Marine Notice No. 53 of 2025: Royal & Grand Canals
Issued: 09 June 2025
Royal & Grand Canals – Water Levels and Weed Growth
Waterways Ireland wishes to advise masters of vessels and waterway users of low water levels in sections of the Grand Canal, due to a technical fault at the Liffey Pumps.
Repairs are currently underway, and it is expected that pumping operations will resume by Thursday, 12 June. If successful, water levels should noticeably improve by Saturday, 14 June.
In the meantime, deeper drafted vessels may encounter navigation difficulties between Lowtown Lock 19 and Ballycommon Lock 21 on the Grand Canal. Water levels west of Tullamore remain suitable for navigation.
On the Royal Canal, the full navigation remains open despite an abnormally dry May.
Seasonal weed growth continues to present challenges. Active management of aquatic vegetation is ongoing, though both growth and its impact on vessels are being exacerbated by the current low water conditions and warm weather.
Waterways Ireland thanks all users for their cooperation, patience, and continued support. If planning a journey, please contact the Waterways Ireland Inspectorate staff, or local operations team for the most up-to-date information.
Peter Harty
Inspector of Navigation
Inspectorate.Athlone@waterwaysireland.org