of the navigation on the RiverInny, the inner lakes and Barley Harbour and itsenvirons.

3.1.7 Where possible terrain surrounding thewaterways has also been surveyed by foot. Dueto limited access to large portions of thewaterway, much of the land adjoining the riversand the lough could not be surveyed. However,particular attention was paid to the line of the oldcanals in Athlone and East Galway, and to thepublic access points throughout the entire corridor,including all the major settlements.

3.1.8 For the purposes of this study thewaterways have been divided into threemanageable sections - the lough, the river andthe Suck:

• Lough Ree, from Lanesborough toAthlone;

• the River Shannon, from Athlone toShannonbridge;

• the River Suck, from Ballinasloe to itsconfluence with the Shannon including theformer Grand canal to the south.

3.1.9 The following section describes, illustratesand assesses the extent of the corridor area withrespect to landscape, socio-economic factors,built and natural heritage.

River Inny, end of navigation

Boating at Shannonbridge

Infill of old Athlone Canal

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3.2 Lough Ree

Environmental setting

3.2.1 The name ‘Lough Ree’ has been interpretedas meaning ‘Lake of the Kings’, however to whomthe name refers is not known. Despite this it hasearly origins as the lake was marked Lough ‘Ribh’in Ptolemy’s second century map of Ireland.Harman Murtagh (pers. comm.) suggests that itprobably means lake of the great plain [of water]rather than the former interpretation.

3.2.2 Lough Ree (Loch Ribh) is located in themidlands of Ireland bordered by CountiesRoscommon, Longford and Westmeath. It is thesecond largest of the Shannon lakes with asurface area of around 106 square kilometres. Itis approximately 26km long and varies in widthbetween 1.5km at the narrowest point up to 10kmat its widest. The bulk of the lough isapproximately 5km wide. Indeed its scale andimportance is of national significance as it is oneof the largest inland water bodies within Ireland.The lake and its surrounding landscape is theresult of glacial processes. For its large sizeLough Ree is quite shallow being a maximum of36m deep at its southern end, and as shallowas 2m in some points within the northern portion.

3.2.3 The character and visual value of the lake’samenity is considerably embellished andenhanced by the 52 islands contained within thewater body. These islands vary in size from largeIslands such as Inchcleraun, Inchmore and HareIsland to smaller islands along the shoreline orgroups of small islands such as the Black Islands,which are located more or less centrally in the

lough. The islands are generally well covered bytrees and woodland and have a long history ofhabitation evidenced by the archaeologicalremains dating to the Early Christian period.

3.2.4 The physical extent of the corridor (asdepicted on the illustration to the left) was definedby the study team starting from where the N6 inAthlone joins the N61 and following that routealong the western shore of the lough to just northof Knockcroghery, from the townlands ofNewtown the line then heads almost due northfollowing a local road until it meets with the N63at Emmoo and then it follows that route east toBallyleague Lanesborough. The route continuesalong the N63 then takes the R392 forapproximately 2km before heading south alonga local road at Tullyarane to incorporate theCommons and Newtowncashel. The linecontinues along this local road to Ledwithstownand then follows the local road south, crossingthe River Inny at Shrule and continuing south toits junction with the N55. The line then followsthe N55 through Glassan and Ballykeeran ontoAthlone.

Landscape and Visual Corridor

Lanesborough to Ballyclare Islands3.2.5 Lanesborough is a small town that flanksthe river at the head of Lough Ree. The town isstrung out east to west along the N63 for akilometre or so on either side of the river. Theroad is carried over the river by the low stonearched bridge. A limestone quayside extendsalong the western side of the river on both sidesof the bridge.

Lough Ree - topography and extent of corridor

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3.2.6 The town is visually and physicallydominated by the large ESB power station.Mature trees along the eastern riverside partiallyscreen the complex, however, the large buildingsand three tall chimneystacks are visually dominantin the landscape for many miles around.

3.2.7 To the south of the town an oval shapedwater body approximately half a kilometre in widthforms the head of the lake. The waterway narrowsaround the Ballyclare Island before emerging outinto the main body of Lough Ree.

3.2.8 This area and the island are distinctive dueto the extensive reed beds which characterise thewetlands. On the eastern side a large area ofmixed woodland known as Commons Wood formsan impressive natural backdrop to the wetlands.

Ballyclare Islands to Clawinch

3.2.9 From the northern end of Lough Ree themost dominant topographical feature in thelandscape is the distant forested hill, Slieve Bawnto the north. The hill is the highest in the arearising to an elevation of 262m, at a distance ofsome 6km from the lough. To the south and westof Slieve Bawn another hill at Kilmacuagh (140m)is visible from the lake.

3.2.10 The western shoreline towards the southis characterised by flat terrain that extends to thewest for some distance. Indeed the land only startsto rise up again significantly at a distance of over10km from the water to the west. Views to thewest are in places filtered between the islandsbut in general they are open and panoramic viewsover a flat and featureless landscape. Small

settlements close to the watersuch asGardentown can be seen.

3.2.11 The Clooneigh River emerges into the lakefrom the west. The eastern shoreline in this areais, by contrast, more dramatic. From the northernend the landscape is characterised by a series ofhills that rise up to 60 to 80m. The level of thewater in the lake is just below 40m above sealevel. The hills and ridges are close to theshoreline presenting an interesting and immediatevisual horizon characterised by woodland ordistinct field patterns mainly given over to pasture.The occasional farmhouse or large country housecan be seen on the hillsides. This part of thelake contains several islands including the woodedFerrinch Island, Inchenagh and Clawinch.

Portrunny, Inchcleraun Island to Elfeet Bay

3.2.12 The next character area to the south againincludes both sides of the lake. As before alongthe western shore the land is relatively flat; a smallhill rises up to 79m at Toberreeoge. The shorelineforms two distinct bays: Portrunny Bay and GaleyBay. The Hind River, an important area for wildfowl,flows into Portrunny Bay from the west.

3.2.13 Throughout this stretch of low-lyingtopography there is little immediate visualcontainment and distant views are afforded to thewest. In the middle of the lake is one of the largestislands, Inchcleraun. This island is partiallywooded and contains some monastic and churchremains. The eastern shore is heavily woodedon the slopes around Elfeet Bay; Culnagore Woodborders the lakeshore in the bay.

Cashel

Lanesborough

Portrunny

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Carrownure Bay to Bally Bay3.2.18 On the west side of the lake this areaextends from Carrownure Bay past Kilmore Bay,and Carnagh Bay to Bally Bay. The landform isundulating with significant distant hills to the west.The immediate horizon is created by low hills suchas Knockskehan Hill (95m), which rises upimmediately behind Carrownure Bay. Trees linemuch of the shoreline creating visual interest inthe middle distance.

Inchmore to Hare Island3.2.19 Inchturk and Inchmore are two islands tothe north of the headland at Whinning. Thenorthern side of the headland encloses PortlickBay. The shoreline is roughly indented along thisstretch with a backdrop of wooded hills.

3.2.20 Hare Island is a large and verdant islandsituated close to the entrance to Killinure Lough.To the north there is a wooded headland(Whinning) with scattered small islands aroundthe shoreline. The headland forms Rinardoo Bayon its southern side. The woods and the relativelysteeply rising land enclose the lake visually.

The Inner Lakes3.2.21 Killinure Lough is a smaller water bodyconnected to Lough Ree through a narrow straitthat flows between Killinure and Coosan Points.To the south two smaller lakes, Coosan Loughand Ballykeeran Bay (Ballaghkeeran Bay orBealach Caorthainn) are connected to KillinureLough by narrow waterways approximately twohundred metres long. Killinure Lough itself formsa rough ‘L’ shape bending around Garnagh Island.Temple Island is situated in the middle of the larger

Hare Island, Lough Ree

Navigation buoy, Lough Ree

Hodson Bay, Lough Ree

St John’s Bay to Lismagawley Meadow

3.2.14 The shoreline further south is characterisedby a series of bays such as Blackbrink Bay(incorporating the Lecarrow canal) and St John’sBay. Here the topography changes, a series oflow hills and ridges combine with areas ofwoodland to bring the visual horizon from the watermuch closer to the shoreline. St John’s Wood isboth visually and ecologically of extremely highvalue. The land extends towards Warren Point inlong peninsula that contains some important ruinsincluding Rindown Castle.

3.2.15 On the eastern side a large promontoryaround Lismagawley meadow extends from theeast restricting the width of the lake to itsnarrowest point less than 1.5km. The shorelineis indented with many little coves and treesgrowing along the lakeside obscure distant views.In the lake off Pollagh point lie the Black Islands,a group of eight or so small low islands.

Owenacharra River, Saints Island to Inchbofin

3.2.16 This part of Lough Ree extends off to theeast in what could be termed a large bay withSaints Island and Inchbofin in its centre. SaintsIsland is an island connected by a causeway thatextends approximately 2km into the lake from thenorth.

3.2.17 The Owenacharra and Bilberry Rivers feedinto the lake from the east. This is the Innyentering the lake, which is the largest tributarydraining lands into the lake from as far north asthe Westmeath /Cavan border.This area isrelatively flat although the land does climb gentlyto the south.

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Socio-economic Corridor

Lanesborough/Ballyleague3.2.24 Although split into two administrative areas,Lanesborough/Ballyleague essentially functionsas one settlement. It is intricately linked to theriver in proximity, settlement form, employmentand land uses. Béal Átha Liag, the Irish name forboth Lanesborough and Ballyleague, means Fordof the Flagstones, as it was the first crossing ofthe Shannon north of Athlone leading to settlementin the area. Next to Athlone this is the largestsettlement on Lough Ree. The population ofLanesborough/ Ballyleague declined from 984 in1996 to 943 in 2002, a decrease of 4.2%. Thismay be due in part to a downscaling in theoperations of both the ESB and Bord na Mona,the two major employers in the area.

3.2.25 Within the Longford County DevelopmentPlan, Lanesborough is identified as a local growthcentre. Both the Longford and RoscommonCounty Development Plans recognise the tourismand amenity development potential of the areaand seek to enhance this.

3.2.26 Development potential on the easternbank, within Lanesborough, is constrained by itsroad network and parking is a problem. TheCouncil are hoping to open up backlanddevelopment to provide for parking. AroundLanesborough, there have been a number ofapplications for small-scale holiday chalets gearedtowards fishing enthusiasts. The Lough Ree Armsis seeking to expand. The majority of theapplications are on the eastern side of the road –i.e. away from the lake. More recently there hasbeen an increase in applications for housing along

eastern section of the lake. The village of Glassanis approximately 1.5km to the east of Wineport.

3.2.22 Hills and wooded areas surround most ofthe lake to the north, east and south. The landaround Coosan Lough to the southwest is bycomparison relatively flat. The enclosed natureof the lake, the narrow entrance combined withthe wooded areas and the landform have createda sheltered area that is a location for marinas,moorings and general boating facilities. The hill,Ballaghkeeran Big, provides a vantage point onthe N55 looking to the west. This stopping placeoffers an excellent panoramic view over thiscollection of water bodies and Lough Ree beyond.It is also important to note the influence of LoughFunshinagh, a turlough lake connected to LoughRee which is characteristic of the limestonepavement rock which comprises the western shoreof the lake

Hodson Bay to N6 road bridge3.2.23 This area is the southern most part ofLough Ree. The water area narrows dramaticallyand is funelled back into the river corridor as theShannon flows southwards. The area extendson the western side of the lough down thepeninsular that ends at Yew Point southwards toHodson Bay and down river towards Athlone. Onthe eastern side this area extends from Hare Islandpast the tiny Green Island and around the headlandat Meehan with the Lough Ree Yacht Club andprominent stone cross on Ballyglass Hill behind.At the southern end of Lough Ree a few smallislands mark the re-emergence of the river andthe approach to Athlone. The position of the townto the south is marked by the large water tower.

Ballyleague showing new marina development

ESB power station, Lanesborough

Lanesborough bridge & road to hot water stretch

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the Rathcline Road, resulting in ribbondevelopment. The County Development Planidentifies a development envelope aroundLanesborough in an effort to restrain this.

3.2.27 The new powerstation is currently beingcompleted and will come into operation in 2005,served by the extensive peatlands to the northand east of the settlement. The powerstation hasa 15-year permission after which time it will bedecommissioned and removed.

3.2.28 In contrast, on the western bank atBallyleague almost all the land (at the time ofwriting) between the road and lake, outside theland designated SAC, has been grantedpermission for development for hotels, over 50apartments, 24 new houses, a new GAAclubhouse, a private marina and a WaterwaysIreland 32 berth harbour. The latter are bothcurrently under construction and will enable agreater number of vessels to moor adjacent tothe town, which should have positive spin-offs forthe local economy. The villagescape, on bothsides of the bridge, but particularly the easternside, is in need of regeneration and could benefitfrom more focus on the water.

3.2.29 Lanesborough is renowned for its excellentfishing. The ‘Hot Water Stretch’ adjacent to thepeat fuelled power station (resulting from thecoolant used by the power station) attractsfishermen from all over Europe. The riverbank hasbeen completely revamped and now has 60 standsat the bridge, with 4 wheelchair-friendly stands.The town is also home to the Lough Ree rowingclub and the Lough Ree sub-aqua club.

3.2.30 The Lough Ree Development Co-operativerun a successful summer and winter environmentalschool from their base in Lanesborough, attractingvisitors from far afield. Other festivals co-ordinatedby the Development Co-operative are the Bord naMona Water Festival and the ESB AnglingFestival. Both the Development Co-operative, andthe Lanesborough Tourism Co-operative (who wereresponsible for lighting of the bridge) have beenactive in improving facilities locally. However, theyconsider that Lanesborough is still lacking infacilities to attract visitors to stay includingaccommodation, catering and activities. TheLough Ree Development Association Area ActionPlan introduces the concept of a water activitycentre at Lanesborough / Ballyleague, withtraining in water sports such as canoeing, sailingand windsurfing (this was subsequently referredto in the Midlands-East Regional Tourism Plan(2000-2006).

Newtowncashel & Barley Harbour, Co Longford3.2.31 Although physically separated from thewater, Newtownscashel (population 259) hasstrong associations with the Lough. The villageis closely linked with both Barley Harbour andElfeet Bay on the eastern shores of Lough Ree.Due to its isolation, Newtowncashel has remainedfairly small. With its recent success in the TidyTowns competition, there have been someenquiries about development opportunities. Thereis also some pressure for development within theElfeet townland and around Barley Harbour,particularly for holiday homes. Generally theCouncil have been refusing these applications ongrounds of high amenity, or inability to proveoccupancy. Limited planning permission has beengranted to the children of local rural people, many

of which have not been constructed. LongfordCounty Council have designated the village a localservice centre and intend to prepare a VillagePolicy Statement for it to direct development.

3.2.32 There are some access points to LoughRee in County Longford, the Council owns landat Bleanavoher and Drumnee (between Portanureand Saints Island); Cullentragh and Cashel arecommonage open to the public; and BarleyHarbour is one of the access points on privatelyowned land that local people regularly frequent.Barley Harbour is particularly well-used by localpeople as a local amenity; it is used by fishermenyear round as a mooring point for their dinghysand by recreational swimmers and picnicers inthe summer months.

Villages in County Roscommon3.2.33 From the water, County Roscommoncontains the most visible development. There area variety of reasons why this may be the case,including a more relaxed attitude to developmentcontrol and shelter from prevailing winds. Outsideof Athlone environs (including Kiltoom and HodsonBay) and Ballyleague, development ispredominantly single rural houses, however thereare three settlements of substantial size andproximity to the Lough that are currently underpressure for development.

3.2.34 Knockcroghery is located halfway betweenBallyleague and Athlone and 1.5 km from GaleyBay. There is considerable pressure fordevelopment within Knockcroghery village due toits proximity to the Lough. There are currently 3major applications for a total of 125 houses, which,

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given that the population of the village and itssurrounding environment (including Galey Bay) isaround 600, will have a major impact on the sizeand structure of the village. At Galey Bay, thereis a caravan park, however development has beenlargely restricted to single rural houses.

3.2.35 Lecarrow currently contains scatteredsettlement around a pub and a few shops locatedoff the N61. It is located at the base of theLecarrow canal, which forms part of the navigationchannel, and possesses a fine public harbour.Due to its proximity to Athlone and the N61,Lecarrow, has been targeted by developers andauctioneers as a future ‘growth point’ for upmarkethousing and associated facilities over recentyears. The Planning Authority is mindful of thefact that ribbon-style development has occurredalong the local roads leading to the village,furthermore development has been restricted dueto insufficient infrastructure. The Water ServicesSection of Roscommon County Council haveprioritised their projects to include a water-bornesewerage scheme for Lecarrow, which should beimplemented during 2004. The opening of such ascheme is likely to increase developmentpressure.

3.2.36 The harbour at Lecarrow is well-maintainedand provides a focal point for the local community,however there were apparently problems withaquatic weed preventing safe access to the villagefrom Lough Ree over the past year. WaterwaysIreland together with the Central Fisheries Boardare trying to find a solution. Rindown peninsulaand St John’s Wood, which form an area of highscenic quality, are located on the headland withinclose proximity to the settlement.

3.2.37 Roscommon County Council is currentlypromoting Portrunny as an appropriate locationfor rural tourism based on its scenic location andassociated rural activities. The Council have newlyinvested in upgrading the public amenity area nextthe harbour, which includes a children’s play areaand picnic tables. In March 2004 of this year,Waterways Ireland intend to submit an applicationto extend the existing harbour at Portrunny toprovide 24 additional berthing spaces, upgradethe existing breakwater and provide parking andsewage pump-out facilities. The harbourdevelopment has encouraged interesteddevelopers; consequently an application waslodged for a 2-storey 34 unit Apartment/Hoteltogether with a bar and restaurant and an on-sitewaste water treatment plant. This application iscurrently under consideration, requiring furtherinformation, and thus had not been approved atthe time of writing. It is located adjacent to theharbour of Portrunny. Approval of this applicationwould be likely to encourage other applications.

3.2.38 Hodson Bay, on the outskirts of Athlone,is being promoted within Roscommon as atourism centre. Within the Lough Ree environs,it is the most well used amenity area at any timeof the year, providing access to the Lough, abeach, picnic area, a harbour for many water-basedactivties and a hotel and golf course. The 1972Hodson Bay Study estimated that 1,000 peoplewould spend a typical Sunday afternoon at theBay, many just parking and enjoying the locationby the water. No current estimates have beenmade, but it is likely that this figure is at leastthat, if not higher now particularly due to the landRoscommon County Council purchased for publicamenity and the construction of the harbour by

Castle ruin at Galey Bay

Ducks at Lecarrow harbour

Houses at Portrunny

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the OPW (now Waterways Ireland) in the 1980s.

3.2.39 At present Roscommon County Councilis involved in a PPP venture for development of anAquatic Centre and a separate Boat TrainingSchool on Council owned land adjacent to theHodson Bay Hotel. In June 2003, the Councilresolved to proceed with the Aquatic Centre andprepare an EIS for the training school. However,funding has been approved for the Training Schoolbut not for the Aquatic Centre. The County Councilview the Aquatic Centre as a flagship tourismproject for Roscommon. There was some localopposition to the project, in particular to itslocation, as this is viewed as an important amenityarea for local people and visitors alike. The AthloneEnvirons Development Plan 2002-2008, includesan objective to formalise a Lough Ree shorelinepath from Hodson Bay to Athlone, however thiscould be problematic as much of the land adjacentto the shore has been privately developed for highquality housing.

Villages in County Westmeath

3.2.40 Due to limited viable land for futuredevelopment within the town boundary, the growthof Athlone is impacting on its hinterland, withincreasing pressure for development on outlyingvillages in County Westmeath: Coosan,Ballykeeran and Glassan (also Glasson andGlasán), all located on the Inner lakes. At presentWestmeath County Council is managing tocontain growth within these areas.

3.2.41 Of the three villages, Glassan is the mostsubstantial. Situated 8km north of Athlone, within20 minutes walk from Killinure Lough, Glassan

“Village of the Roses” is a thriving community withan attractive natural and built environment. Thevillage benefits from its location and setting bythe lake. It has a growing population (816 in 2002,an increase of over 9%) with a thriving tourismsector and hosts a number of festivals as well asoffering a base for range of land and water-basedactivities. There is considerable local interest atGlassan to provide a navigable channel fromWineport to Glassan and provide a harbour withberthing facilities to attract more tourism to thevillage. The Glassan Development Committee haveput together a proposal for the harbour, whichwould require substantial dredging of the BunownRiver running through the village. This has raisedthe concern of the DoEHLG in relation to ecology.This channel is included within WaterwaysIreland’s programme of works and has receivedconsiderable support from the community andlocal organisations, however, the Heritage Councilwould oppose such a development onenvironmental grounds.

3.2.42 Two recent applications in Glassan fordevelopments of over 10 houses were refused ongrounds of premature urban-generated ruraldevelopment. Any new development has beenconfined to single rural housing, resulting in ribbondevelopment along the length of the road betweenBallykeeran and Glassan. A residentialdevelopment scheme was submitted on the banksof Lough Ree at Ballykeeran. However, due toconcern at the impact on the local amenity area,this was never developed. However, bothBallykeeran and Glassan area to be linked to theAthlone sewerage system which could open theway to development if not carefully monitored.

Glassan, Village of Roses

Main St, Glassan

Portlick

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Christian remains of a monastic site on InchbofinIsland in Lough Ree, as such the recordedevidence of Early Medieval activity is abundant inthe lands immediately surrounding Lough Ree.compliment this, Waterways Ireland are providing45 meters of floating mooring at the collapsedpier.

Cultural and Historic Corridor

Settlement patterns3.2.44 Along the banks of the Shannon and LoughRee between Lanesborough and Athlone, 132monuments of archaeological significance havebeen identified from the Recorded Monuments andPlaces (RMP) records. The lands surroundingLough Ree account for a large ground area of well-drained fertile soils. As such the terrain wasexploited in Early Christian times up until thepresent day. Few prehistoric settlements havecome to light on Shannon’s shores, probably dueto the periodic flooding of the area, which wouldhave prevented permanent occupation. However,many bronze implements and weapons have beenfound. It is thought that the river and its lakeswere venerated by prehistoric peoples and thatthey deposited valuable possessions as gifts tothe gods.

3.2.45 The vernacular settlement patterns of theEarly Medieval period (400-1169 AD) in this regionare very extensive. This is represented by 19recorded ringforts and twenty recorded enclosures.Many of these sites are grouped together in certainareas surrounding Lough Ree. On the peninsulalocated between Galey Bay and Blackbrink Bayin and surrounding the townland of MountplunkettCo. Roscommon, there is a distinct grouping of

3.2.43 There are a few access locations to theinner lakes, in particular Killinure Lough, wherethere are three marinas and Wineport Lodge.Furthermore Westmeath County Council own twofine public amenity areas at Portlick and Coosan.At Portlick, the Council developed the Millenniumforest in conjunction with Coillte and have anobjective within the Development Plan to improvelakeshore amenity. In Coosan, the Council iscurrently undertaking land-based works to improveaccess to the point including reconstruction ofthe existing collapsed pier, providing new andextended boat slip for small craft, extending theexisting bathing area, further developing the picnicarea, extending the car parking and landscapingthe area to create an attractive local amenity onLough Ree within the Athlone environs.Tocomplement this, Waterways Ireland are providing45 meters of floating mooring at the collapsedpier.

Similarly there is a large Early Medieval settlementpattern in the area of and surrounding thetownlands of Rathcline, Formoyle and Cullentragh,Co. Longford. This is an area located about 2kmsouth of Lanesborough, extending along theeastern shores of Lough Ree as far south as ElfeetBay. Indeed, this entire area of rising ground,delimited by the shoreline of Lough Ree on thewest (Lanesborough through to Coosan Point) andthe R392 roadway on the east has extensiveevidence of Early Medieval domestic settlementin the form of ringforts and enclosures. Severalother Early Medieval remains have been revealedfrom this region between Athlone town andLanesborough including crannogs andecclesiastical remains. There are the early

at least four ringforts an enclosure and a hut site.They are located in an upland, well-drained area,rising from the western shores of Lough Ree.Similarly there is a large Early Medieval settlementpattern in the area of and surrounding thetownlands of Rathcline, Formoyle and Cullentragh,Co. Longford. This is an area located about 2kmsouth of Lanesborough, extending along theeastern shores of Lough Ree as far south as ElfeetBay. Indeed, this entire area of rising ground,delimited by the shoreline of Lough Ree on thewest (Lanesborough through to Coosan Point) andthe R392 roadway on the east has extensiveevidence of Early Medieval domestic settlementin the form of ringforts and enclosures. Severalother Early Medieval remains have been revealedfrom this region between Athlone town andLanesborough including crannogs andecclesiastical remains. There are the earlyChristian remains of a monastic site on InchbofinIsland in Lough Ree, as such the recordedevidence of Early Medieval activity is abundant inthe lands immediately surrounding Lough Ree.

3.2.46 The same can be said of the Late MedievalPeriod (1169-1600AD). There are four main areasidentified as having been extensively inhabitedduring later medieval times. The deserted medievalsettlement at Rindown is located on the Warrenpeninsula, which is bounded by Carrownure Bayto the southwest and St John’s Bay to thenortheast, on the western shores of Lough Ree.This settlement consists of a wide range ofarchaeological monuments, the compositeelements of which once created an Anglo-Normantown, defended from landward attack by a townwall and located on a key ferry point on a

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3.2.49 There are several Late Medieval recordedstructures in Lanesborough that indicate thefunctionality of the town in terms of defencemechanisms and religious practice. The historyof the town is described in paragraphs 3.2.55 -3.2.56. Rathcline castle is located on the easternshores of Lough Ree, adjacent to the bridge andharbour at Lanesborough. This late medieval castleis partly contained by and partly forming a largerectangular enclosure and was built by the Quinnfamily. It was enlarged and provided with a fortifiedyard in the early seventeenth century but attackedby Cromwellian forces. However, it was restoredby Sir George Lane, patron of Lanesborough c.1666, but was destroyed again during theWilliamite wars. Today, very little remains of thecastle, which is in a largely ruinous condition. Onlya long eastern wall and a short northern wallsurvive, with perimeter walls to the south and west.

3.2.50 The Post Medieval Period (1600 - present)is mainly represented by monuments (includingsome of the great fortified houses) constructed inthe vicinity of towns, in this corridor the town ofLanesborough. In the townland of Formoyle , thecontinuity of settlement in this important area ofland which guards the northern limits of LoughRee as it narrows in its approach to the town ofLanesborough is displayed by the presence ofmonuments such as Fermoyle House, a fortifieddwelling with associated ringworks, which hassince been demolished. It was built in the middleof the seventeenth century by the Newcomenfamily, who were Cromwellian settlers.

3.2.51 Similarly within the townland of Portanure,a post-medieval castle and pigeon house arelocated and in Creaghduff the site of a castle (now

potentially important trading route along the RiverShannon and Lough Ree.

3.2.47 The islands of Lough Ree were favouredby early hermits as places of retreat, many ofthese were later to become the focus of monasticcommunities. The Island of Inchbofin has evidanceof a monastic settlement and the island ofInchleraun located in the central waters of LoughRee itself, is an important monastic site with manyecclesiastical buildings dating from the earlyChristian period to the sixteenth century. This wasa multi-period, relatively isolated site devoted tomonastic activities until early postmedieval times.Saints Island in Lough Ree was also a centre ofecclesiastical affairs. This is represented by acollection of monuments that exist on the island.There are also the remains of a hall house (a typeof medieval castle structure) on Saints Island. Theisland of Inchmore in Lough Ree was alsoinhabited for ecclesiastical means. Also, on Nun’sIsland there are the relict remains of a nunnery(which may have links to the nunnery atBethlehem).

3.2.48 Apart from ecclesiastical activity in thisarea of Lough Ree, the mainland also saw somevernacular settlement in Corrool, Ballynacliffy,Muckanagh and Portlick, the latter of whichcontains the remains of a late medieval towerhouse built by the Dillons, this was subsequentlyadded to over the centuries and is still in use tothis day. Whilst any areas further inland than 500mfrom the Lough Ree shoreline were not examinedfor this study, it is interesting that another collectionof ringforts and enclosures exist on the risingground immediately east/southeast of the castleat Ballynacliffy.

Saint’s Island Priory

Church and graveyard, Cashel

The Clogás, Inchcleraun

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medieval borough of Áth Liag, ‘the ford of stone’,and successive bridges were built thereconnecting Midhe and Connaught. Theimportance of the river and lough in Early Christiantimes is attested by the ecclesiastical foundationson Lough Ree’s northern islands, giving furthersignificance to the ford at Lanesborough.Frequent Viking raids from the 9th to the 11th

centuries brought about the first recorded bridgehere in 1000. Turlough O’Connor, High King ofIreland, was responsible for the erection of thesecond bridge at Lanesborough in 1140 AD as hewanted to facilitate the movement of his forcesfrom west to east.

3.2.56 The Anglo-Normans quickly realised thestrategic importance of Lanesborough and it wassubsequently occupied throughout the thirteenthcentury by the de Lacys, de Mariscos and deVerduns. During later medieval times, Athlonebecame a more important centre of trade,communication and defence and as such little isknown of Lanesborough until the late seventeenthcentury when it was granted at the Restoration toSir George Lane. The town name was derived fromSir Lane, whose lands in Ballyleague and othernearby areas in county Longford were erected intothe manor of Lanesborough by charter of CharlesII. Lane was responsible for much of thedevelopment of the village including a bridgeconnecting counties Longford and Roscommon,erected in 1667 (rebuilt in 1706).

3.2.57 Other buildings of cultural significanceinclude St John, Rathcline parish church, andBlessed Lady of the Rosary church,Lanesborough parish. Rathcline parish churchwas built 1856-61 by Joseph Welland.

occupied by Killinure House near Killinure Point)is recorded. Ecclesiastical practices in post-medieval times are represented in the form ofmonuments such as a church and earthwork onthe shores of Killinure Lough and a nunnery atBethlehem said to have been plundered byEnglish soldiers in the seventeenth century.

3.2.52 The prosperity of the 18th and 19thcenturies bore the development of country houses.One such example is Waterstown estate inGlassan, constructed in the 1740s, which onceincluded a seven-bay house, extensive gardens,a grotto and pigeon house.

Underwater Archaeology3.2.53 It is obvious that there was a Vikingpresence on the river Shannon and Lough Ree.Monastic settlements were regularly attacked andplundered; a Viking hoard was found on Hare Island(just 4.5km north of Athlone). Hence the potentialto find a possible Viking boat should not be ruledout. Underwater archaeology associated with theNorman settlement at Rindown was discoveredthrough an underwater survey of Safe Harbourconducted in 1997. This includes evidence ofdredging of two channels into the harbour, a stoneslipway, the remains of a wet docking area, thefoundations of a stone quay and a series of stonejetties with a wet docking channel between each.

3.2.54 It is likely that further underwaterarchaeology could be uncovered at major fordingpoints of the Shannon such as Lanesborough.

History of settlement at Lanesborough3.2.55 Lanesborough, itself a zone ofarchaeological potential, occupies the site of the

Unfortunately the building’s splendour iseradicated by a great power station located behindit. Lanesborough parish church was built in 1859.It is a mid-Victorian hall and tower church, whichhas been reworked in the early twentieth century.

Industrial Heritage - the Shannon Navigation3.2.58 In the 1750s, Thomas Omer wascommissioned to improve the navigability of theRiver Shannon. Work started at Meelick 1755,working upstream to Lanesborough. By 1759locks had been constructed at Shannonbridge andLanesborough and a 2.5km canal excavatedaround Athlone in order to bypass the shallowsat the old town bridge; the canal incorporated afull and half loch. Following the ShannonNavigation Act, in 1839, the ShannonCommissioners embarked on an ambitiousscheme to upgrade the navigation so that it couldbe used by steam boats. The locks atShannonbridge and Lanesborough weresubsequently removed and the old bridges atAthlone and Lanesborough replaced.

3.2.59 The 1.5km canal linking Lecarrow withLough Ree was constructed in the 1840s for thetransportation of stone from a nearby quarry toAthlone for use in the new bridge, weir, lock andquay. It eventually fell into disuse, but wasdredged in the 1960s by the OPW and now formspart of the Shannon navigation.

3.2.60 Although both the navigation and canalwere refurbished by the OPW in the 1960s, theyare essentially the same waterways as thosedeveloped by the Shannon Commissioners some120 years previously. The most significantheritage features are the navigation channel,

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Peat extraction and electricity generation3.2.64 Whilst Lanesborough power station is verydominant in the landscape, the extensive peatworkings which fuel the station, are less obvious.Although the most recent and short-lived industry,its scale and intensity is such that it has, and willcontinue to, make the greatest impact on thelandscape at the northern end of the Lough.

Ecological Corridor3.2.65 Lough Ree (pNHA, cSAC, SPA) is one ofhe four main designated sites within the entirestudy area. It is of international importance, it isrich in habitats and is an important resource forwildlife. The islands, in particular, are importantto bird life within the area. Lough Ree’s manyinlets support aquatic and wetland vegetation andexhibit the successional zonation from aquatic toterrestrial vegetation.

Habitats3.2.66 Habitats are classified with reference tothe ‘A guide to the habitats of Ireland’ (Fossitt2000). This guide sets out a scheme forclassifying wildlife habitats in Ireland. A total of22 habitats have been identified within the surveyarea to date (see over). Eleven of these are AnnexI habitats and are highlighted in italics; 6 of thesehave “priority” status under the EU HabitatsDirective (92/43/EEC) and are denoted by *.These habitats are described in greater detail inAppendix 4 to this report.

3.2.67 Lough Ree is a eutrophic lake (i.e. enrichedby nutrients) that has a long shoreline with manysheltered bays and numerous islands. This habitat

quays and harbour at Lanesborough, all of whichwere built by the Shannon Commissioners in the1840s.

Road and Rail3.2.61 Four road bridges and a railway stationare located within the Lough Ree corridor. Themost prominent bridge, and the only one ofheritage merit, is that at Lanesborough, built inthe 1840s by the Shannon Commissioners toreplace the earlier 18th century bridge noted inparagraph 3.2.56 above. Although upgraded inthe 1990s by the addition of cantilevered footpaths,its original character is still recognisable.

3.2.62 The railway complex at Knockcroghery,opened in 1860 on the Athlone-Roscommon lineencompasses a station house, offices, goods shedand signal box. Although the station has not beenfunctioning for rail and has been in privateownership since the 1960s, its original characterhas been retained in its adaptive reuse as housing.

Rural Industry3.2.63 Whilst virtually all the cultivated land withinthe study area is currently used for animal grazing,at one time cereals played a significant role in the local economy. This is reflected by the 17mills that were located in the Lough Ree corridor. Of these, 9 still have visible remains, albeitdisused. Watermills remained in use for longerthan windmills, however they are more susceptibleto destruction so only 4 of the original 12 survive,whereas all 5 windmill towers are still upstanding.Of the watermills, the corn mill at Lecarrow andthe flour mill at Shrule are the most significant.They are both typical examples of their type andperiod.

Mill Race, Lecarrow

Quay, Lanesborough

Former Station, Knockcroghery

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and tall sedge vegetation dominated by commonclub rush, common reed and bulrush and tall herbswamp with abundant yellow flag. The wetlandsubsequently succeeds into scrub woodlandcomposed of rowan, blackthorn, ash, hazel,hawthorn, gorse and willow. This is an importantsite for wintering wildfowl such as Whooper swan,Golden Plover, Lapwing, Curlew and Wigeon.

Lisnanarriagh Bog, Co Roscommon - this site isan NHA. It is a small raised bog situatedapproximately 1km south-west of Lough Ree. BogMoss covers about 75% of the understorey. Activebogs with a good cover of growing Bog Moss area rare habitat in Europe.

Gallagh to Portnahinch, Co Roscommon -important site for wildfowl, in particular Whooperswans.

Ferrinch Island, Co Roscommon - known to bean important nesting site for ducks. This islandis also a breeding site for the garden warbler, anuncommon breeding species within Ireland.

Cloncrraff/Cloonlarge Bog, Co Roscommon - thisbog complex was an NHA and is soon to beincluded within the Lough Ree SAC boundaries.

The main feature is about 10ha of bog woodlandincluding Birch, Scot’s Pine and some Holly.

Rinany Point/Portrunny Bay, Co Roscommon -together with the Hind river estuary, this area isimportant for wildfowl such as Whooper Swan andGolden Plover. Habitats include reed beds,swamp and associated wetland.

Doonis and Derrymacar Lough. These Loughsprovide important refuges for the wildfowl fromLough Ree during times of disturbance.

Water quality3.2.68 Water quality monitoring of Lough Ree iscarried out by both the Fisheries Board and theEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA). In termsof water quality Lough Ree was classed as amoderately eutrophic lake in 1996 by the EPA.This means that there was substantial algalgrowth. In 1996 the EPA carried out aninvestigation into the Eutrophication of Lough Reedue to growing concern over the deterioratingwater quality of the Lough. This led to theimplementation of measures to reduce phosphatelevels charged into the lake and have beensuccessful in reducing the levels of algalproduction. Lough Ree is now classed asmesotrophic and the decline in production of algaeindicates an improvement in water quality (EPA1998).Areas of ecological interest3.2.69 Within Lough Ree, 46 sites of ecologicalinterest have been identified and include sitessupporting interesting habitats and those ofimportance to birds. These sites have all beennumbered and mapped and are described belowand in greater detail within Appendix 4. The sitesare set out below according to county beginningwith Roscommon.

Ballyclare/Ballyclare Island, Co Roscommon - thissite occurs at the narrow point of entry of the RiverShannon in to Lough Ree. This extensive wetlandexhibits zonation from aquatic to terrestrialvegetation. The aquatic vegetation, composed ofwater lilies and pond weeds, grades in to reed

type corresponds to the Annex I habitat in the EUHabitats Directive, ‘natural eutrophic lakes withMagnopotamion or Hydrochariton-type vegetation

(3150)’. The lake is considered an excellentexample of a mesotrophic to moderate-eutrophicsystem. It is very large in size and has a gooddiversity of habitat around its margins. There area number of smaller lakes and ponds within theNHA/cSAC adjacent to Lough Ree. The majorityof these are located to the east of the Lough. Thelakes of importance include, Ross, Creggan,

Habitat typeEutrophic lakesTurloughsDepositing/lowland riversCanalsReed and large sedge swampsImproved agricultural grasslandDry calcareous and neutral grasslandWet grasslandMarshRaised bogCutover bogRich fen and flushOak-birch-holly woodlandOak-ash-hazel woodlandRiparian woodlandBog woodland(Mixed) broadleaf woodlandMixed broadleaf/conifer woodlandScrubHedgerowsTreelinesExposed calcareous rock

CodeFL4*FL6*FW2FW3FS1GA1GS1*GS4GM1PB1*PB4PF1*WN1WN2WN5WN7*WD1WD2WS1WL1WL2ER2*

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River Hind, Co Roscommon - the mouth of theRiver Hind is an important area for winteringwildfowl.

Kilmore Point, Co Roscommon - quite a large areaof scrub grading into semi-natural woodland onthe sloping bank of the Lough.

Blackbrink Bay, Co Roscommon - The Blackbrinkbay area is an important site for wildfowl such asWhooper Swan and Golden Plover.

St John’s Wood, Co Roscommon - St John’s Woodis one of the finest woods in the county andpossibly in the whole of the midlands. It covers anextensive area (132 ha) on the shores of LoughRee. Tree species and ground flora are typical ofa wood on limestone. The presence of old woodland(i.e. permanent woodland cover over long periodof time), results in the presence of a number ofold woodland (i.e. permanent woodland cover overlong period of time), results in the presence of anumber of rare plants, such as toothwort and bird’snest orchid. Bird species of interest include thegarden warbler, found predominantly in theShannon catchment (An Foras Forbatha 1974).The wood is bounded on the southwest by anextensive open wetland. The open wetland haswell developed fen communities with a rich flora ofconsiderable scientific interest. Adjacent to theopen fen is an area of swamp woodland (‘carr’ onpeaty soil subject to waterlogging. In the mainwood, the commonest tree species, is pedunculateoak, followed by ash. In some areas these treespecies form a canopy with an understorey of tallshrubs mainly hazel and holly. Of particular interestwithin the site is the swamp woodland. The treecanopy is dominated by downy birch. The

understorey consists of abundant alder buckthornand bird cherry (two rare species in Ireland) alongwith common buckthorn. Royal fern is commonin the field layer. Pockets of leached, acid soilsupport calcifuge species such as bilberry, woodrush, and hard fern. 80% of St John’s wood isowned by the State (National Parks and WildlifeService).

Rindown, Co Roscommon - Rindown wood islocated on the western shores of Lough Ree. Thewoodland occupies an area of approximately 12ha and lies at the tip of Rindown peninsula. Themain habitat type present is hazel woodland/scrub. Other habitats include rocky lakeshore andaquatic communities, mostly emergent swampvegetation. Along the lake edge there is a ratherabrupt and well defined zonation from open waterwith sparse aquatic vegetation to rocky shore.The wetland vegetation along the lakeshore is ofparticular ecological interest due to its species-richness and the presence of Teucrium scordium,a rare plant that is confined in Ireland to thelakeshores of Lough Ree and Lough Derg. Thewoodland is generally a low growing hazel wood.Other tree species present include ash,whitebeam, oak, hawthorn and poplar, howeverwith the exception of ash these species aregenerally minor components of the canopy. Incommon with most semi-natural woodland sitesin Ireland, Rindown wood has been modified bygrazing.

Carnamissoge Point, Co Roscommon - Maturedeciduous and scrub woodland occurs atCarnamissoge point.

Yew Point Wood, Co Roscommon - Yew point is

a diverse wood on a low peninsula formed fromlimestone drift. Hazel and ash dominatedwoodland occurs with occasional birch. Otherspecies include oak, crab apple, willow andbuckthorn. The ground flora contains a diversityof woodland plants.

Bally Bay and Marsh, Co Roscommon - Thissheltered bay contains several wooded islandsand extensive reed beds. It is also important forwildfowl.

Bogganfin, Co Roscommon - Large area offloodplain and callows just north of Athlone. Thisarea is presently outside the designated areaboundaries.

Commons Wood, Co Longford - The Commonswood (located to the south of Lanesborough), lieson the eastern shore of Lough Ree and consistsof a semi-natural woodland adjoining a disusedquarry. The species rich, oak–ash-hazelwoodland is dominated by ash, hazel, oak,hawthorn, blackthorn and Scots pine. Buckthornalso occurs here. This species occurs in rockyplaces and lakeshores; it is occasional in theWest and Centre but very rare elsewhere. Thewoodland is interspersed with patches limestonepavement and calcareous grassland. Thecalcareous dry grassland is composed of harebell Campanula rotundifolia, common sedge Carexnigra, glaucous sedge Carex flacca, red fescueFestuca rubra, yarrow Achillea millefolium,crested dogstail Cynosurus cristatus andmarjoram Origanum vulgare. This is also a sitefor the rare, blue fleabane. This species usuallyoccurs on eskers, in dry grassland, sandypastures and on walls, especially on calcium rich

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substrates. This is a rare and local speciesconfined to mostly central and south-easternIreland. Scrub composed of hawthorn and willowis encroaching the grassland in places.

Rathcline Wood, Co Longford - Rathcline woodand nearby woods are predominantly mixedbroadleaved woods. Beech dominates the canopyin places along with oak, ash, sycamore, elm,hazel, elder, blackthorn, spindle, hawthorn andholly. Ash is the dominant canopy species in thenorthern section.

Incharmacdermot Island, Co Longford - This smallisland supports scrub vegetation dominatedhawthorn. There is a thick band of wetlandvegetation dominated by common reed around theperiphery of the island.

Bleanavoher, Co Longford - This area containssome limestone pavement supporting patches ofspecies-rich calcareous grassland similar to thatfound in the Burren as well as a limestone shore.

Tureen Turlough, Co Longford - this is an importantwildfowl site and IWeBS count site. Speciesrecorded include the following and Whooper swan,Tufted duck, Wigeon, Coot and Mallard.

Cordaragh Turlough, Co Longford - This is a fairly large turlough in the carboniferous limestone area on the east shore of Lough Ree, situated about 7km south west of Lanesborough. The vegetation is mainly pasture with occasional drainageditches, which are often flooded. The main interestof the site now lies in the large numbers of wildfowland waters that the area can support when wet.

This site is an NHA. Wildfowl recorded here includethe following, Tufted duck, Coot, Mallard, Wigeon,Pochard, Shoveler, Little Grebe, Lapwing, muteswan, curlew, Whooper swan and Golden plover.

Aghakeel, Co Longford - This is an important birdarea and is a site for the garden warbler Sylviaborin.

Fortwilliam Turlough, Co Longford - FortwilliamTurlough is situated close to the eastern shore ofLough Ree, 6 km south of Lanesborough, inCounty Longford. This site is a cSAC and anIWeBS count site. Fortwilliam is the only extantlarge turlough in Longford and one of only two eastof the Shannon. It has a high diversity caused bya semi-permanent water body, abundant marlprecipitation, a relative lack of grazing and smalloutcrops of limestone, so it is a very representativeexample of the habitat. This is an importantwildfowl site. Species recorded here includeWhooper swan, Tufted duck, Mute swan, Greatcrested grebe, Pochard, Curlew, Lapwing, Coot ,Golden plover, Pintail duck, Wigeon, Redshank,Mallard, Moorhen and Teal.

Cashel Wood, Co Longford- This wood isdominated by ash and hazel and runs close tothe shore and harbour. Other species includehawthorn, blackthorn and gorse.

Inchcleraun Island, Co LongfordInchecleraun island is partially wooded on thewestern side. This wood is dominated by ash andhazel. Managed grassland, grazed by cattleoccurs almost to the waters edge.

Inchamacdermot

Limestone quarry at Commons

Mouth of River Inny

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Culnagore Wood, Co Longford - Culnagore woodis an extensive area of hazel wood bordering Elfeetbay. Occasional mature trees such as oak, beechand ash occur throughout.

Lough Slawn, Co Longford - This small lakeadjacent to Culnagore wood supports a widediversity of species-rich wetland habitats. This siteis a NHA. The lough is fringed by Common Reedwhich merges into a grassland. Old Peat cuttingssurround the basin. The underlying geology isCarboniferous limestone, and influence of calciumenrichment is evident with species such as Grass-of-parnassus and Great Fen-sedge in the marshand swamp areas.

Lisnagawley, Co Longford - this supports species-rich semi-natural habitats ranging from meadowto bog.

Black Islands, Co Longford - The Black Islandsconsist of a wooded series of small islands withoccasional mature trees. Scrub is thepredominant woodland type. Cormorants arefrequent. This is an important site for commonscoter and common tern.

Derrynagease, Co Longford - Derrynagease is animportant bird site, especially for Greenland WhiteFronted geese. Lizard hibernates in Derrynageasecastle.

Saints Island, Co Longford - this is an importantbird site. Regular wildfowl species include,Lapwing, Golden plover and Mute swan.

Arnee point and mouth of the River Inny, Co

Longford - this is an extensive site with wideexpanses of reed beds and an important bird site.Wildfowl species commonly occurring at this siteinclude Coot, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Whooperswan, Great crested grebes, Lapwing, Pochard,Mute swan. Greenland White Fronted Geeseonce frequented this area.

Doonis Lough Co Westmeath - this is animportant area for birds. There is a large area ofCladium Fen (Annex I habitat) connecting thisLough with Lough Ree.

Muckanagh, Co Westmeath - This is an importantsite a site for the Greenland white fronted geese.

Nuns island, Co Westmeath - this is a smallisland consisting of woodland and scrubcomposed of ash and hazel, with large area alongthe shoreline dominated by common reed.

Creggan Lough, Co Westmeath - This Lough isan important Whooper swan Cygnus cygnus site.

Ross Lough, Co Westmeath - This is a shallowLough bordered by reed beds, cutover bog andwillow scrub. Nearby there is a small area of cut-away bog. There is also a small area of grasslandthat is cut for hay and a meadow, which is lightlygrazed by cattle. This site is favoured as abreeding site for waders, wildfowl and riparianpasserines. The area is particularly noted for,and supports a wide diversity of wetland and bogvegetation. This Lough is an important WhooperSwan site.

Portlick Wood, Co Westmeath - Portlick Wood

is owned by Coillte and is a People’s MillenniumForest. This is also a site for the Garden Warbler.

Hare Island, Co Westmeath - has a thick fringeof semi-natural woodland composed of beech, ash,sycamore, oak and hazel. The red data bookspecies, long-leaved helleborine and betony havebeen recorded here. This wood provides a habitatfor the garden warbler, a species confined to theShannon lakes in Ireland.

Meehan Wood, Co Westmeath - This wood isapproximately 12ha and is dominated by scruband hazel wood. Other woodland species includeoak, ash, hawthorn, blackthorn, whitebeam, andholly. Large numbers of Whooper swan winterhere.

Ducks at beach near Wineport, Killinure Lough

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in relation to the river. Thus the corridor is takento be that area visible from the river; i.e. the riverfrontage itself and the streets within view from theriver. The old canal has also been examined aspart of the waterway corridor. From the southernedge of the town the corridor follows the R446 tothe outer edge of Golden Island, there it followsthe local road to the south. Where this road ends,the route continues south-east to take in the extentof the winter flood-level, until it meets with theend of the old Pilgrim’s Road at Bishop’s Hill. AtBishop’s Hill the line follows the local road to thesouth-west taking in Pilgrim’s Road Esker in itsentirety, Fin Lough and Mongon bog. AtClonmacnois, the edge of the corridor follows theR444 to Shannonbridge, which marks thesouthern most point of the River Shannon Corridorfor the purposes of this study. Crossing the bridgethe line continues past the fortifications. In orderto take in the Callows and extent of the floodplain,the notional line extends just to the east of thepeat railway around the townlands of Cloonshaskthen follows the western extent of the Callowsback up to Athlone.

Landscape and Visual corridor

Athlone3.3.4 On the on the western riverbank close tothe road bridge the old canal can be seen. Thecanal ceased to be used long ago and is nowpartially overgrown. The alignment of the canal isstraight and angled to the south east as it passesthrough Athlone cutting off a bend in the river.

3.3.5 From the river the railway bridge with itswhite painted steel trestles makes an attractivefeature spanning the water. Tree lines and new

3.3 River Shannon

Environmental setting

3.3.1 In this section the River Shannon or AntSionainn flows in a south, southwesterly directionfrom the town of Athlone to the village ofShannonbridge over a distance of approximately21km. The waterway having emerged from theexpanse of Lough Ree is generally between 80up to 200m wide. It flows around four significantislands, two with the name of Long Island, as wellas Inchinalee and Devenish Island. The actualnavigation passes each island through on theeastern wider channel.

3.3.2 Due to the low-lying terrain, the corridor isdefined for the most part by the extent of thecallows (or floodplain). Exceptions occur atClonmacnois, where the heritage zone is includedin its entirety; at Shannonbridge which takes inthe extent of the village commercial core; andAthlone, where the visual corridor is quite tight,but it is appropriate to include the old canal to thewest of the river and major developments that mayimpact on the river itself, such as the GoldenIsland Shopping Centre.

3.3.3 The town of Athlone is included in the rivercorridor which is appropriate as it is a town thatin recent years has exploited the riverfront for newdevelopment. Whilst from a planning perspectivethe town is examined in its broader context, interms of built heritage and archaeology, the studyis confined to those structures immediatelyimpacting on river, or impacted by their location

River Shannon - topography & extent of corridor

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low area of pastureland edged with scattered treesand reed beds. The course of the river is to thesouth west past Hall’s Point. There are a numberof small rivers or streams that serve as minortributaries to the Shannon. The most significantof these is the Cross River. This small river joinsthe Shannon adjacent to the island calledInchinalee midway some 10km south of Athlone.

River Shannon: Inchinalee to Clonmacnois3.3.10 South of the island of Inchinalee the riverturns almost directly to the west. Along this firstsection the river is up to 200m wide and flankedby reed beds. On the north and western bank ofthe river the land is relatively flat affording distantviews to trees and hedgerows. Looking to thesouth across the other bank visual containmentis provided closer to the river by elevated glacialdeposits or esker rising up to over 90m atClonascra. This esker and a further one to thesouth form ridges that run approximately east towest. The seasonal flooding of the river has leadto local roads and small settlements or hamletsbeing built along the top of the esker.

3.3.11 As the river narrows it meanders around abroad flood plain to the south to a river bend atthe monastic site of Clonmacnois where the eskerforms high ground immediately along theriverbank. At this point the ancient churches, highcrosses, a stone tower and castle remains aregrouped within scattered trees on the riversideslope of the esker forming an attractive heritagefeature in the landscape. There is a small jettyand mooring facilities for boats, which providesaccess to the Clonmacnois site from the river.

development along the riverside largely containviews of the town on the approach.

3.3.6 An arched stone bridge (town bridge)provides the main crossing within the town, afterwhich the river widens in the area of the weir. Theprofile of the town is defined by the tightly groupedbuildings of differing style, age and proportionsthat line the river. There are some fine buildingssuch as St Peter and Paul’s Church and AthloneCastle. The weir, which incorporates a largehydraulic lock, spans the river across this widesection creating an interesting and attractivefeature which offsets the built form of the townbehind.

3.3.7 Mature trees line the eastern bank, atGolden Island, providing the last element of visualenclosure before the river emerges back into opencountryside. A kilometre below the town, thesouthern end of the old canal is marked by afootbridge. From this position looking north thereis a wide and impressive panoramic view ofAthlone.

The Old Athlone Canal mouth to Long Island3.3.8 From Athlone the river flows south througha broad mostly flat landscape. Visually longdistant and panoramic views are characteristic ofthis stretch of the river. The visual limits tend tobe distant trees / hedgerows on either side of theriver. In places bank side tree growth narrows thefield of vision to more contained views along theriver.

Long Island to Inchinalee3.3.9 The river braids around Long Island, a largeGolden Island

St Peter & Paul’s Church and Old Town Bridge

Northern entrance to old Athlone canal

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Clonmacnois to Shannonbridge3.3.12 From Clonmacnois the river again turnstowards the west through a wide, open stretch forapproximately 2km. The esker continues to forma low ridge running south west providing visualcontainment along the southern and western sideof the Shannon.

3.3.13 The river narrows again and turns in awide bend to the south for 2km to reach DevenishIsland. On the east side the esker terminates tothe east of the island approximately 1km away.The river flows south at a width of approximately100m towards Long Island (the second river islandof that name in the stretch of river from Athlone)and then on to Shannonbridge.

Shannonbridge3.3.14 Shannonbridge is a small village thatextends in a linear fashion for a kilometre or so tothe east away from the river along the R357. Thisparticular pattern means that most of the villageis visually remote from the river. For the purposeof this study the river waterway corridor takes inthe extent of the village commercial core. In themain attractive two-storey buildings line the roadin a series of terraces.

3.3.15 The most prominent and attractive featuresof the village are the sixteen arches of the stonebridge (and the navigation arch) and the adjacentNapoleonic fort situated on the west bank of theriver. West of the fort, the batteries are visiblefrom the river and the village. The stone quaysideis well preserved and attractive. Historical artifactssuch as loading cranes and the old iron swingbridge, which has been relocated to the quaysidefrom the main bridge, add to the attractiveness ofthe pier.

3.3.16 Despite the visibility of the power stationin the background, there is an interesting view ofthe riverboat moorings set against the backdropof the village buildings from the north side of thebridge. South of village the low-lying floodplain isdominated by the extensive peat-fuelled powerstation. The large bulk of the buildings and thetall red striped chimney are high visible for milesaround. The two main structures, chimneys andassociated industrial paraphernalia of power lines,industrial railway tracks, fences and peatstockpiles make an incongruous image in thesurrounding landscape. The striped red and whitepainting of the chimney only serves to draw furtherattention to the complex.

Socio-economic corridorAthlone3.3.17 With the exception of Athlone, the studyarea is predominantly rural and fairly under-populated. The population in other settlements,typical of rural Ireland, is in decline. Althoughurbanisation of Athlone is prevalent, recent CSOcensus figures suggest that there has been somemigration from the urban area of Athlone to itshinterland, resulting in an overall decline inpopulation in Athlone town since 1996, and asignificant increase in Athlone East Rural over thesame period (towards the inner loughs).

3.3.18 Athlone is the largest settlement withinthe study area, and in fact is the largest urbancentre within the midlands region; with a totalpopulation of 15,936 (and a substantial ruralcatchment bringing the population base up to over23,000). It is identified as a Gateway within theNational Spatial Strategy and is strategicallyplaced in the centre of Ireland with good rail and

Clonmacnois

New harbour at Shannonbridge

Shannonbridge powerstation

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3.3.24 There is a lot of demand for retail spacein and around Athlone, with Golden IslandShopping Centre and other potential retaildevelopments being the focus of significant activityover recent years. To the south of the GoldenIsland Recreational Parkland and Shopping Centrethere is a large area subject to theLoughandonning/Bunavalley Action Area Plan.There is significant pressure for residentialdevelopment of this land. The Action Area Planwas developed to identify the extent of floodingand facilitate development of this centrally locatedprime development land on the southern edge ofthe town. Due to flooding and drainage issueshighlighted, development of this land has beenhalted and zoned to prevent development.

3.3.25 There is significant residential andcommercial development adjacent to the oldAthlone Canal; the Council itself has developedhousing behind the former Lock Mills. The Councilowns a large stretch of the land adjoining the oldcanal between the old Galway Road and LockMills and lease part of the Canal from WaterwaysIreland.

Use of the canal for navigation ceased in the 1840sand part of it, within the ownership of Athlone TownCouncil, is now infilled, therefore it is unlikely thatit would be reopened for navigation. The canal isidentified as open space in the Town Plan. To thesouth of Lock Mills the Shannon Regional FisheriesBoard put in a road to enable better access forangling. That said, there are significant tracts ofthe river frontage that have been developed in recenttimes for a range of uses, particularly prominentare the new apartments and Radisson Hotel onthe eastern side of the river adjacent to the town

3.3.21 In relation to the river, the Town Councilare committed to bringing a focus back to theriver, with varying degrees of success. AthloneTown Council own three substantial landbanksadjacent to the Shannon. There are all zoned foreither open space or sporting recreation in theDevelopment Plan and contain some fishingstands. The southern most is the Golden IslandParkland, the northern part of which has beenlandscaped as a formal park.

3.3.22 Two of the town’s significant employers:Custume Barracks and the Ranelagh IndustrialEstate present barriers to development of thewestern bank of the river. Therefore, along thisstretch of the western side of the Shannon, thebest that can be achieved is enhancement of thelinear walkway along the river. That said, thereare significant tracts of the river frontage that havebeen developed in recent times for a range ofuses, particularly prominent are the newapartments and Radisson Hotel on the easternside of the river adjacent to the town marina andthe two residential developments on the westernside of the river, one to the north and the other tothe south of the lock.

3.3.23 There is pressure to develop the land tothe south of the weir on the western banks for 70houses. Whilst the Council recognise the needto protect the Callows, they would allow limiteddevelopment within this floodplain on the provisothat they acquire land for open space adjacent tothe river. To the north of the town (at the time ofwriting), along the banks of the Shannon, anapplication had been lodged for 83 apartmentsand 7 houses to the rear of the Jolly MarinerMarina.

road links to Dublin and the rest of Ireland. Asstated in “The Shell Guide to the River Shannon”,Athlone owes its existence to its situation on theprincipal crossing point on the middle Shannon.It is particularly important to the study area forboth its cultural heritage and because it marksthe southern entrance to Lough Ree. Athlone hasa rich history, as is evidenced by the layers thatcomprise the built environment and its name whichderives from Ath Luain (the ford of Luan). Thetown administrative boundary was officially definedin 1899. This has subsequently expanded intoneighbouring counties Westmeath andRoscommon.

3.3.19 Tourism is an important asset to theeconomy of Athlone and in particular water-basedactivities including cruising. It is acknowledgedthat the river Shannon and the historic town,including the Castle, are the principal amenitiesof Athlone. It is anticipated that there is furtherscope for the development of water-based tourism.In fact one of the strategies of the “Action Plan forthe Midlands Region” by the Midland RegionalAuthority recommends the development of water-based leisure along the Shannon.

3.3.20 Being the largest town within the studyarea, Athlone and its environs is the focus of muchof the development within the corridor area.Certainly the Settlement Strategy of WestmeathCounty is to focus development around keysettlements such as Athlone. The Athlone TownCouncil is encouraging higher densities within thetown centre as there are few opportunities forgreenfield development within the boundary ofAthlone itself.

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of enclosure provided by the eskers. The site isbeing proposed as a World Heritage Site and amanagement plan for the site was drawn up in2003 by the OPW.

3.3.28 The strategic location of the bridge atAthlone has influenced the development of thetown throughout history. The word áth, the Irishword for ford is the root of the initial portion ofAthlone’s name. Subsequently, the bridge greatlyfacilitated the river crossing and hence thestrategic and military importance of the site. Thestreets leading to the bridge followed the courseof the straggling settlements that grew up on theancient routes. The earliest evidence for asettlement at the site of Athlone dates to aroundthe mid 8th - early 10th century. The firstdocumented ford was constructed in around1000AD as a joint project by the Kings of Mideand Connacht. The first documented bridge wasbuilt at the site in 1120 by the King of Connacht.Between 1132 and 1159 the bridge wasreplaced five times. All of these bridges werewooden structures.

Shannonbridge, Co Offaly3.3.29 Located within West Offaly, the village is bordered by Counties Galway and Roscommon.Shannonbridge is situated at the rise of the eskerriada at which the Shannon bisects it. Similar toLanesborough, Shannonbridge has historicallybeen important as a fording point of the Shannonand is dependent on Bord na Mona and the ESBas the dominant employers, both operations havedownscaled considerably since they first startedoperating in the middle of the 20th century.Consequently the population is declining. The

new powerstation is currently being completedand will be served by the extensive peatlands thatsurround the rivers Shannon and Suck. Thepowerstation has a 15-year permission after whichtime it will be decommissioned and removed.

3.3.30 Tourism, based on the water is also vitalto the economy of the town. The village offersconsiderable mooring space both to the north andsouth of the bridge and further downstream at acutaway where the Shannon meets the Suck.Waterways Ireland opened a new floating jettyupstream of the bridge in June 2003, providingan additional 180m of boat mooring space,upgrading the waterfront and providing picnictables. Already this has had positive impact onthe local community as more boats arecomfortably able to moor at the village.

3.3.31 Again, similar to Lanesborough,Shannonbridge benefits from the powerstation’scoolant and possesses a hot water stretch.Unfortunately, there is very poor access to thisstretch. The ESB have provided funds fordeveloping floating fishing stands, however it isgenerally felt that access and facilities for anglersaround the village are poor, so they go elsewhere.

3.3.32 Whilst there are pump-out facilities at theharbour, the waste water infrastructure in generalis inadequate with raw sewage being pumped intothe river downstream of the bridge, with no currentplans to upgrade the system. Clearly this alsohas a significant adverse effect on fisheries.3.3.33 With the exception of the existing andnew powerstation at Shannonbridge, there is verylittle pressure for development along the western

marina and the two residential developments onthe western side of the river, one to the north andthe other to the south of the lock.

3.3.26 In terms of the navigation, WaterwaysIreland are planning the installation of 60 m ofwaiting jetty just below the lock at Athlone for2004.

Clonmacnois, County Offaly3.3.27 Whilst supporting only a scatteredpopulation (316 in the Clonmacnois DED),Clonmacnois is one of Ireland’s foremost nationalmonuments, designated a heritage zone in theOffaly County Development Plan and attractsconsiderable visitor numbers throughout the year.There is a sizeable tourist and visitor informationcentre located opposite the entrance to themonastic site. In addition to the monastic site,the area exudes a unique atmosphere andattractiveness that derives from its relationship tothe river and the callows together with the sense

Riverfront development, Athlone

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edge of County Offaly within the study area. Asno development is allowed within the definedShannon callows and it is a known floodplain,there is very little development that is visible fromthe water. Whilst there is some interest from localpeople in constructing single dwellinghousesbetween Shannonbridge and Clonmacnois, theCouncil are cautious with these due to potentialvisual impacts. In general, development isconfined to the eastern side of the road, ratherthan the riverside.

St Peter & Paul’s Church and Old Town Bridge

Athlone Castle

High Cross at Clonmacnois

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Cultural and Historic Corridor

Settlement patterns3.3.34 Whilst there is some evidence ofprehistoric activity on the banks of the RiverShannon in the form of a fulacht fiadh and astanding stone, it is during the Golden Age of theearly Christian period that the role and use of theriver Shannon come to the fore with the dawn ofthe historical era in the fifth century. Earlymonastic settlements such as that witnessed onthe riverbanks at Clonmacnois and Clonfert, werecentres of trade and exchange, learning, andreligious pilgrimage, aided by the ease of accessof the river Shannon. Clonmacnois, whichaccounts for 68 of the 93 archaeologicalmonuments recorded within the Shannon corridor,was founded by St Ciarán c. 545 AD and hischoice of location was purposeful in that it was atthe very crossroads of Ireland, where the Shannon– the country’s main north-south traffic artery –was crossed by the ‘Slí Mhór’, ‘the great road’,which crossed Ireland’s central bogs and wetlandsfrom east to west, running along one of thecountry’s greatest esker ridges, the Eiscir Riada.There are records of trade with Frankishmerchants who navigated the Shannon waterwaysduring the early historic period and althoughClonmacnois was already a well-known centrebefore the monastery was set up, the latter servedto develop it into one of the most important centresof pilgrimage, with a large secular community ofcraftsmen, metalworkers and farmers from theseventh to the nineteenth century.

3.3.35 The Normans arrived on the Shannonhaving conquered Ireland in the decades after theirfirst arrival in 1169. From their bases east of the

river, they crossed the Shannon and establishedbridgeheads on the other side in their campaignto conquer the western province of Connaught in1235. One such bridgehead is that located atAthlone, where remains of a 13th century Normancastle survive by the quayside. It is possible thatthe establishment of this castle, around 1210,caused the gradual decline in use of the fordlocated at Clonmacnois. Although the Normanshad also built a castle at the latter, it seems thatAthlone became the main crossing point alongthe middle reaches of the Shannon, and hasremained so to the present day.

3.3.36 The concept of the river as a barrierbetween opposing armies came to the fore duringthe Jacobite war when, in 1690-91 the Irish armystruggled to defend Connaught and Clare frombehind the line of the Shannon. Athlone wasbesieged twice and smaller centres such asLanesborough were also the scenes of militaryconfrontation. The reverse strategy was adoptedduring the conflict with Revolutionary France,1793-1815, when Royal defences strongly fortifiedthe middle-Shannon crossings, with the idea ofconfining any French attackers in the west untildefence forces could be gathered from thenumerous garrisons east of the river. Town wallfortifications can be seen in locations such asAthlone, and the extensive defences of theNapoleonic era are still substantially intact inplaces such as Shannonbridge.

Underwater Archaeology3.3.37 There are a number of sites betweenAthlone and Shannonbridge that have revealedunderwater archaeological remains including

Clonmacnois Archaeological Complex.Underwater excavations at Clonmacnois in 1994and 1995 revealed a wooden bridge dating backto 786-804AD as well as six log boats, two ofwhich contained medieval iron axes. The bridgeoriginally spanned the Shannon connecting theecclesiastical centre of Clonmacnois withCoolumber in County Roscommon. Furthermorethere is an associated togher, now obscured bypeat growth, which originally led to Clonmacnois,presumably over the wooden bridge.

History of settlement at Athlone3.3.38 The strategic location of the bridge atAthlone has influenced the development of thetown throughout history. The word áth, the Irishword for ford is the root of the initial portion ofAthlone’s name. Subsequently, the bridge greatlyfacilitated the river crossing and hence thestrategic and military importance of the site. Thestreets leading to the bridge followed the courseof the straggling settlements that grew up on theancient routes. The earliest evidence for asettlement at the site of Athlone dates to aroundthe mid 8th - early 10th century. The firstdocumented ford was constructed in around1000AD as a joint project by the Kings of Mideand Connacht. The first documented bridge wasbuilt at the site in 1120 by the King of Connacht.Between 1132 and 1159 the bridge was replacedfive times. All of these bridges were woodenstructures.

3.3.39 The Anglo-Normans were established atAthlone by 1200 and the first stone bridge andcastle (on the west bank) date to the early 13th

century. Parts of this castle appear to beincorporated in the polygonal keep (donjon) but

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much altered by later fortifications. The curtainwalls and corner towers were added in the late13th century. The castle provided the impetus andsecurity that fostered the development of Anglo-Norman Athlone in the 13th century. By 1230 thetown of Athlone had developed on both sides ofthe water. A town wall may have been commencedby the mid 13th century. The east town is likely tohave developed its linear street pattern at this timeand contemporary references record the east sideas ̀ the town’. Between 1218 and 1315 the ‘town’was attacked at least six times by the O’ Connorsof Connacht. On one raid in 1272 the bridge wasbroken down. The bridge was repaired but waseventually destroyed in 1306, and there is nofurther mention of a bridge at Athlone until the16th century.

3.3.40 The castle, the religious houses and parishchurch evidently continued in use for all underwentrebuilding in the 15th century. The castle becamethe residence of the Connaught president in 1569.A new Elizabethan stone bridge was constructedin 1566-7 and this revived Athlone’s role as thefocus of east/west traffic and consequently itsadministrative, strategic and economic importancerecovered. Athlone secured a town charter in 1599& 1606 establishing the area within a radius of amile and a half of the bridge centre as a borough.In the 1606 charter a thosel, or town hall, waserected and later repaired in 1753.

3.3.41 In the 17th century, a new curtain wall andbastions were built around the east town andearthen ramparts around the western town.Thomas Philips’ map of Athlone shows thefortifications; the approach roads to the town fromboth the east and west are lined with dwellings,

indicating the spread of the urban area beyondthe ramparts.

3.3.42 Athlone figured prominently in the Jacobitewar of 1690-91. The strength of the west townarose from the natural barrier of the River Shannonfollowing the destruction of the bridge (severalarches were broken down). The east town wasburnt in 1690 and the west town, including thecastle was reduced to rubble by De Ginkell’sWilliamite artillery in 1691. By 1709 much of thetown had been re-built, much of the impetus beingprovided by the new military barracks of around1700. The present day St. Mary’s Church (built1827) is located on the original site of a 17th

century church of Oliver St. John. The base of atower (built 1622) and its later additions (c. 1790)are still extant.

3.3.43 Athlone declined again in the 18th century,falling from prominence in the top ten Irish townsin 1690 to not being included in the top twenty-three in 1798. This was largely due to its locationthat precluded it from any benefit on the 18th

century rise in foreign trade. The main function ofthe town centred on the military barracks, Athlonehad become headquarters of the new westernmilitary district in 1796. Athlone also benefitedfrom improved navigation on the River Shannon inthe 18th century. A canal was cut on the westside of the town to by-pass obstacles tonavigation in the river channel. The Elizabethanbridge was replaced by the present-day structurein 1844. The abutment of the old Elizabethanbridge remains on the eastern bank at BridgeStreet and that the canal while partially filled instill retains its locks.

Entrance to Custume Barracks

Napoleanic fort and barracks, Shannonbridge

Former railway station, Athlone

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History of settlement at Shannonbridge3.3.44 Rachra Cluain na Fearna, which translatesto “the little wet meadows of the alder trees” isconsidered to be the original name for the village.However, Shannonbridge was adopted followingthe building of a 16 arch stone bridge by theShannon Commissioners in 1757. The townlandof Rachra, lay in the McCoghlans’ ancient territoryof Delvin Eathra which eventually became theBarony of Garrycastle. Apparently theMcCoghlans had a castle at Rachra, which wasdestroyed by a chieftain named O’Melaghlin ofClonlonan (southern Westmeath) along with theEnglish forces from Athlone in 1557. This castlewas rebuilt by Sir Thomas Rotherham, aCommissioner in the plantation of Devlin Eathra,‘sometime before 1624’, however by1838 thecastle no longer existed.

3.3.45 Shannonbridge is home to some importantNapoleonic fortifications. The possibility of warwith France was recognised at the end of the 18th

century and plans for the fortification of Irishcoastal regions were made at this time. With thethreat of French troops landing at Galway Bay,the crossing points on the River Shannon were ofstrategic importance. From 1803 to 1814 inlandfortifications were established at a number oflocations including Shannonbridge and Athlone.At Shannonbridge, the remains of the tetes-de-pont or bridgehead fortifications dominate thewestern side of the river and are considered to besome of the most important fortifications of thisperiod left in Britain and Ireland. The whole sitewas protected by a glacis or artificial slope, whichprotected the defences from direct artillery fire and

was separated from the redoubt by a dry moat.The redoubt functioned as a powder magazineand barrack accommodation and was protectedby four gun emplacements set on traversingcarriages and a vaulted caponnier, which allowedthem 90°-180° coverage. This enabled the garrisonto fire on troops both upriver and downriver andalso approaching along the Ballinasloe road, whichpasses over the river at this point. Thefortifications are in need of conservation andmanagement.

3.3.46 The western end of the bridge wasprotected by a small arms barracks to the northand a large bombproof barracks to the south. Thelatter, a three storey building, was constructed ofsquared rubble masonry. It was protected by threegun emplacements mounted on the roof and aseries of loopholes in the north and west walls.The east façade of the building faces the river,generally unprotected; it is typical of a Georgiandomestic building in design. On the east side ofthe river, a little downstream from the mainfortifications was another ditch and rampart whichwas originally defended by a timber palisade. Thethree storey barracks has recently been renovatedand converted into a restaurant.

3.3.47 Other structures, listed as ‘protectedstructures’ in terms of the planning acts, includea house located at the eastern end on the northernside of Main Street. It is a three-bay; two-storeygable ended building dating from the lateeighteenth century. Also, the former CatholicChurch, a T-plan barn-style building built in 1818and currently used as a Community Hall, is arecorded protected structure.

Old Athlone canal from Galway Road

Former lock house, Shannonbridge

Athlone lock, looking south

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3.3.48 The main street is typical of many of thesmaller villages in the area. The architecture isgenerally traditional with some modern interventionsuch as new uPVC windows in Georgian erabuildings. The church is at the first main junctionwith the main street coming from the bridge.Beyond the junction are residential buildings onlyas all the retail outlets are located one stretch ofthe main street from the harbour

Industrial heritage - Shannon navigation3.3.49 Features relating to the ShannonNavigation are to be found at Athlone andShannonbridge. The Athlone canal survives intact,albeit mostly dewatered and partly infilled.However, its only visible related features are theside walls of the full- and half-locks the formerrefurbished by the Grand Canal Company in theearly 1800s; neither the lock house nor either ofthe two original canal bridges survives. A lockhouse does, however, survive at Shannonbridge,in a good state of preservation as a seasonal touristinformation office.

3.3.50 The Shannon Commissioners’ works,carried out in the 1840s, are especially evident atAthlone where the weir, lock, quays and townbridge with navigable channel at its west end areall in active use. The Commissioners’ quay andnavigable channel are also still in use at the eastend of the bridge at Shannonbridge.

Road and Rail3.3.51 The Athlone town bypass marks thetransition from Lough Ree to the River Shannonand is a fine example of modern bridge

construction. In Athlone itself, the riverscape isdominated by its railway and road bridges. TheShannon railway bridge, opened in 1851, is animpressive structure of bowstring girderconstruction and is of national significance. Therailway also has significant related features in theform of the former Great Southern and WesternRailway (GSWR) and the Midlands and GreatWestern Railway (MGWR) stations, andcomposite masonry/girder bridge over Omer’scanal. Although the town’s mid-16th century roadbridge was demolished in the 1840s, the originalmedieval street pattern is still evident on both sidesof the river. The replacement bridge, just upstream,is a fine example of mid-19th century bridgearchitecture.

3.3.52 At Shannonbridge, Thomas Rhodes addeda cast-iron navigation span onto the 1759 roadbridge in 1845. The bridge, constructed ofrandomly coursed limestone rubble, wasstrengthened and a pre-cast concrete span wasadded in 1983-84. It survives virtually unaltered tothis day.

Athlone industries3.3.53 Although Athlone was the focus of thisregion’s industry, virtually all traces of this heritagehas been obliterated by modern development. Mostof the buildings, particularly the distillery south-west of the lock and woollen mill north-east of thetown bridge have been demolished to make wayfor new housing developments. The only survivingsite is the 1930s Gentex factory.This is primarily of historical interest in reflectingthe drive towards greater economic self-sufficiencyby the government of the fledgling Republic.

Preserved swing bridge, Shannonbridge

Swamp habitat, Shannon callows

Shannon callows at Clonmacnois

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Areas of Ecological Interest3.3.57 The callows begin immediately south ofAthlone and include several distinct areas. Withinthe River Shannon section of this study area, 15sites of ecological interest have been identified.These sites have all been numbered and mappedand are described below and in greater detailwithin Appendix 4. The sites are set out belowfrom north to south.

Big meadow, County Westmeath - this is a largearea of callows grassland just south of Athlone.Corncrakes occur here as do breeding Lapwing.This area is under strong development pressure.A fisheries access road through the site hasfacilitated access, and consequent disturbanceto the site.

Bunnaribba, County Roscommon - A family of sixWhooper swans winter here.

Wren’s Island, County Westmeath - Reeds covermost of Wren’s Island. There is some goodaquatic zonation from pondweed to woodlandcomposed of ash, willow and occasional crabapple.

Carrickobreen, County Westmeath - There is asmall strip of mixed woodland with ash, sycamoreand hawthorn. Reed bed vegetation along therivers edge consists of common club rush, purpleloosestrife, common reed and common bulrush.

Carrickynaghtan, County Roscommon -Carrickynaghtan Bog is located 3km. south ofAthlone town on the western side of the RiverShannon. The region of intact bog conforms to

Peat Extraction and Power Generation3.3.54 The landscape around Shannonbridge isdominated by the power station. Although thereare extensive peat extraction operations on theeast side of the river, these are more apparentfrom the road than the river.

Ecological Corridor3.3.55 The River Shannon corridor comprises twoof the four main designated sites: Middle ShannonCallows (SPA) and the River Shannon Callows(pNHA and cSAC). A number of designated areasoccur adjacent to these within County Offaly andinclude remnants of the Eiscir Riada, namelyPilgrims road and Lough Nanag eskers. The RiverShannon is typical of a FW2 habitat type (refer topage 27 and Appendix 4). Tributaries of theShannon within the callows section include theCross River, Boor River and the Curraghboy River.

Shannon Callows3.3.56 The Shannon Callows, the floodplains ofthe River Shannon, are a unique wetland resourcein the Irish midlands. The fields are floodedthrough the winter, and farmed as meadow andpasture when the flood retreats in spring. Theflooding ensures that the ground on the callowsremains soft, even in the summer, and the farminghas remained relatively extensive. Thiscombination of seasonal flooding and largelytraditional agriculture has helped preserve a uniqueecosystem and a distinct wildlife assemblage, witha wealth of birds, mammals, insects and plantlife. If agriculture ceased on the callows, thevariety of plant and bird life would diminish. Thebreeding bird life would be the first to be affected.

Big meadow, south of Athlone

Mongon Bog - nature reserve

Lapwing at Clonmacnois

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raised bog habitat (Annex I habitat). This site is a pNHA site witha more detailed description provided within Appendix 4 to this report.

Long Island, County Roscommon - Corncrakes nest on Long Island.

Boor River, County Westmeath - Hen harrier (female or young male)hunting in extensive reed bed and marsh.

Bunua cunna/Goravinch, Co Roscommon - This large area of callowsis of some importance to both over-wintering and breeding wildfowl.

Mongan Bog, County Offaly - this is a midland raised bog of mediumsize situated immediately east of the monastic site of Clonmacnois,and 12km south of Athlone. Most of the bog is a Statutory NatureReserve, established in 1987. The bog has been the subject of on-going intensive research since 1972. This site is a pSAC.

Crevagh, County Offaly - The callows area in between Crevagh andPipers Rock is frequented by wintering wildfowl. Greenland whitefronted geese fly over and graze occasionally.

Lough Nanag Esker, County Offaly - Lough Nanag esker is situatedabout 2 km south-west of Clonmacnois, between the River Shannoncallows and a raised bog undergoing commercial peat extraction.The site comprises, for the most part, an esker ridge composed ofglacial gravels. A small lake occurs in the south-eastern section ofthe site.

Clorhane Wood, County Offaly - Area of species-rich, hazeldominated woodland with occasional stands of Yew. The wood ison limestone pavement, an unusual feature in the region. This siteis a NHA. Signs of pine marten are frequently seen at this wood.

Cloniff, County Offaly - An area of cutover bog grades in to bog ofreasonable quality at Cloniff.

River Suck - topography and extent of corridor

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Pilgrim’s Road Esker, County Offaly - Pilgrim’sRoad Esker, consists of three areas occurringalong 2km of the impressive steep-sided eskerridge which approaches Clonmacnois and theRiver Shannon from the east, said to be the routeof pilgrims to the settlement in monastic days.The western area lies adjacent to the RiverShannon Callows and includes Bunthulla Hill (northof the road) and Hanging Hill (south of the road).The eastern area is centred on the site of an oldring-fort, while the central area runs along thesouthern side of the summit road and is adjacentto Mongan Bog. The main habitat is a species-rich unimproved and semi-improved grassland,with a small area of woodland. This site is a pSAC.

Clonmacnois, County Roscommon - An extensivearea of callows grades into reed beds occurs justnorth of Clonmacnois. This is a very importantarea for wintering and breeding wildfowl as wellas being a core area for Corncrakes (more iswritten about the Corncrake in Appendix 4).

Fishing and grazing, Suck callows

Fishing dinghy on the Suck

Railway bridge over Suck

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meadows or ‘callows’ with the tree cover providinga sense of visual containment, which varies alongthe length of the river on both sides.

3.4.5 The large peat extraction fields that providefuel for the power station flank the river on bothsides up to Ballinasloe. However these workingsare generally obscured from the river by trees andthe landform.

3.4.6 Along the broader sections there are somescattered farmhouses and agricultural buildings.Other elements placed in the landscape by maninclude power lines which spread out to the westfrom the large and imposing power station atShannonbridge, these cross the river in twoplaces.

3.4.7 In general this section of the River Suckhas a distinctly rural, peaceful and quiet characterwith the pastoral and arable use of the fields inthe callows combined with the visual enclosureprovided by the woods, plantations andhedgerows. The use of the river for pleasureboating and angling adds to the relaxed andsedate atmosphere.

Landscape and Visual CorridorConfluence with the Shannon to the RailwayBridge3.4.8 A directional sign on the edge of thewaterway announces the entrance to the RiverSuck. Traveling up river the direction is initiallyto the south for some 200m then the river turnssharply to the west. Along this section thecallows are broad and defined by large fields witha tree-lined backdrop. To the north at a distance

3.4 River SuckEnvironmental setting3.4.1 The River Suck or An tSuca is a tributaryof the River Shannon. The river’s head waters areto the north of Ballyforan from where it meanderssouth to the town of Ballinasloe and then southand east to its confluence with the River Shannonjust below the settlement of Shannonbridge.

3.4.2 For the purposes of this study, the extent ofthe River Suck corridor is bounded by the R357,incorporating the extent of the floodplain to thenorth of the river, and the line of the old Ballinasloestretch of the Grand Canal to the south. Thissouthern boundary deviates to take in theimportant monastic settlement of Clonfert in itsentirety.

3.4.3 Ballinasloe marks the western limit of thecorridor and the eastern limit is delineated by thewestern bank of the River Shannon.This sectionof the waterway is 16km in length and as onewould expect from a tributary watercourse the riveris narrower than the Shannon being in generalabout 30m wide.

3.4.4 The landform of the river’s valley is notreadily perceptible, there is a gradual rise in levelto distant high points some 4 to 5km away bothto the north and the south of the river. These hillsrise up to over 90m in elevation, only some 50mabove the river level. The existing blocks ofwoodland, hedgerows and scattered treesgenerally obscure the topography. There is asense of a gently flowing navigation along the riverthat meanders through a landscape of broad flood

Clonfert bridge

Bord na Mona rail on former Grand Canal

Woodland masking peat extraction

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round the island through a considerably restrictedchannel that causes boating traffic to slow down.The course of the river upstream is then to thewest before turning northwest to the ArdcamIslands. In general, along this stretch natural treegrowth along the riverbank and tree plantationsclose to the river reduce the visual horizon to anarrow corridor along the river.

3.4.13 The river then meanders north and westtowards Ballinasloe, passing through PollboyLock, which was constructed to open navigationinto the Suck. Here the rivers enclosure withinits valley is more pronounced. The flat valleyfloodplain narrows considerably with low ridgesvisible on either side of the river. The river thenpasses around Ballinasloe. A short section ofcanal provides boating access to the newlycompleted harbour on the edge of the town.

The Old Canal3.4.14 The canal, originally built in 1822 to 1828runs in a south-east direction from Ballinasloeroughly following the line of the River Suck on itssouthern side. The canal has long since falleninto disuse and is no longer a watercourse. Thecourse of the canal has been reused in part tocontain the narrow gauge industrial railway thatsupplies peat to the power station atShannonbridge. In the main the other sections ofthe canal course are very overgrown and obscuredwith the towpath still visible as an embankmentand occasional stone bridges marking the oldalignment.

3.4.15 Closer to the confluence of the River Suckwith the Shannon the industrial railway has been

of half a kilometre the visual horizon is formed bySugarloaf Hill a long low tree covered ridge. Onthe southern side trees and woods provide visualcontainment close to the riverbank. These woodsmark the northern edge of one of the main largepeat workings that characterise the locallandscape.

3.4.9 Some 2 to 3 km from the mouth of the rivera narrow gauge industrial railway bridges the riverrunning roughly north to south. The embankmentof the railway forms a tree clad visual obstructionacross the callows.

Railway Bridge to Cloonescragh River3.4.10 Up river from the rail bridge the rivermeanders back and forth in the vicinity of CregganHill, power lines crossing the river are a visualintrusion. The course is then relatively straightfor a long stretch. The tree cover governs theextent of the views along this part of the river, inplaces the horizon is distant and elsewhere thevisual corridor is restricted by presence ofwoodland close to the riverbank. Again power linescross the river in this location and presentsomething of a visual intrusion.

3.4.11 The river then loops to the south and westthrough a broad flat area. Distant views,occasional trees along the riverbank, clusters oftrees in the callows and by a single farmhousemark the landscape along this section.

Cloonescragh River to Ballinasloe3.4.12 The river continues to narrow by a smallisland where the small Cloonescragh River flowsinto the Suck from the west. The navigation passes

Ballinasloe Harbour

Ballinasloe Town Council and St Michaels

View north from old bridge at Pollboy

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based tourism focal point for the town, attractingwell over one thousand visitors annually. In fact,since the opening of the Suck to navigation, therehas been an annual average of over 2,000 passagesthrough Pollboy lock. Whilst a land-based artsfestival, the Ballinasloe River Festival uses theharbour as its base and attracts many visitors.The town are also hoping to host an angling festivalin 2004.

3.4.22 The Suck has always been known as anexcellent fishing river and has a few formal andinformal fishing stands along its banks, in particularat Correen and Culliagh. The installation of thelock at Pollboy enabled the rehabilitation offisheries along the stretch of river opposite thelock. However, there are problems with attractinganglers due to the license fee charged by theFisheries Board.Clonfert3.4.23 Clonfert (population of DED, 427) is a tinyvillage in South Galway situated to the south ofthe River Suck, west of the Shannon, borderingCounty Offaly. It has strong associations withboth rivers and is closely linked to the old canaland the light bog railway that sits on the bed ofthe old canal, however at present the village canonly be accessed by road. Clonfert has a decliningpopulation and suffers from its peripherality, hencewould benefit from better water-based access.

3.4.24 Historically, Clonfert is a monasticsettlement, founded by St Brendan in the sixthcentury. It is an area that could be known as theecclesiastical centre of Ireland, being part of thatterritory in which were located numerous monasticsettlements from the 5th and 6th century, in fact

built along the original course of the canal. Thepeat has been mechanically cut from these areasover the last few decades creating extensive flatopen areas of exposed peat, which now dominatethe landscape.

3.4.16 In terms of the visual quality of the rurallandscape it is fortunate that the vast areas ofpeat extraction are low-lying and therefore notgenerally visible either from the River Suck or fromthe local roads that lead to Ballinasloe. The areasare accessible but only from minor roads andlanes. Aerial photography is much more revealingshowing the full extent of the extraction along theboth sides of the River Suck and the Shannon inthe vicinity of Shannonbridge. Carefulconsideration needs to be given in the future tothe restoration and management of the landscapeafter the peat field extraction has been exhausted.

Socio-economic CorridorBallinasloe3.4.17 Ballinasloe is the second largestsettlement in the study area, with a residentpopulation of 5,984 (6,219 including the town andenvirons in Counties Galway and Roscommon).The town is situated on the river Suck, whichdivides it into two unequal portions, the smaller ofwhich is in County Roscommon. The river playeda pivotal role in the development of the town, theearliest known settlement being a Norman castleconstructed on its western banks. The mostintensive period of expansion was during the mid-19th century due to the extension of the GrandCanal to the town in 1828. The town’s populationhas remained relatively static since that time,although has shown a small increase in the mostrecent census period.

3.4.18 Following the opening of the BallinasloeHarbour in 2001, the Town Council have comeunder increasing pressure to open up land betweenthe Canal Road and the river for development. Ata Council meeting on Tuesday 2nd September2003, the Council agreed a Variation to theBallinasloe Development Plan that will zone afurther 30 acres of land for commercial, mixeduse and a mix of medium and low-medium densityresidential development on the northern side ofthe old canal road. This does not include landsdesignated as proposed NHA. The Councilalready have an application for a hotel within theselands, and are discussing further applications fora multi-storey carpark and a cinema complex.

3.4.19 Further downstream at Portnick, there isan application for a marina, hotel and otheractivities. The remainder of the applications arefor scattered developments around the towncentre. Development pressure is greatest in thearea that is adjacent to the old canal, including asignificant area of residential development southof the Suck at Pollboy.

3.4.20 Whist the Council have an objectivewithin the Development Plan to implement a linearpark along the line of the old Ballinasloenavigation, they are restricted by both limitedavailable financial resources and by fragmentedland ownership.

3.4.21 With the recent closing of A.T Cross andSquare D factories, a significant employer, tourismis increasingly important to the town. To this end,the opening of the River Suck and the BallinasloeHarbour in 2001 has created an important water-

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from the time of St. Patrick’s conversion of Irelandto Christianity. In 1999 the old Cathedral wasofficially listed as one of the top 100 mostendangered monuments.

Cultural and Historic CorridorSettlement patterns3.4.25 Along the area extending fromShannonbridge town, the banks of the RiverShannon and towards Ballinasloe town, includingthe route of the Ballinasloe Canal, 43 monumentsof archaeological significance have been identifiedfrom the Recorded Monuments and Places (RMP)records.

3.4.26 In the environs of the ecclesiasticalcomplex of Clonfert, south of the Balinasloe Canalthere are the possible remains of a fulacht fiadh,a monument type which is traditionally associatedwith originating in the prehistoric Bronze Age butprobably was still in use during medieval times.Interestingly there is also a fulacht fiadhassociated with the other important ecclesiasticalsite of Clonmacnois.

3.4.27 St Brendan’s Cathedral, Clonfert (CluainFearta, meaning the meadow of the grave), iserected on the site of an early sixth centurymonastery (c. 558-564AD) founded by St Brendanthe Navigator. None of the original foundations ofthe early church at Clonfert remain. Themonastery was destroyed by fire in 744, 748 and749. In 839 it was attacked by Viking raiderswho burned the monastery, while in 841 Clonfertwas reduced to ashes in another Viking raid, anda famous Viking hero, Turgesius, raided it in 844and 845. The site is located on an elevated area

of land protected in its immediate vicinity to thenorth and south by low lying callowlands. Withina larger context, the site is located within a largesweeping curve of the Shannon so that the riverlies to the north, east and south. The Shannonwaterway provided access at a time when thecountryside was generally tree-covered and badlydrained. As such, the site is quite typical of thoselocations chosen as monastic centres during theearly Christian period. Although there is nophysical evidence of the original churchfoundations dating to c. 560AD, there is a richdocumentary resource due to the role of thecathedral and the association of the site with StBrendan. The monastic settlement was locatedat a strategic point on the border of two provincesand close to the Shannnon waterway, which madeit very vulnerable to attack (indeed it is recordedin the Annals of Clonmacnois that it was attackedby Vikings ten times over a few years). Also, itscathedral is not of very large proportions. However,despite its siting and small size, Clonfert has beenregarded as a place of great significance since itwas first established, regardless of the relativelylimited settlement, infrastructure and wealthassociated with it.

3.4.28 The present cathedral is the latest in aseries of ecclesiastical buildings that would haveoccupied the site since Early Christian times,however it is surrounded by a complex ofbuildings, structures and archaeological remainsrelating to the occupation of the site from the earlymedieval period to the present. The oldestsurviving feature of the present cathedral is thewestern doorway, the largest and most elaborateRomanesque doorway in Ireland.

3.4.29 Aside from Clonfert, Early Medieval activitywithin this corridor is confined to Ballinasloe townand its immediate townlands, extant monumentsinclude an ecclesiastical church and enclosure,ringfort and a medieval church. The latter is knownlocally as the `Teampoilin’ and is said to havebeen a cell of Clontuskert Abbey, which is locatedabout 6km south.

3.4.30 The Later Medieval period (1169-1600AD)in this defined region between Shannonbridge andBallinasloe town is only represented by a castle,which is strategically located on the eastern bankof River Suck in Ballinasloe town commandingan ancient crossing point where Ballinasloe bridgeis now situated. The present ruins, dating fromlate medieval times, possibly stand on or closeto the ‘castle’ built by Turlough O’Connor in 1124and the ‘castle of Suicin’ built by the Anglo-Normans in 1245. It seems that the present castlewas built by ‘Tadhg O’Kelly, chief of Hy Many’ inthe fourteenth century.

3.4.31 By contrast, the Post-Medieval period(1600-1900AD) in the area between Shanonbridgeand Ballinasloe is highly represented by a rangeof archaeological sites and monuments. Theseinclude a pump, three churches and graveyards,a canal, a children’s burial ground, a flour mill, ametal working stone, a stone sculpture, twobridges, two batteries, two fords and a rectangularenclosure/gun platform. Located along the centralsection of the defined area between Ballinasloeand Shannonbridge, in the townland ofCorreenbeg, Co. Roscommon, there are theremains of a ford and a rectangular enclosure.Little is known of the ford except that Correen

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ford is associated with the Battle of Aughrim whichtook place in 1690. The rectangular enclosure(CH 227) is located on a flat floodplain and isthought to have been a gun platform set up todefend the ford. The three churches andgraveyards are located in the townland of CreaghCo. Galway in the northern limits of Ballinasloetown. One, is a Protestant church of 18th centurydate, though it probably stands on the site of anearlier medieval parish church. The children’sburial ground is located within the eastern groundsof the Teampoilin, a burial practice which tookplace during the nineteenth century.

3.4.32 Within the environs of Clonfert there wasalso some Post Medieval activity. This isrepresented by the alterations to the Bishop’sPalace renamed a mansion, a folly, a private burialground probably associated with the mansion, asmall canal and a mass rock utilised during therepression of Catholicism in Ireland during PostMedieval times. It appears that St Brendan’sCathedral at Clonfert, located within the vicinityof the Ballinasloe Canal waterway, fell intodisrepair during the eighteenth century. Majorrestoration works were carried out on thecathedral by Canon Robert McLarney, rector ofClonfert in 1882, over a period of around 20 years.Apart from the re-roofing of the nave and chancelin 1986 no major works appear to have beencarried out since 1882. However, a ConservationPlan for St. Brendan’s Cathedral has been drawnup by the Heritage Council, in partnership withthe Representative Church Body of the Church ofIreland, Clonfert Community Development Group,local community members, DOEHLG HeritageService and Galway County Council. The actions

of the Conservation Plan are being implementedat present and will impact on the wider settlementof Clonfert. Over the last number of years therehas been an increased awareness of the historicalimportance of Clonfert. Although it facilitates onlya small congregation today, the local communityis actively working towards preserving andmaintaining the historical continuity of Clonfert.

3.4.33 Although there is not a large volume ofarchaeological monuments located along bothrouteways of the River Shannon from Ballinasloeto Shannonbridge and the Ballinsloe Canal, it isworth noting that beyond the 500m parameter usedfor this study on both waterways there is a vastamount of settlement evidence, especially in Co.Galway. In the more upland region, southwest ofthe main R355 road that connects Ballinasloe andLaurencetown, and southwest of the Ballinasloecanal line, there is a large range of barrows,fulachta fiadh, ringforts, enclosures, earthworks,mounds, moated sites, holy wells and cillíns. Thisarea is indicative of prehistoric settlement in theregion, an aspect notably missing along the banksof the River Shannon in general. This area is well-drained and conducive to farming needs and islargely populated even to the present day.

Underwater Archaeology3.4.34 An Early Medieval togher was encounteredduring excavation works for the Ballinasloe Canalin the 19th century which is associated withClonfert and similar to the togher at Clonmacnois,it would have been an important means oftraversing and accessing the poorly drainedenvirons of the site from a landward approach.Furthermore, a north-south running togher is

Kylemore Lock

Kylemore Bridge

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located in bogland northeast of Clontuskert prioryand it is thought that it originally extended towardsPollboy church to the north.

3.4.35 According to the Underwater ArchaeologyUnit at the DoEHLG, dredging works on the Suckhave produced significant quantities of artefactualmaterial, some of which was found at fordingpoints. The River Suck is likely to reveal moreunderwater archaeological remains as it servesas one of the main tributaries from the Shannon,connecting the historical towns of Ballinasloe andShannonbridge.

Historical Settlement at Ballinasloe3.4.36 Ballinasloe derives its name from BéalÁtha na Sluaighe, the ‘Mouth of the Ford of theHostings’. The name suggests the town wasrecognised in antiquity due to its location, as wellas a gathering place. Ballinasloe is located,chiefly, in the old civil parish of Kilcloony, and,partly in the county Roscommon parish of Creagh.The major portion of the town is in the barony ofClonmacowen but an area also extends into theRoscommon barony of Moycarnon.

3.4.37 The county Galway part of Ballinasloe wasbuilt in the townland of Dunlo, which derives itsname from Dúnloedha, the fort of Leodha. Thiswas probably a ringfort, which predated the castlebuilt by Turlough O’Connor in 1124. In 1130Turlough became king of Connaught and shortlyafterwards he built a bridge across the river atDunlo. His castle was destroyed by fire in 1131.St. Micheal’s Catholic Church, a protectedstructure of international significance, nowoccupies this site. Little evidence of the castle

survives however it is suggested that remnants ofit were still visible at the beginning of thenineteenth century, prior to the erection of aprevious Catholic Church in 1807. The small urbansettlement that developed around the castle andbridge appears to have been of little importanceuntil the latter half of the 16th century.

3.4.38 It was only in the 18th century, after theBattle of Aughrim, that the town began to developwith the fortune of local families, especially theTrench family, later the Earls of Clancarty whobacked the winning side in the Williamite war of1690.

3.4.39 During the 18th and 19th centuries the townstarted to develop under the patronage of the locallandlords from their estate in Garbally Park.According to tradition, Main Street became thefirst built up area. In the first half of the 19th centurythe broad straight street pattern, Fair Green andmany substantial buildings in Ballinasloe townwere created at the expense of the Trench family.By seeking royal permission to hold fairs on theirland, the Trench’s gave official recognition to whatwas to become the Ballinasloe Fair, still heldannually in October. The Trench family were notonly responsible for the construction, alterationand landscaping of the Garbally estate but alsofor building Brackernagh school, various gatelodges and the Le Poer Trench monument.Buildings such as the parochial hall, the town halland a number of large houses built within andsurrounding the town mark the period of prosperityin Ballinasloe.

Lismanny Bridge

Span and pier of peat railway bridge over Suck

Pollboy Lock

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3.4.40 The urban form of the town today is easilyrecognised from the 19th century development. Ithas maintained the broad pattern of streets withsubstantial three-storey buildings defining thestreet layout with their scale and form creating astrong unity and composition. The town displaysa notable skyline, punctuated by the churches ofSt. Michael’s and St. John’s. In addition to thewide streets, other significant public spacesinclude St. Michael’s Square and the Fair Green.

3.4.41 Interspersed between groups and blocksof buildings, archways and lanes give access tothe rich variety of outbuildings to the rear of streetfrontage buildings. In contrast to the principalstreets, the lanes and entrances contain remnantsof some older eighteenth century buildings andsurfaces. Evidence of local materials can still beseen in the street frontages of some of the finerbuildings, which were constructed from locally cutcarboniferous limestone. Many of these buildingsdate from the 18th century and the first half of the19th century.

Industrial Archaeology - navigation3.4.42 In 1822, the government gave approval forthe construction of a 23km canal from the RiverShannon to Ballinasloe. Although a towpath upthe Shannon and along the Suck had beenmooted, the canal route was adopted as beingthe cheaper option. The land being relatively flat,only two locks were necessary, the first being ashort distance upstream from the Shannon,opposite to where the Dublin line entered. Thecanal opened in 1828 and was physically linkedto the Dublin line by a timber bridge over theShannon (for tracer horses). With the upgrading

of the river in the 1840s, the bridge was replacedby a cable-operated ferry so as not to impederiver traffic. Although the railway, which arrived inBallinasloe in 1851, robbed the canal of trade, itcontinued to function until its closure in 1961.

3.4.43 Although the canal is infilled at its northernend and partly used by a peat extraction railway,much of it is still open (albeit dry) and its entirecourse can still be traced between the Shannonand Ballinasloe. Of the 24 features along it, 17survive. The survivals include both lock chambersand their associated lock keeper’s houses, all 4canal bridges, and 4 canal-related stores/offices.4 of the 7 aqueducts, which carried the canal overexisting watercourses also survive. Althoughsmall, they are nonetheless of high qualityconstruction.

3.4.44 The River Suck (An tSuca) is interesting,as it was only opened for navigation in 2001. Upuntil 2001, following the closure of the Ballinasloebranch of the Grand Canal in 1961, there had beenno opportunity to navigate this stretch for 40 years.The purpose of opening the Suck was to extendthe Shannon navigation from the main channel atShannonbridge along the Suck river to Ballinasloefor a distance of 16km. In opening this section ofnavigation two fords at Correen and Creggan wereremoved, a new lock was installed at Pollboy anda terminal harbour providing 24 berths wasconstructed on the defunct west channel of theriver at the east end of the town. Although thesefeatures are obviously of high amenity value forwaterways users, they are of no particular heritagemerit.

Canal overgrown at Lismanny

Creggan

Horses grazing on Suck

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the canal from the River Shannon undoubtedlyfacilitated the town’s role as a distribution centre.It also made the importation of coal economicallyviable to such an extent that it became feasibleto open a gasworks besode the canal basin in1840. However, the town’s industries were alsoincreasingly exposed to outside competition andmore so after the opening of the railway fromAthlone in 1851. Few traces now remain ofBallinasloe’s 19th century industries apart froma former brewery on the west bank of the eastchannel of the Suck and a building associatedwith the former gasworks near the terminus ofthe canal.

Rural Industries3.4.48 Apart from a derelict lime kiln near thecanal and the ruinous shell of a water-poweredcorn mill, there are no industrial sites in this zone.

Ecological corridor3.4.49 The Suck is a river with flooding callowsalong its banks, like the Shannon into which itflows. The callows of the River Suck form animportant extension of the Shannon callows.

Areas of ecological interest3.4.50 Within the River Shannon section of thisstudy area, 15 sites of ecological interest havebeen identified. These sites have all beennumbered and mapped and are described belowand in greater detail within Appendix 4. The sitesare set out below from north to south.

Garryduff, County Galway - A narrow strip ofwoodland with birch surrounds the edge of anadjacent bog. This wood grades in to a mixed

Roads3.4.45 Two road bridges cross the Suck atBallinasloe, just above the new harbour. Therewere formerly two main channels, each servedby a multi-arched stone bridge. The east bridgewas rebuilt in the 1880s in connection with adrainage scheme; it is likely that this stands eitheron or close to the ancient fording point from whichBallinasloe partly takes its name. Although bothstructures are of landscape interest, they are alsoof historical interest as they encompass muchnarrower bridges, possibly of mid-16th centurydate.

Peat Extraction3.4.46 Since the 1960s, peat extraction has beena major feature of this area, with bogs beingworked throughout this area of the Suckcatchment to supply Shannonbridge powerstation. Just over half of the former Ballinasloecanal now lies within a peat extraction zone. Thearea to the north of the Suck is also worked forpeat. A network of narrow guage railway line, partof which is laid along about 13km of the canal bed(and through Kylemore lock), conveys the peatover the Suck and Shannon on multi-span concretebridges to Shannonbridge power station. Thebridge which carries a minor road over the formercanal at Kylemore Lock bears the date 1966.

Ballinasloe Industries3.4.47 Ballinasloe developed as a market townfor its surrounding agricultural community and itsindustries were geared to the processing ofagricultural products. In the 1830s, the townboasted two breweries and two corn mills in theimmediate vicinity of the Suck. The opening of

Peat extractionaround Suck

Peat extraction at Garryduff

Cloonescragh River

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Department of Engineering Hydrology at NUIG toundertake a study on future uses of Garryduff bog.According to the report, once peat removal hasceased the resulting cutaway bog will exist in asealed basin separated from the surroundingarterial drainage system and underlying aquifer.Future conditions at Garryduff bog are likely toinvolve a large permanent lake with someadditional seasonal flooding. Ultimately ahydrologic connection between the bog and theriver will be established and water levels in thebog will then be controlled by the river. In theinstance of any of the following conditions (a)drainage by gravity is unsuccessful, (b) winter floodinundation, (c) highly humified reed peat underlainby silty clay/shell marl; the main option forrehabilitation is the creation of a wetland.

3.4.54 The Lough Boora Parklands project was apilot development, which provides a model of howsanctuaries for wildlife can be created from Bordna Móna’s emerging cutaway bogs. Theparklands comprise two thousand hectares of postindustrial peatlands in West Offaly. They havebeen developed by Bord na Móna since 1990 intoa mosaic of forestry, intensive grassland, wetlandsand naturally regenerating scrub and grassland.A similar newly created wetland site occurs atBlackwater Works east of Shannonbridge. Oneor both of these sites have attracted a number ofnotable records of the following waders onpassage:

Oystercatcher Ringed PloverAmerican Golden Plover Grey PloverKnot SanderlingTemminck’s Stint Little Stint

woodland dominated by ash and willow closer tothe rivers edge.

Borannagh Point, County Roscommon - Asignificant area of callows occurs at this site.

Sugarloaf Hill, County Roscommon - Scrubwoodland composed of ash and hawthorn.

Creggan, County Roscommon - A narrow fringe ofwillow dominated woodland with hawthorn and ash.Woodland grades in to reed vegetation along thebank composed of common club rush and yellowflag.

Lismanny, County Galway - Long strip of scrub onthe interface between bog and river, extendingapproximately 2km. The main species includebirch, willow, gorse, holly, rowan. Occasionalmature oak also occur. Wetland close to the riversedge consists of Angelica, yellow flag, canary reedgrass, common reed, purple loosestrife andcommon club rush. A significant area of callowsand/or Hay meadows occurs at this site.Greenland white-fronted geese occasionally occurhere.

Correenbeg, County Galway - A significant areaof callows occurs at this site.

Cloonescragh, County Galway - A tree linedsection of the river is composed of mature ashwith hawthorn dominated shrub layer. Thesubstrate is poached and made bare by heavygrazing.

Cullaghmore, County Galway - Mixed broadleavedwoodland dominated by ash, beech and oak. Thewood edge is dominated by hawthorn.

Ardcarn, County Roscommon - A significantarea of callows occurs at this site.

Cutover bogs3.4.51 Cut over bogs owned by Bord na Mónaare frequent in the hinterland surrounding thesurvey area. While not easily observed on theground the extent of these areas is clearly visibleon aerial photographs and some occur directlyadjacent to the river corridor north of Shannonbridge(Cornaveagh/ Cappaleitrim) and along the RiverSuck (Garryduff).

3.4.52 In compliance with Integrated PollutionControl (IPC) licensing, a rehabilitation plan mustbe prepared for all areas of bog where peatproduction has ceased, i.e. cutaway bog. Theprimary aim of the rehabilitation programme forcutaway bog is the development of sustainableafter-uses. Where possible, these uses will be ofa commercial nature, such as forestry andgrassland. In other areas the appropriate after-use will be the creation of wetland and/or wildlifehabitats, which will enhance the nationalbiodiversity resource through the provision ofhabitat for flora and fauna. A number of factorsaffect the choice of potential after-use includingaccessibility, adjacent land-use, proximity toNatural Heritage Areas (NHAs) and Special Areasof Conservation (SACs), archaeological interestand community needs.

3.4.53 In 2002, Bord na Móna commissioned the

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out of the study area (approximately 7,000passages through Termonbarry Lock, around10,000 passages through Athlone Lock and 2,000passages through Pollboy Lock). The data isbroken into private and hire boats. From theserecords it is apparent that hire boats account forapproximately 75% of boat traffic and that privateboats account for 25%. This could simply indicatethat hire boats take longer voyages that requirepassing through locks whilst private boat usersdo not move as far from their cruising base.

3.5.3 There are just two boat rental companies,registered with the Irish Boat Rental Association(IBRA), based in the study area: Athlone Cruisersbased at Jolly Mariner Marina in Athlone andWaveline Cruisers operating from Quigley’sMarina at Killinure Point. Interestingly, there isno hire fleet based in Lanesborough/Ballyleaguealthough there are local people who hire out singleboats.

3.5.4 The use of the waterways for recreationis recorded as early as 1731, when there is areference to a regatta at Athlone. The LoughRee Yacht Club, which has its base on the lowerend of Lough Ree, was founded in 1770 making itthe second oldest in the world. The club providesrecreation and training for its members. Rowingis popular particularly around Athlone whereAthlone Boat Club has its base. The club hostsan annual regatta in June in the Inner Lakes.Lanesborough supports the Lough Ree RowingClub. There are at least 3 sub-aqua clubs locatedaround the study area – 2 in Athlone and one inLanesborough. There is also the Lough Ree PowerBoat School that unofficially operates from HodsonBay. One of the biggest issues in terms of

Dunlin RuffBlack-tailed Godwit WhimbrelSpotted Redshank GreenshankGreen SandpiperWood SandpiperCommon Sandpiper

3.5 Waterways corridor - Access andUser groups

3.5.1 Whilst access and user groups have beenaddressed in previous paragraphs to a degree, itis considered that the uses of the entire corridorarea warrant a separate section to afford greaterdetail and understanding. Current uses of thewaterways include: angling, cruising, sailing,canoeing, powerboating, and other water sports,wildfowling, walking, cycling, horse riding,appreciation of the local environment and heritagesuch as bird watching and the Summer Schools,and tourist trails which may involve travel by carto various sites around the river/lough.

3.5.2 The use of the Shannon waterway fornavigation has escalated since its developmentin the 18th and 19th centuries. Consultation withuser groups leads us to understand that thereare some 5,000 cruisers based on the waterways.Many of these are privately owned, however thereare a number of cruiser hire companies dottedalong the Shannon. Waterways Ireland’s lock-keepers maintain monthly records of the numberof lock passages throughout the Shannonnavigation, which provides some indication of boattraffic in the study area. Over the past 3 yearsthere has been an average of around 27% of theboat users on the Shannon were moving into or

Lough Ree Yacht Club in front of Ballyglass Hill

Bona Spes Barge, Lanesborough

Fishing boats at Athlone

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navigation is conflict of use presented by theincrease in motorised craft (in particular jet skis).

3.5.5 Swimming, particularly around theLough, is widespread during the summer months,although more recently signs have been placedto warn bathers of algal bloom. There have beencases of skin rashes suffered by swimmers inboth lake and river sections but swimming iswidely practised which would suggest that theseare isolated cases. Popular public bathinglocations are found at Lanesborough/Ballyleague,Barley Harbour, Elfeet Bay, Portrunny, HodsonBay, Coosan Point, Wineport and around Athlone.It should be noted that there are currently nodedicated swimming spots at Shannonbridge, tothe consternation of local people. Continuedenjoyment of the waterway for bathing isdependent on water quality.

3.5.6 The Shannon and its tributaries containsome game and an abundance of coarse fish.Lough Ree is a large reservoir of fish. The innerlakes, particularly Coosan Lough, hold tench alongwith rudd, bream and perch in the reeded waters.Angling is one of the most popular sports alongthe waterway, from both the water and the shore.This is well-developed, particularly around thefamous “hot water stretches” at Lanesboroughand Shannonbridge and generates a significantvolume of commerce in settlements adjacent tothe waterways, including accommodation, pubs,specialist bait and tackle suppliers. The ShannonRegional Fisheries Board is responsible formaintaining the angling interests of this waterway,including construction of infrastructure for anglers,such as boardwalks or access roadways. Likeswimming, angling is dependant on good water

Harbour. Hodson Bay is the most accessible,and consequently the best utilised. Other publicaccess areas along the Roscommon andLongford shores of the Lough are more difficult toreach due to poor road networks.

3.5.10 Similarly there are few public accesspoints along either the Suck or the stretch ofShannon being studied outside of the mainsettlements - Athlone, Clonmacnois,Shannonbridge and Ballinasloe. Again this islargely due to the extent of the callows along theedges of the rivers giving way to limiteddevelopment, poor road access, and the locationof drains and culverts that inhibit opportunitiesfor safe provision of paths.

3.5.11 There are a number of Waterway walksidentified on the Inland Waterways Assocation ofIreland (IWAI) website. These take in heritagesites of interest. However, many are moreaccessible by boat than by land. There is potentialto further develop walks, however fragmentedlandownership, particularly along the shores ofthe Lough, may be an issue.

3.5.12 Cycling is generally not promoted alongthe waterways, although there are bicycle hireplaces in Athlone and Lanesborough. However,there is potential to develop designated cycleroutes, or greenways that can be used by bothwalkers and cyclists as part of a futuredevelopment strategy. Similarly, whilst there areopportunities for horse trekking in various locationsalong the waterway, this is fairly underdeveloped.As matters presently stand there are generallypoor access facilities for cyclists and horseswithin the study area and obvious conflicts withwalkers.

quality within the waterways.

3.5.7 The waterway provides an importanthabitat for birdlife, particularly the Callows, LoughRee and its islands and the Inner Lakes. Theseare popular areas for bird watching, although thisis relatively informal, and could be promoted byprovision of low-impact, ecologically sensitivehides for bird-watchers.

3.5.8 Wildfowling is also a popular sport,particularly around Lough Ree. The Wildlife Act1976, Chapter IV sets out the requirements forissue of permits for hunting; Regional GameCouncils through their local gun clubs regulategame shooting. The umbrella organisation, theNational Association of Regional Game Councils(NARGC) provides information on huntingseasons, regulating hunting so that it does notimpact on wildfowl breeding seasons. LikeAngling Associations, Game Councils areconcerned about protection of wildlife habitat,including water quality.

3.5.9 As aforementioned, access to Lough Reeis limited, and is apparently the poorest of all theShannon Lakes. There are a variety ofcontributing factors: the area is prone to floodingso historically few people would have settledthere, leading to a sparse population scatteredaround the shoreline; this is compounded by thepoor road network along the lakeshore. Publicaccess to the foreshore, for the most part, isconfined to public or private harbour/marinadevelopment at Athlone, along the inner lakes (atCoosan, Killinure, Ballykeeran and Wineport),Portlick, Hodson Bay, Lecarrow, Portrunny, GaleyBay, Lanesborough/Ballyleague and Barley

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59Shannon railway bridge, Athlone River Suck Callows

SECTION FOUR ROBUSTNESSAND SENSITIVITY

4.1 Statement of Heritage Significance4.1.1 This Statement of Significance sets out thenature of significance of the entire waterway corridorextending from Lough Ree, to the River Shannonand through to the River Suck. This relies on anunderstanding of the physical attributes, uses,relationships and associations of the area from pastremains up to and including the present. It attemptsto quantify the importance of heritage within thewaterway corridor.

Due to the wealth and range of associative, cultural,aesthetic and economic values that the waterwaypossesses, it is considered to be of immense local,regional and national significance.

Aesthetic SignificanceAs one of the largest inland water bodies withinIreland, the size, scale and inherent natural beautyof the lough and the rivers and their surroundscombine to create a magnificent place of local,regional and national significance.

The rural setting of much of the waterway is of highaesthetic significance and allows the modern visitorto contemplate the past.

Archaeological ValueA landward approach to the waterway corridor is ofvisual and amenity significance and for manyarchaeological sites studied for this project it iscritical to providing a visual backdrop thus creatinga unique sense of place.

Ruins at Clonmacnois

1

Loughs Oura and Ree

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All archaeological sites located within theimmediate environs (500m) of the waterwaycorridor, although some may be in derelictcondition, are of architectural, historic and socialsignificance. They are important visitor attractionsin their own right and consequently are ofsignificance to the respective local communities.

The significance of the archaeological remains ofthe waterway corridor and the tangible evidenceof social, economic and technologicaldevelopment since prehistoric times (including thecanals, navigation and related infrastructure) isapparent and made vivid by its continued usageto the present day.

Although specific elements of the cultural heritageof the waterway corridor are of special interest ithas an intrinsic value as a diachronic landscapei.e. an area containing clusters of archaeologicalsites documenting different periods throughouthistory. Development of the landscape sinceprehistoric times can be traced by means of thearchaeological evidence from prehistoric, tomedieval and post-medieval times thus providinga sense of continuity and stability attested to thenever-ending presence of the waterway itself.

The waterway corridor includes 5 NationalMonuments namely Athlone Castle, Inchbofin,Inchcleraun, Clonmacnois and the Norman motteat Portlick. It also includes a series ofarchaeological sites which have been deemedprotected structures in terms of their national andregional importance by local governmentauthorities:• Military fortifications (site of) Athlone;• 16th/17th century houses (de Ginketts) Athlone;

• Church, Ashford, Galway;• Ecclesiastical enclosure, Ashford, Galway;• Church and graveyard, Creagh, Galway;• Ballinasloe canal;• Children’s burial ground, Pollboy, Galway;• Watermill, Pollboy, Galway (demolished during

the establishment of the Suck navigation);• Ringfort, Portnick, Galway;• Earthwork, Townparks (Clonmacowen By.),

Ballinasloe, Galway;• Metalworking stone, Townparks, Ballinasloe,

Galway;• Stone sculpture, Townparks, Ballinasloe,

Galway;• Castle, Townparks, Ballinasloe, Galway;• Bridge, Townparks, Ballinasloe, Galway;• Mansion, Clonfert Demesne, Galway;• Cathedral, Glebe, Clonfert, Galway;• Battery, Ranelagh, Athlone, Westmeath

Although not a significantly high number have beenaccorded this status, the sheer volume ofarchaeological sites (248) located along a limitedparameter on the banks of the waterway servesas testimony to the extent of utilisation of thewaterway since prehistoric times.

Architectural SignificanceThe crossing points on the Shannon (and Suck)at Shannonbridge, Athlone, Lanesborough andBallinasloe were of strategic importance to Englishforces in Medieval Ireland. As such, the corridorplayed a significant role in the construction ofpermanent inland defences such as those locatedin Athlone and Shannonbridge, which areconsidered to be some of the most importantfortifications of the Napoleonic period remainingin Britain and Ireland.

Shannonbridge - military importance

The Shannon at Athlone

Northern end of Athlone canal

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Individual elements within church and graveyardsites as well as monastic settlements within theenvirons of the waterway corridor; generally rangingfrom architectural features to individualgravestones are of cultural significance in theirown right. Such aspects serve as inherentlyattractive features.

Also of significance are the many sites of industrialinterest associated with industry, navigation, roadand rail. Of particular note is the rail bridge overthe Shannon in Athlone (pictured on page 57),which is deemed to be of national significance.Sites of regional importance include the following:

• The navigation channel, quay and harbour,Lanesborough

• Lanesborough bridge• Lecarrow Harbour• Lecarrow corn mill• Lecarrow quarry• Knockcroghery station• Knock windmill• Elfeet windmill• Shrule flour mill• Pigeons windmill• St John’s windmill• Rindown windmill• Athlone canal, including lock remains• Athlone weir, lock, quays and navigation channel• Quay/slip at Athlone barracks (The ‘Watergate’)• Athlone town bridge• Rail bridge over canal, Athlone• MGWR rail station, Athlone• GSWR rail station, Athlone• Shannonbridge navigation channel, quay andlock house

• Bridge, Shannonbridge

• Ballinasloe canal and its surviving associatedbuildings and structures

• Ballinasloe bridge west• Ballinasloe bridge east• Ballinasloe gasworks

Natural SignificanceThe corridor supports the Shannon and Suckcallows, a habitat of international importance thatsupports a diversity of plant life.

The entire corridor, but in particular the rivercorridors affords a very important habitat forwildfowl.

Lough Ree is of international importance for itshabitats and the wildlife they support.

The shores of Lough Ree support woodlands ofhigh conservation interest including St John’sWood, the Commons and Cashel Wood.

The islands within Lough Ree are an importantecological resource and are of particularimportance to bird life within the lake.

The many inlets in the Lough support aquatic andwetland vegetation and exhibit the successionalzonation from aquatic to terrestrial vegetation.

Historic ValueThe corridor has a rich evidence of earlyecclesiastical settlement with an impressivedensity of architectural and artefactual remainsin particular within Clonmacnois, Clonfert,Inchcleraun and other islands within Lough Ree.Its resilience, its adaptability and its endlessmanifestations make the waterway corridor a

Maker’s plaque on cover of Athlone sluice gate

Cottage, Priest’s Island

Shannon railway bridge, Athlone

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urban plan and original buildings that can beconsidered as cultural amenities as well as asource for academic study in a wide range of areasincluding social history, industrial archaeology,architecture and urban design.

Previous to the plantation of the waterway environsduring English colonisation of Ireland, the socio-economic environment was comprised of a seriesof Gaelic lordships. As such, the subsequentreallocation of tower houses and castles (suchas Athlone and Rathcline castles) contributed tothe early development of towns and defencemeasures. Such measures brought with it theimportant strategic value of securing the Shannonas a gateway to Connaught. These developmentsinfluenced the contemporary history of thewaterway corridor and the evolution of settlementpatterns in its adjoining countryside, towns andvillages.

The waterway corridor plays an important rolewithin the adjacent townscape settings by creatinga sense of natural beauty, openness and a slow-moving pace of life.

brilliant palimpsest of Irish religious history.

Each ecclesiastical settlement located along thecorridor is inextricably linked to the naturalpresence of the waters. They combine to form alarge proportion of the most important pilgrimagesites in Ireland, again particularly Clonmacnoisand Clonfert. The continued tradition of people/pilgrims visiting these sites in turn heightens thecultural significance of the waterway. Not only dothe sites provide a place for worship and prayerbut the waterway is also a platform for meditationand quiet contemplation.

There is evidence of prehistoric activity in theenvirons of the waterway. The area shows evidenceof ritual and religious veneration stretching backto the Neolithic period and was therefore animportant geographical landmark prior to thecoming of Christianity to this area of Ireland.

The surviving fabric of the structures and featureson the monastic sites located along the waterwayreflect the fundamental changes and developmentsin Irish ecclesiastical history; the historic sitesalso demonstrate many aspects of Christiantradition as practised in Ireland over the course of1500 years.

Contribution to townscapeThe waterway corridor has the potential to revealmuch more about Irish life throughout historyparticularly at locations such as Rindown and onthe islands of Lough Ree such as Hare Island.While much of the evidence has been uncovered,more undoubtedly remains to be explored. Inparticular, the towns that developed along thewaterways retain a significant amount of dwellings,

Clonmacnois heritage centre

Peter’s Port, Athlone contemporary townscape

Townscape of Athlone

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Scientific ValueThe creative and technical architecturalaccomplishments of many of the buildings andstructures (including those associated withnavigation such as locks, weirs, bridges etc)adjacent to the waterway corridor (particularlywithin the river corridors) serve to enhance an ideaof survival and authenticity of the very fabric ofpast Irish society.

Social ValueThe study area encompasses a large proportionof the River Shannon, which has a catchment areaof over 15,000 square kilometers, representing afifth of the whole area of Ireland. It has many mythsand legends attached to it and is a major sourceof national identity in Ireland.

The Shannon (in particular Lough Ree) would havefunctioned as an imposing boundary to prehistoricpeoples, especially when in flood. However, usewas made of its important fording points andbridges dating to the Early Christian period havebeen discovered at various locations includingClonmacnois, with historic records of bridges atLanesborough and Athlone, a testimony to thecommunication and transport significance of thewaterway.

The significance of the waterway is clear in termsof its geographical location as the main navigableroute through the centre of Ireland from northernto southern regions. Not only this but it alsocreates the boundary between the ancientprovince of Mide, Munster, Leinster andConnaught. The social-geographical status of thewaterway during medieval times is attested to by

the siting of several ecclesiastical sites inproximity to the valuable resources of travel andcommunication which it provides.

The social values of local communities areenhanced by the presence of the waterway andits inextricable links to the past, thus creating asymbolic focus for identity.

Educational valueThe museum and archive collections directlylinked to the waterway and its associatedtownlands (e.g. Clonmacnois heritage site andAthlone Castle) create a medium to inform aboutthe past and also to serve as an educationalresource.

The waterway is significant within the realms oftourism, education and presentation. Itcontributes to our understanding of the past andthe present and acts as a focal point foreducational, leisure and pleasure activities.

Public valueThe waterway has acted as a significantsustainable resource for its adjacent communities.The navigable features were originally developedas economic development activities creatingvaluable financial resources through navigationrelated tourism.

Lock gate emplacement at Shannonbridge

Rail bridge over Athlone canal

Clorhane wood, Co Offaly

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archaeological sites and monuments. Lesserknown sites are particularly vulnerable in thisregard as all too often they remain anonymous inthe consciousness of local communities.

Underwater Archaeology4.2.5 Many areas within the waterway corridoroffer the potential to reveal underwater archaeology,and perhaps, because it is so poorly recorded,the threats are many and various. In particularunderwater archaeology is vulnerable todisturbance, damage or destruction throughdredging or drainage works when new harbours,marinas or jetties are constructed.

4.2.6 The speed of boats and their consequentwake, can potentially impact on underwaterarchaeology in the form of exposing and dislodginglogboats or artefacts which may have been buriedin situ, or it could accelerate erosion on vulnerablematerials and structures such as quays or landingslips associated with defensive sites on the lake(such as those at Rindown).

4.2.7 As with upstanding archaeology, access tosites needs to be addressed carefully to avoidunintentional damage to delicate sites andstructures.

Built Heritage4.2.8 Many of the buildings within the waterwayscorridor that have played a role in the history ofsettlement within the area are in a poor state ofpreservation and are vulnerable to further decayand dereliction. Furthermore, for many, they arepoorly presented and not well-documented. Inmost cases the Records of Protected Structures within County and Town development plans do

not sufficiently reflect the wealth of built heritagewithin the area.

Industrial Heritage4.2.9 Most of the significant industrial heritagesites within the study area which are still in use -notably the waterways structures, road and railwaybridges - have been sympathetically upgraded totake account of modern usage requirements;those attributes which make them special are stillclearly evident. The fact that they remain in use,even though many are over 150 years old, istestimony to their robust design and quality ofconstruction.

4.2.10 In terms of redevelopment, industrial sitesare particularly vulnerable to loss due to thedifficulty of adapting them to new uses. Those inurban are most threat because of their generallyderelict state and fact that they lie on primedevelopment land. Within the study area,redevelopment pressure has been especially acutein Athlone, particularly along the Shannon whichis now regarded as a prime housing location. Inthe very recent past, two major industrialcomplexes - the Shannon Saw Mills and AthloneWoollen Mills - have been replaced with apartmentblocks, the designs of which take no cognisanceof their historical antecedents. Pollboy Mill wasalso demolished to make way for a new lock onthe Suck Navigation. It is important to realise thatdefunct industrial sites can have a future, as hasbeen demostrated at Knockcroghery railwaystation and Ballymahon Mill (just outside the studyarea); these buildings have been converted into ahouse and apartments respectively.

4.2 Threats to Heritage Significance4.2.1 Areas and sites of heritage significance (asidentified through 4.1) are vulnerable to the lossand degradation of those attributes which makethem special. Threats include destruction ordemolition; inappropriate use, development orredevelopment; and neglect. Such threats areexacerbated by a general lack of public awarenessof the area or sites’ role in characterising theregion’s natural and cultural heritage and sheddinglight on its environmental, social and economicdevelopment.

Archaeology4.2.2 Archaeological sites and monuments arewidespread throughout the study area and beyond.During the course of this study it was discoveredthat many of these features have been destroyedwithout any visible surface trace remaining or arein a poor state of preservation. Throughout Irelandarchaeological monuments are vulnerable todamage and destruction due to developmentpressures and land improvements associated withintensive farming practices. Archaeologicalmonuments set in pasture, such as some of thoseon the islands within Lough Ree, are the mostvulnerable.

4.2.3 Access to sites within the waterway corridor,particularly the islands, needs to be approachedwith care to avoid damage to sites and monuments.

4.2.4 Lack of public awareness and out-of-dateinformation contained within the CountyArcheological Inventories and Surveys are two ofthe biggest threats to archaeology as they hindereffective protection and monitoring of

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of an increase in the number of harbours andmarinas and in the highly visible dwellingsparticularly around Barrymore and Kiltoom withinthe Athlone environs on the western shores ofLough Ree.

4.2.15 Decommissioning and subsequentdemolition of the power stations at Lanesboroughand Shannonbridge will have an impact on thelocal landscape. However, this is going to occurbeyond the 10-year timescale of this particularstudy. What will have a greater impact on thelandscape, is the uses that the Bord na Mónapeat bogs are put to.

Natural Heritage4.2.16 Natural heritage within sensitiveenvironments such as the waterway is particularlyvulnerable to loss or damage due to human activity.In spite of the nature conservation designationswithin the survey area, a number of threats tonatural heritage have been identified.

4.2.17 In order to maintain the diversity of waterfowland wetland plants in the Callows, it is essentialthat annual winter and spring flooding is maintainedfrom damage posed by over-fertilising and over-stocking, the biggest threat to the meadows isdrainage. It is generally accepted that drainingthe Shannon on a regional scale is not a viableproject, however the floodplain adjacent to Athloneis under severe pressure for development. In factdevelopment pressure around Athlone, in particulararound Barrymore and Hodson Bay, poses a greatthreat to natural heritage as it potentially increasespollution and causes fragmentation of semi-naturalhabitats.

4.2.18 The volume and speed of boat traffic withinthe waterway, particularly high-speed craft suchas jet-skis and fast displacement cruisers, canbe highly damaging to wildlife especially duringthe breeding season.

4.2.19 Water quality was probably the mostfrequently raised issue throughout the consultationprocess. Within Lough Ree and indeed the widerstudy area, the greatest threat to water quality isartificial enrichment from both diffuse and pointsources - agricultural run-off and municipalwastewater respectively. Pollution can also bederived from boats.

4.2.20 Zebra mussel is the only bivalve of freshwater systems that causes fouling of boat hullsand the clogging of water pipes. The zebra musselwas first found in 1997 by researchers workingwith the ESB in Lough Derg. Its principal modeof transport is via ships’ ballast water. Zebramussels can be expected to virtually eliminatethe existing populations of swan mussels in lakesthey colonise. When zebra mussels occur in largenumbers they can dramatically alter lakeecosystem processes causing a shift of energyflow from pelgic to benthic ecosystemcompartments. Lakes tend to contain denserpopulations of zebra mussels than flowing waterssuch as the river corridor. It is known that LoughRee is infected with the zebra mussel.

4.2.11 Whilst large-scale peat extraction is asignificant threat to natural heritage, it poses littlethreat to the region’s industrial heritage save alongthe Ballinasloe canal, part of which now runsthrough Bord na Mona’s Garryduff Bog. Althoughthe banks have largely been removed along thissection of canal, its course is still discernible asit is followed by an industrial railway along its bed.

4.2.12 In many instances, defunct sites lieneglected and a significant number of mills havealready disappeared for this reason. The survivingones are difficult to adapt to new uses due to theirinaccessible location, derelict state and/orfunction-specific design. Moreover, most ownersof these sites can ill-afford to preserve them asarchaeological monuments, a situation which isexacerbated by the lack of any financial return.

Landscape4.2.13 The landscape of the study area is verymuch a product of human intervention over thecenturies and is in a constant state of flux, howeverthe greatest threat to the landscape in terms ofvisual impact and fragmentation is developmentpressure for construction of single rural housesand the location of these in relation to thewaterway. Whereas in the past people looked tousing natural shelter when locating a house, thebuilding materials of today allow us to construct adwelling virtually anywhere.

4.2.14 The urban sprawl created by Athlone isputting increasing pressure on its sensitivewaterside environment to both the north and southof the town. The lakeshore, in particular aroundAthlone, is vulnerable to development both in terms

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Public art, Ballinasloe Harbour Shannon Callows, Clonfert

Athlone sluices and weir

1

Elfeet Windmill

SECTION FIVE ACHIEVING THEVISIONIreland’s inland navigations have been used since peoplefirst sailed up our river estuaries nine thousand years ago.Our man-made inland waterways were created at thebeginning of the last century as a means of transportinggoods. The development of road and rail networks over thepast two hundred years has now made that primary transportfunction redundant.

The potential of the inland waterways as a multi-use tourismresource, and as an amenity for their local communities iscurrently being realised. They have an important potentialfor nature conservation and the industrial archaeology ofthe waterways is gaining appreciation from an ever-widerpublic . The Heritage Council Policy Paper on theFuture of Ireland’s Inland Waterways

5.1 A Vision for the Waterway

To conserve and manage the waterway corridor inthe heart of Ireland and to promote its awarenessas a resource of national and international heritagesignificance, whilst recognising its function as partof a wider navigation system and as a living workingenvironment which contributes to the social andeconomic status of the region.

5.2 Policy AreasThe policies set out below range from corridor-wideto very localised policies. Each contains arecommended action or several actions with asuggested timescale for achieving the action. Whereit is felt to add to the understanding of the policy, anexplanation has been provided.

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Whilst the majority of the recommended actions identify the agencies responsiblefor undertaking specific works, this does not preclude individual communityorganisations - tidy town committees, youth groups etc, from undertaking orinitiating specific projects.

This document operates as a blueprint for not only local authorities, semi-statebodies and other organisations, but also for the community at large.

ExplanationThe landscape of Lough Ree has long been recognised as worthy of protectionand preservation. In 1977, the entire lake area of Lough Ree was listed as one ofIreland’s outstanding landscapes within An Foras Forbatha’s Inventory ofOutstanding Landscapes.

The designation of Lough Ree as a National Park has been mooted by a numberof consultees throughout the study area. The Midlands-East Regional TourismPlan 2000-2006 includes an objective that Lough Ree, including the wetlandsand peatlands of Roscommon, Longford and Westmeath should be developedas a National Park. The rationale is that it could be described as one of Ireland’slast great wilderness areas. Although already designated a cSAC, SPA andNHA, designation of the Lake as a National Park would enable conservation ofan important part of our ecosystem, history and heritage, ensure consistentmanagement throughout the Lake, facilitate monitoring and ensure effectivecommunication between government agencies and local authorities.

However, there is one critical obstacle to the designation of the Lake and itsenvirons as a National Park; at present there is no specific legislative base forNational Parks in Ireland. To create a new National Park would require the Stateto purchase the land surrounding the lake and the islands within it, which, givenits extent, is highly improbable. What this illustrates is that there is a substantial

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Promote the integrated management of the waterways as a resource of national and international significance

gap in our national legislation to enable the provision of parks outside theconventional state ownership model. There is no recognised statutory or othermechanism by which agencies in partnership can come together to instigatethe integrated management of an area for common conservation andsocioeconomic goals. At present, the Government are considering review oflegislation to provide a legal basis for National Parks. The development of LoughRee as a regional park under a new model could pioneer new ground in Irelandand pave the way for a new kind of park focused on humanised landscapes,community involvement, socio and economic development of eco-tourism,conservation and integrated management. Recent developments in the WicklowHills and in respect of the emerging proposal for a ‘National Wetlands WildernessPark’ in Longford/ Roscommon, are evolving this concept further.

In order to stimulate debate, a possible model for a park, which takes a formsimilar to the Regional Nature Parks in France, is discussed in more detail inAppendix 5. The underlying principles of the park would be: non-state ownership;collaborative management; community involvement; international promotion ineco-tourism; fixed-term programmes for the park development plan, followed bya review of the approach at the end of the term; and a single development plansetting out appropriate and prohibited uses/activities.

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Manage the waterways for the benefit of all users

ExplanationThe islands within Lough Ree are an important wildlife resource and are particularlyfavoured by nesting birds and flocks of Greenland White Fronted Geese. Partsof the larger islands have been excluded from the cSAC boundaries. Theseareas should be included to ensure limited access and the implementation of

ExplanationWater quality affects all uses and users of the waterway corridor. There hasbeen growing concern over the deterioration in water quality throughout the studyarea and its impacts on fish stock in particular. Although this will be largelyaddressed through the water framework directive, there are some actions that

could be instigated from this study that could improve the existing situation.Many local authorities will need to invest in upgrading existing wastewatertreatment plants.

management strategies that are conducive to promoting the natural heritage.Grazing needs to be controlled to protect the grassland habitats for nestingbirds. The islands are also important in terms of their human habitation over thecenturies from the Early Christian period through until recent times.

yciloP noitcAdednemmoceR elacsemiT seidoBelbisnopseR gnirotinoM

2 ytilauqretawecnahnednatcetorProdirrocyawretawehttuohguorht

srenwodnallacoldnaseitirohtualacol,GLHEoD,APEehttahTretaWehtybderiuqersa,ecalpniserusaemtupotesiailnisaBreviRnonnahSerutufehtdnaevitceriDkrowemarFhtobmorftnemhcirnelaicifitratneverpot,snalPtnemeganaMlapicinumdnaffo-nurlarutlucirga(secruostniopdnaesuffid

.)ylevitcepserretawetsaw

,seitilicaf,swal-eybnoitagivaNnonnahSehthtiwenilni,tahTotecalpnitupebsnoitidnocgnisnecildnasecitcarpgnikrow.sresutaobmorftneulffefolasopsidehtetacidarednaecuderotderiuqerebsruobrahdnasaniramgnitsixednawenllatahT

.seitilicaftuo-pmupgninoitcnuf,nredomedivorp

dnaetaidemmIgniogno

gniognO

lacoL,GLHEOD,APEdnaseitirohtuA

srenwodnaL

dnalerIsyawretaWseitirohtuAlacoL

gnitseT,ytilauQretaWfosutatS

fonoisivorpdnanekatsevitaitinifo.oNgnitsixednawentaseitilicafdevorpmi

saniram

yciloP noitcAdednemmoceR elacsemiT seidoBelbisnopseR gnirotinoM

3 larutandnacirotsihehtesingoceRdnaeeRhguoLnihtiwsdnalsiehtfoecnatropmiecruoserlanoitacudenasalaitnetopriehtetairporppanimorfmehtgnitcetorptslihw

.tnempoleved

ehtsetagitsnirenwodnalro/dnaytirohtualacoltnavelerehttahTehtfohcaerofsnalPtnemeganaM/noitavresnoCfonoitaraperp.)licnuoCegatireHehtybdednuf-trapebyameseht(sdnalsiybsseccagnidulcni(sseccaedulcnidluohsdesserddaseussIlacigoloeahcrafonoitcetorp,)syoubgnigniwsaivtaob

.gnizargdnastnemunom

erutanehtnihtiwsdnalsillaedulcniGLHEoDehttahT.snoitangisednoitavresnoc

revotuodelloreboT.sraey5txen

.8002yB

htiwseitirohtuAlacoLehTmorfecnatsissa

licnuoCegatireH

GLHEOD

snalPtnemeganaM/noCfo.oN.deraperp

.noitangisedyB

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69

Promote the integrated management of the waterways as a resource of national and international significance

yciloP noitcAdednemmoceR elacsemiT seidoBelbisnopseR gnirotinoM

4 eulavcitehtseaehtevreserpdnaniatniaMstcapmiehtmorfenilerohsstidnaekalehtfo,tnempolevedelbisivylhgihdnadesrepsidfotnempolevedevitalucepsgnigaruocsidtslihw

.ytilauqretawgnitcetorpdna

egaruocneotsepolevneegalliv/snalpaeralacoleraperPotralimis,stnemelttesgnitsixenihtiwtnempoleveddetadilosnocytnuoChtaemtseWdnadrofgnoLhtobybderaperpesoht

.slicnuoC

elbisivnisgnidliublarurfognitisrofsenilediugngisedtahTnevigebdragertahtdnadetpodadnaderaperpebsepacsdnalybderaperpsagnisuoHlaruRrofsenilediuGngiseDehtot

)dehsilbupebot(GLHEOD

5002

ybdenoissimmoC4002dne

5002dneybdetpodA

;seitirohtuAlacoL

;seitirohtuAlacoL

egalliVsnalPaerAlacoLforebmuNlacoLybderaperpsepolevne

.seitirohtuA

senilediuGngiseDforebmuNngiseDforebmuN.deraperp

.esunidnadetpodasenilediuG

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ExplanationAs well as being visually intrusive, the increasing number of private jetties andwater-related shoreline development causes fragmentation of wildlife habitat.Planning permission must be sought for creation of jetties that encroach on thenavigation channel, however, all too frequently these are unlawfully constructed.Furthermore, although the County Development Plans all contain policies to preventproliferation of private jetties, there is a lack of enforcement of these policies.

yciloP noitcAdednemmoceR elacsemiT seidoBelbisnopseR gnirotinoM

6 -retawgnireffidneewtebecnalabakeeSseitivitcalanoitaercerdesab-dnaldnadesab

.tnemnorivnelacolehtdna

denisimmocebydutsaegdelwonkruonipagaoteudtahTlacolnosdeepsdnastfarcsuoiravfostcapmiehtgnitagitsevnisetislacigoloeahcraevitisnesnodnastatibahnodnaefildliwotdahebdluohsdrageR.ygoloeahcraretawrednugnidulcnisihT.swal-ybytirohtualacoldnaeniraMfotnemtrapeDgnitsixerofsretemarapdnafoscitsiretcarahcehtyfitnedidluohsydutsahtiw,tfarctnemecalpsid-imesdnatfarcdeepshgihfosaeratsaelehtevahlliwtahtaeradetacidedagnitangisedotweiv

.efildliwgnidulcni,yawretawehtfosresurehtonostcapmi

,senozekaw-ongnitcelferediugecitcarpdoogahsilbatsEehttcetorpotslortnocecnabrutsid/esiondnassecca,gnideeps

.ygolocestidnaytinemaehtfoytilauqdnaeulav

ybdenoissimmoC4002-dim

etaidemmI

;licnuoCegatireH

syawretaW ;dnalerIIAWI

seicepsdrib1xennAfosnoitalupoPdetnorfetihwdnalneerggnidulcnis’kciwreB,nawsrepoohw,esoog,nilreM,rehsifgnik,revolpnedlog,naws

.reirrahnehehtdnanoclafenirgerep

sahdnaswollaCnonnahSfonoitidnoCrodecuderneebaeraaeraeht

.deniatniam

The character of the whole of Lough Ree and particularly the Athlone environs isvulnerable to inappropriate development. Currently there is little communicationbetween Waterways Ireland and Local Authorities. This results in encroachmentlicenses being assessed with regard only being had to the physical impact of thedevelopment on the navigation, whilst local authorities assess the wider impact onthe waterways and general locality.

yciloP noitcAdednemmoceR elacsemiT seidoBelbisnopseR gnirotinoM

5 morfeeRhguoLfoenilerohsehttcetorP.sruobrahdnaseittejetavirpfonoitarefilorp

desnecilnufotnemecrofneotdetacidederasecruosertahT.sruobrahdnaseittejetavirp

gninnalphtiwnekatrednusiecnednopserrocretaergtahTdeussierasesneciltnemhcaorcneetavirperofebseitirohtuagnillefhtiwdetaicossaserudecorpehtfonoitaredisnoctahtdna

sesnecil

htiwnoitubirtsidrofderaperpebkcapnoitamrofninatahTgninnalprofdeenehtgnithgilhgihsesneciltnemhcaorcne

.detcurtsnocebnacruobrahaerofebnoissimrep

gniognO

etaidemmI

etaidemmI

syawretaW ;dnalerI;seitirohtuAlacoL

syawretaW ;dnalerI;seitirohtuAlacoL

;GLHEOD

syawretaW ;dnalerI

tnemecrofnednagninrawforebmuNnoitneterforebmuN.deussisecitondnasruobrahrofdeviecersnoitacilppa

.seittej

sesneciltnemhcaorcneforebmuNsahnoissimrepgninnalperehw,deussi

.detnargneebton

dnakcapnoitamrofnifonoitaraperP.detubirtsidskcapforebmun

htiwdetcurtsnocsruobrahforebmuNontubecneciltnemhcaorcnena

.noissimrepgninnalp

That greater correspondence is undertaken with planningauthorities before private encroachment licenses areissued and that consideration is given to a consultationarrangement similar to the procedures associated withfelling licences.

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71

yciloP noitcAdednemmoceR elacsemiT seidoBelbisnopseR gnirotinoM

7 lacolfotnempoleveddnahtworgehttroppuSrodirrocyawretawehtnihtiwseitinummoc

.retcarahcevitcnitsidriehtgniniatniamtslihw

rofnalPaerAlacoLdenibmocaeraperPnoitarenegerdnatnempolevedtceridoteugaelyllaB/orobsenaL,yawretawehtotsseccasserddatsumnalpehT.egallivehtni

elbatiusfonoisivorpehtdna,msiruotdnanoitaercer.tnempolevedelbaneoterutcurtsarfni

stnemetatSngiseDegalliVfonoitaraperpehtetagitsnI.nareekyllaBdnanassalGrof)snalPegalliVybdewollof(

rofsnalPegalliV/stnemetatSngiseDegalliVeraperPfoseussisserddaotworraceLdnaynnurtroP,yrehgorckconK

.erutcurtsarfnidetaicossadnahtworgdeganam,ngised

roftnemetatSngiseDegalliVafonoitaraperpehtetagitsnInoitcetorPyawretaWarofelpicnirpehtnignikategdirbnonnahS

.2002ydutSyawretaWtoliPehtnidednemmocerenoz

-dimybecnemmocoT4002

fotrapsatuolloRemmargorpSDV

-dimybecnemmocoT4002

ybecnemmocoT5002

ytnuoCnommocsoRdrofgnoL;licnuoC

licnuoCytnuoC

ytnuoChtaemtseW;licnuoC

ytnuoCnommocsoR;licnuoC

;licnuoCytnuoCylaffO

sahdnanalPaerAlacoLfosutatSnugebnoitaraperp

neebyehtevahdnaSDVfosutatSderaperp

neebyehtevahdnaSDVfosutatSderaperp

neebyehtevahdnaSDVfosutatSderaperp

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ExplanationBy the time the power stations are decommissioned, many of the region’s raisedbogs will have been worked out. Nonetheless the potential for these to becomelocal wetland environments, such as the Lough Boora wetland, and includeelements of their industrial past needs to be explored. Other exciting examplesof reclaimed projects include the Martin Nere project in Lancashire which wasundertaken by the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust and is the biggest example in theUK. The Peatlands Park in Dungannon have also carried out experimental projectson wetlands.

yciloP noitcAdednemmoceR elacsemiT seidoBelbisnopseR gnirotinoM

8 cimonocelacolehtyfisreviddnaniatsuStnemnorivneehtfoytilauqehthtiwenilni,esab

.yawretawehtfoeliforplanoitanretnidna

dnagnilacsnwodehttahttcapmiehtfonoitingocernIniseitinummoclacolnoevahlliwBSEfogninoissimmocedsdraoBtnempoleveDytnuoCehttaht,tnemyolpmefosmretfoecnavdanitnempolevedcimonocerofsemmargorpnidliub

anoMandroBdnaBSEhtobfosnoitarepofonoitassec

.msiruot-ocerofytilacolehtetomorP

ybdetagitsnieboT.0102

ybecnemmocoT5002

;anoMaNdroB;BSEtnempoleveDytnuoC

;sdraoB

lanoigeR;sdraoBtnempoleveD;draoBmsiruoTlacoLtnempoleveDytnuoC

;sdraoB

gniniatnocseigetartsforebmuNehtgnisserddatnempolevedcimonoceehthtobfonoitassecdnagnilacsnwod

.anoMandroBdnaBSE

/stcejorpmsiruot-oceforebmuNaeraehtnidehsilbatsesnoitcartta

yciloP noitcAdednemmoceR elacsemiT seidoBelbisnopseR gnirotinoM

9 foesurofsnoitpomret-gnolehtetagitsevnIydutsehtnihtiwsgobrevotucevisnetxeeht

aera

sgobrevotucotnoitalerniydutsytilibisaefanoissimmoCdnaltewroflaitnetopehtssessaotsyawretawehtottnecajdaecnavdanillew,wondenifedebdluohssaeraelbatiuS.noitaercdluohsydutsehT.ytivitcagnitsevrahtaepfonoitassecfosgnidliubynayfitnediotesitrepxeegatirehlairtsudnietaroprocniekamotderiuqersecruoserehtssessa,tiremfoserutcurtsdnafoytilibisaefehtdnaselpmaxedetcelesfosdrocerdeliated

PPPlicnuoCytnuoCylaffOeeS(.esehtfoemosgnivreserp)yrotamrofeRnaegniaDno2002ydutS

-dimybnoissimmoC8002

lacoLevitaleR;seitirohtuA

lanoitaN;GLHEODefildliW&skraPandroB,ecivreS

.anoM

noitaercdnalteWfonoitacifitnedI.emitrevosaera

ExplanationThe two new ESB power stations at Lanesborough and Shanonbridge both havea 15 year permission after which time they are required to be decommissioned and demolished.

The industries of peat extraction and power generation are associated with adiverse range of structures - power stations, engineering workshops, industrialrailways and bridges. However, the rapidity with which they could disappearwith little or no trace is evident at the recently decommissioned peat-fired stationsat Allenwood

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73

ExplanationAccess to Lough Ree was highlighted as one of the key issues throughoutconsultation. This was separated into a lack of safe access and mooring facilitiesfor boats, particularly on the eastern shore of Lough Ree, and poor access tothe lake for pedestrians. The location of access to the lake for pedestrians wasaddressed in section 3.5. Both Roscommon and Westmeath County Councilsinclude objectives to improve access to Lough Ree and the inner lakes, however

ExplanationAs has been mentioned throughout this report, Athlone is under significant pressurefor development and expansion. The Town Council has been encouragingregeneration of the riverfront which is leading to a more vibrant river, however thishas a cost - to both cultural and natural heritage. Much of Athlone’s built heritagehas been lost, giving way to apartments and hotels.

yciloP noitcAdednemmoceR elacsemiT seidoBelbisnopseR gnirotinoM

01 neewtebpihsnoitalerehtnehtgnertSnonnahSrevirehtdnaenolhtA

edulcniotygetartStnorfreviRafonoitaraperpehtetagitsnI,revirehtgnitnorfsgnidliubfothgiehdnangisedrofsenilediug

dna,egatirehtliubdnaserutcurtsdetcetorpfoecnanetniamretawdnasnairtsedeprofrevirehtfosknabehtgnolassecca

.sresu

ybecnemmocoT4002

;licnuoCnwoTenolhtAytnuoChtaemtseW

;licnuoC

rofdetnargsnoissimrepforebmuNekamhcihwdnatnempolevedehtgnolasseccacilbuprofnoisivorpforebmuN.revirehtfosknab

hsibrufertahtenolhtAnisnoissimrep.serutcurtsdetcetorp

yciloP noitcAdednemmoceR elacsemiT seidoBelbisnopseR gnirotinoM

11 foerohsehtotsseccaevissapecnahnEeeRhguoL

rofenilerohsehtotsseccapunepootseitinutroppoenimaxEfoseussierolpxednagnilcycdnagnidir-esroh,gniklaw

.ytefascilbupdnaecnarusni

seittejgnitaolfdetalosifonoitallatsnirofseitinutroppoenimaxEemosotsnoitacolrehtodnaerunatroP,eromneelliK,kciltroPta

.srenwoehtfotnesnocehthtiwsdnalsiehtfo

ybecnemmocoT5002

nihtiwdedulcnieboTemmargorpPDNeht

srenwodnaLlacoL;slicnuoCytnuoC

;dnalerIsyawretaWlanoitaN;GLHEOD;syaWdekramyaWeetimmoCyrosivdA

stropShsirIehtfo;licnuoC

;dnalerIsyawretaW

rofdetnargsnoissimrepforebmuNekamhcihwdnatnempolevedehtgnolasseccacilbuprofnoisivorpforebmuN.revirehtfosknab

hsibrufertahtenolhtAnisnoissimrep.serutcurtsdetcetorp

gnihtreb/gniroomlanoitiddaforebmuN.emitrevodedivorpseitilicaf

The floodplain is also under pressure, which can lead to loss of habitat as well asa greater cost to emergency services.

Promote access to and enjoyment of the waterways

constraints exist due to fragmentation of land ownership along the shores of thelakes. Furthermore, in some locations it may be appropriate to limit access toprotect sensitive habitats and cultural heritage. For the most part, it is consideredthat suitable safe landing facilities, linked with existing settlements or servicessuch as a pub or identified walking route and accompanied by appropriate signagecan greatly enhance appreciation of the waterways environment.

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ExplanationBarley Harbour is a privately owned harbour, leased to Longford County Council,that was constructed in the 1960s from local limestone. It is one of the fewaccessible amenity areas adjacent to Lough Ree within County Longford. It iswell-used as a swimming and picnic spot by local people during the summermonths and local fishermen moor their boats there. It is a peaceful spot, about6km from Newtowncashel. At present, hire boats are prohibited to enter theharbour as there are unmarked rocks and shallow areas. However, it is one ofthe few existing harbours on the eastern shore of Lough Ree. Recognising a

yciloP noitcAdednemmoceR elacsemiT seidoBelbisnopseR gnirotinoM

21 sreviRehtfosknabehtotsseccaecnahnE.e.i(sresudesab-dnalrofkcuSdnanonnahS

).srelgnadnasreklaw

ehtgnolasseccadengisgnitaercfoytilibissopehterolpxE.srevirowtehtfosknab

riahcleehwdnaegdirbnonnahStasdnatsgnilgnaedivorPehtgnolagnithgilsahcuserutcurtsarfnidetaicossadnasseccaylralucitrap,egdirbehtfomaertsnwoddnamaertspuhtobrevir

.yttejwenehtfomaertspudnahctertsretawtohehtta

ybecnemmocoT5002

ybecnemmocoT4002remmus

;srenwodnaLlacoL;slicnuoCytnuoC

;dnalerIsyawretaW;CAWWN;GLHEOD

;REDAEL

;dnalerIsyawretaW

sngislanoitceridlanoitiddaforebmuNreviRotsseccagnithgilhgihdetcere

.nonnahS

gnieberutcurtsarfniwenfoleveL.revirehtfosknabehtnodedivorp

yciloP noitcAdednemmoceR elacsemiT seidoBelbisnopseR gnirotinoM

31 rofyawretawehtotsseccaelbanEretawhtiwsknilegaruocnednagnimmiws

semmargorpytefas

saerawenpoleved,saerasseccagnimmiwsgnitsixeniatniaMdnaegdirbnonnahStayawatucehtsahcus,nonnahSehtgnolaegaruocneotsesruocytefasretawhtiwseitinummoclacolknil

..yawretawehtnignimmiwsefas

dnaetaidemmIgniogno

;dnalerIsyawretaW;seitirohtuAlacoL

retaWhsirI;IAWI;)SWI(ytefaS

ytefasretawnostnapicitrapfo.oN.sesruoc

.saeragnimmiwslanoitiddafo.oN

41 lacolehttcetorpdnaesingoceRruobraHyelraBtatnemnorivne

seitilicafgnihtrebdnaretawkaerbaroflasoporpehtredisnoceRlacolotecnacifingisstifonoitingocerniruobraHyelraBta

evitanretlarofkooldnaytinemadnanoitaercerrofelpoepnretsaeehtnoseitilicafgniroomdnasruobrahefasrofsnoitacol

.eeRhguoLfoserohs

etaidemmI ;dnalerIsyawretaW nosruobrahefassadeifitnedisaerA.ekalehtfoerohsnretsae

ruobraHyelraBfosutatS

extensive reed beds in many places.The Suck Valley Way is a good example of a successful walkway. Facilitiesfor anglers at Shannonbridge was highlighted as a gap by local people.

ExplanationAccess to the waterway in general was an issue. In creating any designatedwalking route, public safety will need to be addressed, in particular in relationto maintenance of stiles over water courses, drains and culverts and the

lack of safe harbours on Lough Ree, Waterways Ireland wish to ̀ formalise’ theharbour putting in place a floating breakwater, navigation markers, floatingmoorings and associated access ramps, lighting, public seating, footpaths andupgrading of the existing toilet block. The development is of some concern tolocal people who currently enjoy the tranquillity of the location. Therefore it isthe recommendation of this study that alternative locations for safe harboursand mooring facilities be examined.

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ExplanationAlthough part of the old canal has been filled in, and it is badly in need of

ExplanationAlthough close in proximity to both the Shannon and the Suck, Clonfert is currently only accessible by road. Themonastic centre would benefit from improved accessibility. The Clonfert North road has a natural extension to theRiver Shannon just to the south of Costello’s Island. Mooring is difficult at this part as it is an exposed place andthe holding is bad for anchoring so some form of mooring is needed.There was a short length of artificial canal madeto the west of the downstream island off the Bishop’s Islands as part of the original navigational works which wassubsequently bypassed by the dredging of the riverin the 1840’s and this could be investigated as a possiblemooring location.

ExplanationThe community at Glassan are anxious to gain access to the waterways. TheGlasson Development Committee identified a possible option for access to bethe widening and deepening of the Bunown river, which runs through Glassonand enter Killinure Lough at Wineport, to create a navigable channel ending in aharbour at the village. This scheme including a harbour with berthing facilities

yciloP noitcAdednemmoceR elacsemiT seidoBelbisnopseR gnirotinoM

61 salanacenolhtAfolaitnetopehtesingoceRytinummoclacolehtrofytinemalanoitaerceralairtsudnitahtgnirusnetslihw,srotisivdna

.devreserpsiegatireh

ehtfoecnanetniamdnagnidargpuehtotsecruoseretacideDgniwor.g.e(esulanoitaercerdnagniklaw,gnihsifroflanacdloevitaterpretnietairporppaedulcnidluohssihT.)syhgnid

.htgnelstifohcumswollofhcihwhtaptoofehtgnolaegangis

niecnemmocoT4002

;licnuoCnwoTenolhtA;dnalerIsyawretaW;lanoigeRnonnahS

;draoBseirehsiF

lanacfossergorpssessA.tnempoleved

setisegatirehlairtsudniforebmuNfonalPtnempoleveDotdedda

.licnuoCnwoTenolhtA

yciloP noitcAdednemmoceR elacsemiT seidoBelbisnopseR gnirotinoM

51 ,retawehtmorfnassalGotsseccaecnahnEehterolpxeotetatsEnotsretaWotnideknilstignitcetorptslihw,serutaefgnitseretniynam

.tnemnorivnelarutan

ehtottnecajdarognolaetuoryawneergdengisayfitnedIrenniehtnoseitilicafgnitaobknildluoctahtdaorhguoLerunilliK

.nassalGfoegallivehthtiwtropeniWtashguol

niecnemmocoT4002

ytnuoChtaemtseWnussalG;licnuoC

;ytinummoC;CAWWN;GLHEOD

;dnalerIsyawretaW

tnempolevedfossergorpssessA.etuoryawneergdengis

has been proposed and is included within Waterways Ireland’s NDP programme.However, the river is ecologically sensitive and such a proposal is unlikely togain support from the DoEHLG and the Heritage Council. Therefore anotherapproach to improve access between Glassan and the lakes has been proposed,via provision of a signed greenway.

maintenance, it presents a fantastic opportunity to become a local amenity area.

yciloP noitcAdednemmoceR elacsemiT seidoBelbisnopseR gnirotinoM

71 neewtebpihsnoitalerehtnehtgnertSnonnahSehtdnatrefnolC

ot,renwodnalehtfotnemeergahtiw,sseccalamrofhsilbatsEfohtuosehtotnonnahSreviRehtffotnemeltteseht

eeS.egallivehtotnidaorgnitsixeehtotgniknilegdirbnonnahS.etuorlanoitanrofmargaid

niecnemmocoT4002

lacoLtrefnolCyawlaG;ytinummoC

;licnuoCytnuoCsyawretaW;GLHEOD

aNdroB;dnalerI;anoM

sseccanahtiwssergorpssessAnoitatnemelpmidnatnemeerga

.sseccalamrofaetaercotserusaem

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ExplanationAlthough the network of peat railways was never intended to be permanent,there are substantial concrete bridges across the Shannon and the Suck. Thesehave potential, following the cessation of peat harvesting, to become vital links

on any walking/cycling tracks which may eventually be created throughabandoned cutaways. The entire course of the Ballinasloe canal also hasenormous potential in this respect (refer to policy 17).

yciloP noitcAdednemmoceR elacsemiT seidoBelbisnopseR gnirotinoM

81 larutlucdnalarutanehtotsseccaecnahnEehtgnola,sresudesab-dnalroftnemnorivne

eolsanillaBgniniojdayawretaw

otkcuSehtgnolayawneergdetacidedaedivorpdnayfitnedIdnahtapwotlanacdloehthtiwknildluochcihwkcolyoblloP

.ecnacifingiscirotsihfoserutaef

htapwotlanacdloehtgnolayawneergdetacidedahsilbatsE.eolsanillaBottrefnolCmorf

niecnemmocoT4002

ybecnemmocoT5002

yawlaG;srenwodnaL;licnuoCytnuoC

ytnuoCeolsanillaBeolsanillaB;licnuoCyawlaG;ytinummoC

;msiruoTtsaErebmahCeolsanillaB

;ecremmoCfo;CAWWN;GLHEOD

;syawretaW

ytnuoCyawlaGeolsanillaB;licnuoClacoL;licnuoCnwoT

;REDAEL;ytinummoC;licnuoCegatireHandroB;CAWWN

;anoM

fotnempolevedfossergorpssessAsetuorsseccarehtodnayawneerG

fotnempolevedfossergorpssessAsseccaelbissoprehtodnayawneerG

.setuor

yciloP noitcAdednemmoceR elacsemiT seidoBelbisnopseR gnirotinoM

91 ehtneewtebpihsnoitalerehtnehtgnertSehtdnatrefnolCfostnemelttescitsanom

foetiSegatireHdlroWdesoporp.sioncamnolC

trefnolCknilotmretregnolehtniruotliargobgnitsixeehtdnetxE.sioncamnolCdnaegdirbnonnahShtiw

ehttcennocotsyawneergsasyawliartaepfokrowtenehtesilitU.sioncamnolCdnatrefnolCfostnemelttescitsanom

-tsop-mretgnoLnoitcartxe

taepretfa-mretgnoLsesaecnoitcartxe

ytnuoCyawlaGytnuoCylaffO;licnuoCegatireH;licnuoCaNdroB;licnuoC

;IAWI;anoM

ytnuoCyawlaGytnuoCylaffO;licnuoCegatireH;licnuoCaNdroB;licnuoC

;IAWI;anoM

liargobgniveihcanissergorpssessAnoisnetxe

gniveihcanissergorpssessAdnatrefnolCneewtebsnoitcennoc

sioncamnnolC

This would complement the development ofthe proposed Beara Breifne Greenway.

.

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ExplanationThe Shannon callows, the floodplains of the River Shannon, are a unique wetlandresource in the Irish midlands. The Suck callows are an important extension of thecallows system. The callows represent a substantial wetlands of internationalimportance. The continuation of this habitat is dependent on seasonal flooding, lowintensity agriculture and the cutting of hay over silage production. The River ShannonCallows, the Middle Shannon Callows and the Suck River Callows are all designatedsites. Most of the local authorities within the study area recognise that developmentshould not take place within this area, but it is considered that this needs to beformalised through open dialogue between the interested/affected parties.

Greater communication is required to mitigate against development that conflictswith wildlife protection.

Although the callows occurs within the floodplain, the area of flooding is notalways contiguous with the callows. As aforementioned, the floodplain isvulnerable to development in some locations, particularly around the Athloneenvirons. Definition of the floodplain, based on previous major flood events willhelp to identify locations where development is inappropriate.

yciloP noitcAdednemmoceR elacsemiT seidoBelbisnopseR gnirotinoM

02 sioncamnolCotsseccarotisivecnahnE dnamorfetuorgniklawasahtapsmirglipróhMílSehtetomorPlarutandnalarutlucsuoremunehtniekatotsioncamnolCot

.ytinicivehtnihtiwsetisegatireh

dnaetaidemmIgniogno

;licnuoCytnuoCylaffO;licnuoCegatireHrotisiVesioncamnolC

;ertneC

ehtgnisuelpoeplanoitiddaforebmuN.htaps’mirglip

yciloP noitcAdednemmoceR elacsemiT seidoBelbisnopseR gnirotinoM

12 dnaswollaCkcuSdnanonnahSehttcetorPetairporppanimorfnialpdoolfredaorbotsrenwodnalgniwollatslihwtnempoleveddnaseitivitcalarutlucirgagnitsixeeunitnocehtfosresudesab-dnalrofsseccagnidivorp

.)srelgna.g.e(yawretaw

ehtnignidoolFnoderaperpgniebtroperehtotdragerevaHehtniydutsgniog-noehteunitnocotdnaWPOehtybnonnahSdnadenifedebnacseiradnuobnialpdoolfehttahtossnialpdoolf

.noitcetorprofdetangisedaeraeht

aeraperpdnasrenwodnallacolhtiweugolaidaputeSriehtdnaswollaCehtfonoitcetorperusneotnalPtnemeganaMsepytehttuotesdluohsnalPehT.tatibahdnaltewevisnetxenihtiwelbatpeccademeedebdluowtahtseitivitcafoleveldnagnizarglanoitidartelpmaxerof,tnemnorivneeuqinusiht

.erutlucirgaytisnetniwoldnayahfognittuc,semiger

ottnecajdadnanihtiwtnempolevedrofsnoitacilppallatahTderreferebnialpdoolfdenifedehtdnaseiradnuobdetangised

.GLHEoDehtfoecivreSefildliWdnaskraPlanoitaNehtot

5002ybnoissimmoC

ecnemmocoTyletaidemmi

gniognO

;WPO;GLHEOD;seitirohtuAlacoL

tnaveleR;GLHEOD;ytirohtuAlacoL

;dnalerIsyawretaW

;ytirohtuAlacoLdnaskraPlanoitaN;GLHEOD;efildliW

WPO

.aeranialpoolfehtgnihsilbatsE.aeranialpdoolfehtgnippaM

.nialpdoolfehtgnitangiseDtnavelerotninoitangisedehtgnitpodA

.snalPtnempoleveDAPS,AHN,CASniesaercnI

.noitangised

dnaltewdnaswollacehtfonoitidnoC.emitrevotatibah

aeraehtnihtiwsmraffoegatnecrePlaruRehtnihtiwgnitapicitrap

.emehcSnoitcetorPtnemnorivnE

dnanihtiwsnoitacilppaforebmuNotderrefernialpdoolfehtottnecajda

ecivreSefildliWdnaskraPlanoitaN.deviecersesnopserforebmundna

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Final Report: WATERWAYS STUDY lanesborough to shannonbridge

ExplanationMuch of the study area is already designated, implying the entire area is ofsignificant conservation importance. Areas outside the designated boundariesmay also have an influence on the waterway corridor and are of considerable

ExplanationOngoing monitoring and updating of information can help to ascertain the threatsto natural heritage within the study area. This waterways study collates allexisting information on natural heritage within a defined boundary and observe

yciloP noitcAdednemmoceR elacsemiT seidoBelbisnopseR gnirotinoM

32 ehtgnidragernoitamrofnienilesabetadpU.rodirrocehtnihtiwegatirehlarutanfosutats

noitamrofnienilesabehtetadpuothcraeserrehtrufekatrednUehtmorfsisablaunnananostatibahdnaseicepsgnidrager

.semmargorpgnirotinomlaunna

gniognO dnaskraPlanoitaN;ecivreSefildliW

)seratceh(aeraniesaerceD/esaercnIrevoANN;APS;CASsnoitangisedfo

fosnoitalupopnaemraeyeviF.emit.seicepsdrib1xennA

yciloP noitcAdednemmoceR elacsemiT seidoBelbisnopseR gnirotinoM

22 tneverpdnasaeradetangisedtcetorP.noitatnemgarftatibah

ottnecajdaro/dnanihtiwtnempolevedrofnoitacilppaynatahTdnaskraPlanoitaNehtotderreferebseiradnuobdetangised

.GLHEoDehtfoecivreSefildliW

gniognO lacoLtnaveleR;GLHEODseitirohtuA

dnaskraPlanoitaN;ecivreSefildliW

otderrefersnoitacilppAforebmuNefildliWdnaskraPlanoitaNehtsesnopserforebmuN.ecivreS

.deveicer

ecological importance. It is important that the National Parks and Wildlife Servicerespond with a submission so that the local planning authority can make aninformed decision.

sites of ecological importance both designated and otherwise. What it doesnot do is go into detail on the areas designated or the current state of these.Therefore this is considered to be a gap in information.

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ExplanationIt is the policy of all local authorities within the study area to conserve sites ofspecial heritage significance and these are listed in their respective County orTown Development Plans. As a result of the fieldwork for this project, it isevident that there are significant gaps within these lists. Field surveys forarchaeological sites and monuments and for built structures are out-of-date. Insome instances features have been destroyed or are in a poor state of preservation.In other cases newly identified sites of special merit are not included within thelists.

In general, the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) is appropriate for buried

sites of archaeological interest and those upstanding sites which are unlikelyto be reused or which should be preserved in their existing state. The Recordof Protected Structures is more suited to those sites which are still in use, orwhich have the potential for reuse. Where a site has an `archaeological’ and`architectural’ dimension, both types of protection may be appropriate.

Whilst statutory protection cannot guarantee a site’s future well-being or preventunauthorised destruction, it at least improves the chances of future developmentproposals giving cognisance to features of a site which are of special character.

yciloP noitcAdednemmoceR elacsemiT seidoBelbisnopseR gnirotinoM

42 serutcurtsdetcetorpfostsiltnerrucetadpUdroffaotrodirrocyawretawehtottnecajdalarutlucdnatliubotnoitcetorpyrotutatsretaerg

.egatireh

ehtnihtiwserutcurtsdnasetisfostsilevisnetxeehtotrefeRsdrocerytirohtuAlacoLetadpudnatropersihtot2xidneppAlarevesfoenosinwodniR.noitairavafoyawybylgnidrocca

.eracetatsdedroffaebdluohstahtsetis

egatirehlairtsudniotnoitalerniPMRehtdnaSPRehtetadpU.dedulcniebdluohssetisgniwollofehtdna

SPR-yauqhguorobsenaLSPR-egdirbhguorobsenaLSPR-skrowsageolsanillaBSPR-ruobrahhguorobsenaL

PMR-llimnrocelurhSPMR-llimruolfelurhSPMR-llimdniws’nhoJtSPMR-llimdniwsnoegiP

PMR-yrrauqworraceLPMR-ruobrahworraceLSPR-enolhtA,yrotcafxetneGSPR-noitatsyrehgorckconK

,yauQSPR-enolhtA,yauQSPR-enolhtASPR-esuohkcols’gninnaFSPR-egdirbnonnahSSPR-esuohkcoleromelyKSPR-egdirberomelyK

SPR-egdirbynnamsiLPMR-hgarcsanoolC,nlikemiL

SPR-egdirbyoblloPPMR-segdirbdnaskcolgnidulcni,lanacenolhtA

SPR-lanacenolhtArevoegdirbyawliaRSPR-skcarrabenolhtAgniniojdapils/yauQ

SPRdnaPMR-llimnrocworraceLkcoldnarieWSPR-enolhtA,egdirbnwoT

otweiveR.4002ecnemmoc

otweiveR.4002ecnemmoc

otweiveR.4002ecnemmoc

lacoLevitcepseRnwoTdnaseitirohtuA

;slicnuoC

lacoLevitcepseRSPR-seitirohtuAegatireHehT;sahcuD

;PMR-ecivreS

niserutcurtsdetcetorpforebmuN.gnisaercniebdluohs-yrtnuochcae

detcetorplanoitiddaforebmuNotsnoitiddaforebmundnaserutcurtssecalpdnastnemunomfodrocereht

.yllanoitan

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Final Report: WATERWAYS STUDY lanesborough to shannonbridge

ExplanationGiven that there are over 200 sites and monuments of archaeological interestwithin 500m of the waterway, a consistent approach needs to be adopted by allthe governing bodies within the study area to the conservation of thearchaeological resource. Some recommendations have been outlined above,more are provided within Appendix 2 to this report. Ultimately a systematic

Lanesborough harbour Shrule flour mill Ballinasloe east bridge

approach for maintenance and management needs to be adopted via theConservation Plan process. As a minimum, Conservation Plans should addressthe significance of the place/site/structure, the integrity of its setting, accessand visitor management.

yciloP noitcAdednemmoceR elacsemiT seidoBelbisnopseR gnirotinoM

52 hcaorppafosisabtnetsisnocaetalumroFgnidragerrodirrocyawretawehttuohguorht

.ecruoserlacigoloeahcraehtfonoitavresnoc

ehtfotnempoleveddnanoitavresnocerutufehttahTehtybdediugebaeraydutsehtnihtiwecruoserlacigoloeahcranoitavresnocehtrofretrahcSOMOCIailartsuAehtfoselpicnirprepsa)retrahCarruBeht(ecnacifingislarutlucfosecalpfoderaperpebdluohssnalpnoitavresnoC.8891noisrevdesiver

.tnempoleved/esuerynaotroirpserutcurts/setisrof

ecnanetniamdennalpaaivrofderacebserutcurts/setistahTecalpehtfoegdelwonkdnuosnodesabemmargorpriaperdnatpmorpdnanoitcepsniraluger,slairetamgnidliubstidna

.riaperdnaecnanetniamevitatneverp

eraskrownoitavacxeroecnabrutsiddnuorgynaerehWebdluohseseht,tseretnilacigoloeahcrafoaerananideriuqer

.GLHEoDehtfoecivreSstnemunoMlanoitaNehtotderrefer

gniognO

gniognO

gniognO

;srenwodnaLehT-GLHEOD

;ecivreSegatireH;seitirohtuAlacoL;ecivreSegatireH

;dnalerIsyawretaW

ehT-GLHEOD;ecivreSegatireH;seitirohtuAlacoL

;srenwodnaL

;seitirohtuAlacoLlanoitaN;srenwodnaL

;ecivreSstnemunoM

nidnalnostnemunomfonoitidnoCrehtodnalicnuoCfopihsrenwo

.srenwodnal noitavresnoCforebmuN.deraperpsnalP

nidnalnostenmunomfonoitidnoCrehtodnalicnuoCfopihsrenwo

.srenwodnal

lanoitaNotslarreferforebmuN.ecivreSstnemunoM

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yciloP noitcAdednemmoceR elacsemiT seidoBelbisnopseR gnirotinoM

62 larutlucdnalarutanfoeliforpehtesiaRehtnoelbaliavanoitamrofnignikamybegatireh

.rodirrocyawretawehtfoegatireh

sahcus(sdraobnoitamrofnirotisivdeliatededivorpdnadnuFsruobrahcilbupehttadetacol)ruobraHyelraBtadetacoltahtgnidulcnirodirrocyawretawehttuohguorhtstniopsseccadnaenolhtA,yaBnosdoHdnaworraceL,ynnurtroP,hguorobsenaLedulcnidluohsesehT.eolsanillaBdnaegdirbnonnahS,kcoLroflaitnetopgnidulcniseussiegatirehllanonoitamrofni

.ygoloeahcraretawrednu

ebsyawretawehtfoegatirehehtnonoitamrofnideliatedtahTnoitamrofnitsiruotehtmorfstelfaelfomrofehtnielbaliavaedamdnaenolhtAtasesuohkcoleht;rodirrocehttuohguorhtsertnec

.seciffolicnuocdnasrotarepoerihresiurc,yoblloP

,licnuoCegatireHehT,dnalerIsyawretaWfosetisbewehttahTseitirohtualacolevitcepserehtdnaseinapmocerihtaob,IAWI

.syawretawehtfoegatirehehtnonoitamrofniedivorp

egatirehedivorpotsnoitutitsniyraitretlacolhtiwsknilhsilbatsEdnadnalhtobfotnempolevedotgnidaelsediugruotrofgniniartderaegstisivetislacigolocednalacigoloeahcradesab-retaw

.yrtsudnitsiruotdnaytinummoclacolehtsdrawot

egagneGLHEoDehtfotinuyygoloeahcrAretawrednUehttahTretawrednunehwtahtossbulcauqa-buslacolhtiweugolaidniottitroperlliwyehtsrevidlacolybderevocsidsiygoloeahcra

.noitcaetairporppaehtekatotmehtelbaneottinueht

etaidemmI

gniognO

gniognO

6002ybputeseboT

dnaetaidemmIgniogno

;seitirohtuAlacoLmsiruoTlacoL

lacoL;seicnegAforebmahC;ecremmoC

syawretaW;REDAEL;dnalerI

;seitirohtuAlacoLmsiruoTlacoL

lacoL;seicnegAforebmahC;ecremmoC

;REDAEL

;dnalerIsyawretaW;licnuoCegatireH

;IAWIseinapmoCeriHtaoB

seitirohtuAlacoL

tnempoleveDytnuoClanoitacudE;sdraoB

;snoitutitsnI

retawrednUfotinUygoloeahcA

;GLHEOD

nodetceresdraobrotisivforebmuN.etis

elbaliavaedamstelfaelforebmuN.snoitacoltnereffidforebmundna

noitamrofnihtiwsetisbewforebmuN.syawretaWehtfoegatirehehtno

.sediugtsiruotdeniartforebmuN

retawrednulanoitiddaforebmuNderevocsidserutaeflacigoloeahcra

.detroperrebmundna

Information boardat Barley Harbour

Raise awareness and appreciation of the waterways and their associated heritage

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Final Report: WATERWAYS STUDY lanesborough to shannonbridge

yciloP noitcAdednemmoceR elacsemiT seidoBelbisnopseR gnirotinoM

72 laitnatsbusehtecnahnednaevresnoChtiwdetaicossaegatirehyratilimehthtiwsknilstiesingocerdnaegdirbnonnahS

swollackcuSdnanonnahS

nalPtnemeganaM/noitavresnoCafonoitaraperpehtetagitsnIehtfoetisehtotsseccadnanoitatneserpsserddalliwtahtfoesuroflaitnetopehterolpxednasnoitacifitrofegdirbnonnahS

.sesoprupmsiruotrofgnidliubeht

liarretawkcalBehtdnetxeotepocsdetimilsierehttslihWtopeDretawkcalBehttayalpsidevitaterpretnieht,krowten

ehtnosyalpsidlanoitiddaybdecnahneyltaergebdluocfosnoisnemidlacinhcetdnalaicos,lacirotsih,lacigoloeahcra

.gnikrowtaep

ehtroftopedaetaercotnugebsahegdirbnonnahStaBSEehTs’ynapmocehtecnisdesustcafitrafonoitatneserpdnaegarotsniertnecrotisivaemocebotsitopedsihT.7291ninoitpecni-taepfoyrotsehtetarranotdetacolyllaedisiytilicafsihT.5002

.sdnaldimehtniyticirtcelederif

detautisllewsi,eltsaCenolhtAnihtiwdetacol,muesuMenolhtAnidnanonnahSehtnonoitacollartnecstifosmretnihtobllanoyalpsidevitaterpretnirojamarof,yauqehtotytimixorp

.yawretawehtfostcepsa

-dimybecnemmoC4002

6002ybhsilbatsE

ehtrofdehsilbatsEtopedehtfogninepo

5002ni

6002ybhsilbatsE

ytnuoCylaffOnommocsoR;licnuoC

;licnuoCytnuoCehtfosrenwO

egdirbnonnahS

lacoL;anoMaNdroB;ycnegAmsiruoT

;BSE

lacoL;WPOlacoL;ytirohtuA;ycnegAmsiruoT

licnuoCneewtebeugolaidfoleveLfonoitaraperpfosutatS.srehtodna

nalPnoitavresnoC

taepnosyalpsidlanoitiddaforebmuN.gnikrow-

rehtootgnitalersyalpsidforebmuN.syawretawehtnostnevelacirotsih

rehtootgnitalersyalpsidforebmuN.syawretawehtnostnevelacirotsih

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5.3 Indicators and Monitoring5.3.1 The brief for this study called for the selection of indicators for baselinesites against which future change can be measured. Due to the extent of thestudy area and sheer volume of heritage items of significance, the team havebeen unable to identify specific baseline sites. The following paragraphs set out

Reduce the number affected annually.

Check trends, monitor permission for mitigation and checkproportion of refusals to see if more consents are being given.

Check trends in areas of development pressure, the numbershould be increasing to protect the resource.

Improve condition of these monuments on an annual basis.

Trend of increasing numbers over time or 20% increase per 5year period.

Trend of increasing number over time.

Increase in number of structures afforded statutory protectionover period of time.

No demolition of protected structures. Greater number restored/reused.

Indicator

suggested indicators, targets and methods for monitoring change. Some ofthese have been lifted from the indicators suggested by the Heritage Council forappraisals.

Number of monuments in the RMP/ other monuments, the fabric orsetting of which has been damaged or diminished by development grantedplanning permission

Number of grants/refusals of planning permission for development thatmay have had an affect on the fabric or setting of a monument or an Areaof Archaeological Potential or a site in the RMP.

Number of monuments, or cases in Areas of Archaeological Potential inthe RMP, which have been recorded or otherwise subject to physical/geophysical exploration/excavation as a result of an application forplanning permission.

Condition of monuments on land in ownership/control of local authority.

Number of archaeological objects and heritage objects catalogued/registered/described/classified and under local authority safekeeping.

Number of heritage sites open to, or accessible by the public withmeaningful interpretation of their value/importance/interest.

Number of structures included in RPS.

Number of structures within RPS damaged or demolished as a result ofdevelopment.

Target

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Number, or area in hectares, or proportion of the designated area (NHA,SAC or SPA) damaged or lost as a result of development.

Changes in the area of Annex I habitats as a result of development.

Five year mean populations of Annex I bird species including greenlandwhite-fronted goose, whooper swan, Berwick’s swan, golden plover,kingfisher, merlin, peregrine falcon and hen harrier.

Changes in the water quality, illustrating both increases and decreases inquality.

Percentage of farms (expressed as a % or total farmland) within the areaparticipating in the Rural Environmental Protection Scheme (REPS).

Percentage of farms (expressed as a % or total farmland) within the areaparticipating in the Corncrake Protection Scheme.

Area in hectares of hay meadows.

No reduction in the area and a possible increase to includefloodplain areas.

Habitats should show favourable conservation status as definedin EU Habitats Directive.

Populations should show favourable conservation status asdefined in the EU Habitats Directive.

Water quality should meet with relevant EU and National waterquality standards.

Increase in the area of land managed under the scheme.

Increase in the area of land managed under the scheme.

Increase in the area of land managed as hay meadows.

5.3.2 In relation to monitoring of archaeological features, the following recommendations should be applied to the waterway corridor:• A system for monitoring archaeological monuments should be established.• Provisions should be made for the protection of archaeological monuments on farmland.• Publicity and education, especially on issues of preservation, should become integral parts of any monument protection programme.

From the list of archaeological sites and monuments contained within AppendixA to Appendix 2 of this study, it is clear that there is a vast range of types fromthose with a lesser degree of significance to those that are of high significanceby virtue that they form part of a greater complex that has been intensivelyutilised over time (such as Rindown, the islands within Lough Ree, Clonmacnois,Clonfert etc).

Lesser known sites/monuments have remained largely anonymous in theconsciousness of local communities and as such, steps should be taken toundertake detailed field surveys thus providing a public record and also to assesswhether the site is favourable to future development in terms of recreation andtourism.

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5.4 Lough Ree: A New Model RegionalPark?

The Irish landscape will be a dynamic, living landscape,one which accommodates the physical and spiritualneeds of people with the needs of nature in aharmonious manner, and as a result brings long termbenefits to both.

Vision statement of the Heritage Council- PolicyPaper on Ireland’s Landscape and NationalHeritage

5.4.1 This study’s leading recommendation is forthe recognition of Lough Ree as a heritage resourceof national and international significance. As statedon page 66 some commentators have advocatedits designation as a National Park, yet there is nomechanism in Irish legislation for this to happenoutside of the traditional State ownership modelwhich is considered, in this instance, singularlyinappropriate given the nature of the place as ahumanised landscape with its related socio andeconomic dynamic. What it does expose is theabsence of any kind of partnership model in Irelandfor the creation of a new breed of nature or heritagepark, founded on collaborative managementprinciples, partnership working and communityinvolvement.

5.4.2 This section of the report is aimed atstimulating a debate amongst the projectstakeholders on what the future might hold forLough Ree, and in particular what steps might betaken to evolve a new model of ‘national park ‘forIreland that could be pioneered at the core of itsinland waterway system. Any new model would ofcourse, seek to build on and be inclusive of, the

existing system.

5.4.3 It is beyond the remit of this study to canvasthe options for a new model of national/regionalpark in Ireland, but the study team would defer tothe highly acclaimed international example of theFrench Regional Nature Parks (Parcs NaturelsRegionaux) as presenting one possible model thathas been designed to serve a range of functionsand at the same time protecting natural and culturalheritage. The French parks are also concerned withsocial and economic development, welcoming,educating, and informing local people and visitors,and carrying out research and monitoring. One ofthe founding intentions of the parks was toencourage local involvement in management andplanning rather than adopting a rigid top downapproach. In this respect their designation andstructure differ markedly from other forms ofprotected area in France or indeed elsewhere inEurope. (Bishop Green & Philips 1998). One ofthe key issues for Lough Ree will be the perceptionon the part of the landowners, that such adesignation would impact on the value of their land,which is a valid concern. The process ofcollaborative management with the community,which should form part of any model developedcould help address these concerns quite positively.

5.4.4 As with most parks throughout Europe therole of the land use planning system will be critical.The Planning and Development Act 2000 offers theonly legislative hook in Ireland, from which to hanga statutory instrument focused on heritageconservation. Section 10(2)(e) of the Act sets outthe following mandatory objective that shall beincluded in development plans :

“The preservation of the character of thelandscape,where, and to the extent that, inthe opinion of the planning authority, theproper planning and sustainable planning ofan area requires it, including the preservationof views and prospects and the amenities ofplaces and features of natural beauty orinterest.”

5.4.5 The recent establishment of the Cairngormsand Loch Lomond National Parks in Scotland showthe importance of the development plan system insetting the basis for the integrated managementofthese areas. In the Cairngorms Park for example,the four original local authorities retain developmentcontrol powers, (albeit with ‘call in powers’ grantedto the Park Board) but cooperate, together withthe park board, to put in place a single developmentplan for the park area. This example of collaborativedevelopment planning has obvious similarities tothe Lough Ree situation where the potential existsfor the Councils of Roscommon, Longford,Westmeath and Athlone to synchronise theirplanning functions in a similar way and therebyestablish a firm foundation for the integrated andstreamlined land use management of the of theLough and its environs.

5.4.6 There is a wealth of international experienceto draw from, particularly from the IUCN and theEuroparc Federation (www.iucn.org andwww.europarc.org), but whatever route is taken, aprocess of engagement is critical to moving thedebate from words into action and some thoughtsare offered on page 85 on initial steps that couldbe taken to build consensus on the vision for LoughRee and how this can be achieved. If the projectis to succeed, it must be firmly anchored in a truly

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List of verbal consultees

Mr Joe Bruen Roscommon TourismMs Eileen Fahey Kilteevan Community Development GroupMr James Naughton Save Our Lough Ree (SOLR)Ms Niamh Herraghty IWAI Athlone BranchMs Mary McCormack East Coast & Midlands TourismMs Rhona Rogers Westmeath Tourism OfficeMs Maura Flynn Longford TourismMr Brian Quinn Ireland West TourismSven & Anita Neubert Waveline Cruisers LtdMr Kerry Sloane Athlone Cruisers LtdDr Harman MurtaghMr Hugh Hanley Lough Ree Conservation SocietyMr Peter Quigley Quigley’s MarinaMr Joe Caffrey Central Fisheries BoardCllr Sean Farrell Newtowncashel Tidy Towns CommitteeMr Michael Casey An TaisceMr Peter Foss Irish Peatland Conservation CouncilMs Rosaleen Miller Inland Waterways Association IrelandCllr Kevin Boxer Moran Ballykeeran Anglers AssociationMr Brian McManus Shannon Regional Fisheries BoardMr Stuart McNamara Lough Ree Power Boat SchoolMr Tony Dawson Ireland West TourismMr Gerry McNally Bord na Mona plcDr Julie Fossitt NPWSMr Padraig O’Donnell NPWSDr Judit Keleman NPWSMs Heather King National Monuments ServiceMr Niall Harmey NPWSMr Skip Heineke Eyrecourt Community Development GroupMr Ray Hogan Lough Ree Conservation SocietyMr Derek Dann Irish Boat Rental AssociationDr Linda Patton NPWSMs Cathryn Hannon NPWS

Mr William Cormacan NPWSMs Sue Moles NPWSMr Noel Bugler NPWSMr Pat Warner NPWSMr Christy Cunniffe South East Galway IRDMr Sean Gavin Newbridge Residents GroupMr Harry Waterstone SOLRMr Noel Sharkey SOLRMs Mary Molloy Ballinasloe Town CouncilMr Tom Kavanagh Galway County CouncilMs Karen Smith Galway East TourismMr Derry Killeen KilleensMs Laura Clessy National Monuments ServiceMs Rita McNulty Roscommon County Development Board

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KILKENNY, IRELAND. TELEPHONE: +353 56 7770777. FAX: +353 56 7770788. E-MAIL: [email protected]

CILL CHAINNIGH, ÉIRE. TEILEAFÓN: +353 56 7770777. FAICS: +353 56 7770788. E-MAIL: [email protected]

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Waterways Corridor Study 2004A study of the area surrounding Lanesborough to Shannonbridge

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